chłopiec
/ˈxwɔ.pjɛt͡s/masculine, person
The Polish word for boy is chłopiec. Wiktionary also lists chłopak and chłopczyk.
Meaning: male child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chłopiec | /ˈxwɔ.pjɛt͡s/ /ˈxɫɔ.pjɛt͡s/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine, person |
| chłopak | /ˈxwɔ.pak/ /ˈxɫɔ.pɒk/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine, person |
| chłopczyk | /ˈxwɔp.t͡ʂɘk/ | masculine |
The term refers to a male child. The word chłopak is the most common way to say boy in everyday speech, though it can also mean 'guy' or even 'boyfriend' depending on the context, such as in the phrase 'mój chłopak' (my boyfriend).
Which one should you use?
chłopiec is a neutral or formal term for a young boy. chłopak is an informal version used for 'boy' or 'guy'. chłopczyk is a diminutive form used specifically to refer to a very young boy or to express endearment, effectively meaning 'little boy'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxwɔ.pjɛts/. It has 2 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word chłopiec evolved from a term that originally referred to a servant or a peasant. Over time it shifted from describing a social class to describing a young male.
- A Polish speaker might use chłopczyk to describe a grown man if they are speaking in a condescending or overly precious way.
- The word chłopak follows a specific dialect pattern where the suffix -ak replaces -ę. This is the same pattern that turns dziecię (child) into the more colloquial dzieciak.
Examples in context
- To już duży chłopak.He's a big boy.This sentence uses chłopak to describe someone as a big boy.Tatoeba #364699 by zipangu, translation #288238 by CK
- Kim jest ten chłopak?Who is that boy?This sentence uses chłopak to ask who a specific boy is.Tatoeba #6313782 by arie, translation #67978 by CK
- Fajny z ciebie chłopak.You are a nice boy.This sentence uses chłopak to compliment someone as a nice boy.Tatoeba #3041417 by jeedrek, translation #70013 by CC
- Dzień dobry, chłopaku!Good day, boy! or Good morning, boy!
- 100 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Katarzyna and Krzysztof are looking at a photo of a child.
- KatarzynaTen mały chłopiec jest uroczy.That little boy is adorable.
- KrzysztofTak, ten chłopiec ma śliczne oczy.Yes, that boy has lovely eyes.
- KatarzynaCzy to twój syn, Krzysztofie?Is that your son, Krzysztof?
- KrzysztofNie, to tylko sąsiad.No, it is just a neighbor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boy” translations and entries chłopiec, chłopak, chłopczyk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chłopak, chłopczyk, chłopiec, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
