zepsuty
/zɛˈpsu.tɘ/
The Polish word for broken (not working properly) is zepsuty.
Meaning: not working properly (adj)
Which one should you use?
While zepsuty means something is not functioning, rozbity is used for physical objects that have been smashed or shattered into pieces, such as a glass or a vase.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree with the gender of the noun it describes. Use zepsuty for masculine inanimate or masculine-personal nouns, zepsuta for feminine nouns and zepsute for neuter singular nouns or any plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /zɛˈpsu.tɘ/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using zepsuty for things that are physically snapped or fractured. Instead, use złamany for items like a bone or a stick.
Did you know?
- The root of zepsuty is linked to the idea of making something 'spoiled' or 'rotten', which is why it is used for both a broken machine and spoiled food.
- While an English speaker says a 'broken' heart, a Pole would never use zepsuty for that feeling, as that implies the heart is a malfunctioning organ rather than an emotional state.
- A child who is 'spoiled' by too much indulgence is described using zepsuty, treating their personality like a broken device.
Examples in context
- Ten zegar jest zepsuty.This clock is broken.This sentence is useful for describing a broken clock using zepsuty.Tatoeba #2282500 by liori, translation #1156671 by CK
- Telefon był wyraźnie zepsuty.The phone was clearly broken.This sentence is useful for describing a broken phone using zepsuty.Tatoeba #12188876 by polski_ren, translation #11894293 by Amastan
- Znalazł zepsuty aparat fotograficzny.He found a broken camera.This sentence is useful for describing a broken camera using zepsuty.Tatoeba #361001 by zipangu, translation #294652 by CK
- Ten telewizor jest uszkodzony.This television is broken.
- Uszkodzony laptop potrzebuje naprawy.The broken laptop needs repair.
- Nie mogę używać tego zepsutego ołówka.I can't use this broken pencil.
- Mój rower jest zepsuty.My bike is broken.
- Stare lustro jest pęknięte.The old mirror is cracked.
- Klawiatura jest uszkodzona, musisz wziąć inną.The keyboard is broken, you need to take another one.
- Kupiłem zepsutą lampę na targu.I bought a broken lamp at the market.
- Twoje słuchawki są zepsute, możesz pożyczyć moje.Your headphones are broken, you can borrow mine.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Piotr and Małgorzata are in the kitchen looking at a kitchen appliance.
- PiotrTen mikser jest zepsuty.This mixer is broken.
- MałgorzataNaprawdę? Wczoraj działał.Really? It was working yesterday.
- PiotrChyba zepsuł się dzisiaj.I think it broke today.
- MałgorzataMusimy kupić nowy.We need to buy a new one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “broken” translations and entries zepsuty, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
