kumpel
/ˈkum.pɛl/masculine
The Polish word for buddy is kumpel.
Kumpel is a popular slang term used across Poland to refer to a close friend or buddy. It can also describe a casual acquaintance or a 'pal'.
Meaning: friend or casual acquaintance (pron)
Which one should you use?
While kumpel implies a casual acquaintance or a 'pal', the word przyjaciel implies a deep, close friend.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Kumpel is an informal term and is less formal than the standard word for friend, przyjaciel. You may also encounter kolega, which translates to 'colleague' but is widely used to refer to friends or buddies in an informal setting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The slang term koleś, similar to 'buddy' or 'dude', is used in certain regions of Poland.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word kumpel is a masculine noun. It changes to kumpla when the buddy is the direct object of a verb, such as in 'I see a buddy'. The plural form is kumple.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈkum.pɛl/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on 1 of 2.
Did you know?
- The root of kumpel can be traced back to the Latin word compāniō, which literally means 'someone with whom you share bread'.
- While kumpel is used for buddies, the word kolega is often used by Polish children to describe classmates, even if they are not actually friends.
- Using the word koleś instead of kumpel can sometimes sound dismissive or suspicious, similar to saying 'that guy' rather than 'my buddy'.
Examples in context
- Hej Kolego! Chcesz iść na piwo?Hey buddy! Do you want to grab a beer?
- To mój stary kumpel.He is an old buddy of mine.
- Marek to bardzo dobry kumpel.Marek is a very good buddy.
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Krzysztof are talking about a mutual friend at a cafe.
- AgnieszkaZnasz tego nowego chłopaka?Do you know that new guy?
- KrzysztofTak, to mój kumpel z pracy.Yes, he is a buddy from work.
- AgnieszkaCzy on jest miły?Is he nice?
- KrzysztofTak, to bardzo fajny kumpel.Yes, he is a very cool buddy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buddy” translations and entries kumpel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kumpel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
