Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dzwonić | /ˈd͡zvɔ.ɲit͡ɕ/ /ˈd͡zvɔ.ɲit͡ɕ/ (Middle, Polish) |
imperfective |
| zadzwonić | /zaˈd͡zvɔ.ɲit͡ɕ/ | perfective |
| telefonować | /tɛ.lɛ.fɔˈnɔ.vat͡ɕ/ | imperfective |
| zatelefonować | /za.tɛ.lɛ.fɔˈnɔ.vat͡ɕ/ | perfective |
The primary meaning is to contact someone by telephone. While related to the act of calling, the noun for a 'phone call' is rozmowa telefoniczna, a 'missed call' is nieodebrane połączenie, a 'voice call' is połączenie głosowe, 'to answer the call' is odebrać połączenie and 'to hang up' is rozłączyć się. Related nouns include wezwanie and zew for a beckoning or summoning, and in computing, wywołanie refers to the act of jumping to a subprogram.
Which one should you use?
The imperfective form dzwonić is used for the ongoing act of calling or a habitual action. In contrast, the perfective form zadzwonić refers to a single, completed instance of calling. Similarly, the imperfective telefonować and the perfective zatelefonować exist as alternatives for contacting someone by phone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form dzwonić is considered colloquial. telefonować and zatelefonować are also available forms for this action.
Related words
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the accusative case directly (dzwonić kogoś) to mean 'to call someone'. Instead, you should use the preposition do with the genitive case (dzwonić do kogoś).
Did you know?
- While dzwonić is based on the sound of a bell, telefonować is a loanword from the French 'téléphoner'. This creates a linguistic split between a native Slavic root and a Western European one for the same action.
- In Polish, if you use the word dzwonić without a phone in mind, you might be talking about a bell tower or a handbell. The word preserves its original meaning of creating a metallic ringing noise.
- The word dzwon meaning 'bell' is the root of dzwonić. This reflects a time when phones were identified by the physical bells used to alert the receiver.
Examples in context
- Muszę zadzwonić do Toma.I've got to call Tom.This sentence shows how to use zadzwonić to say you must call someone.Tatoeba #3929680 by jeedrek, translation #2359713 by CK
- Musisz do mnie zadzwonić.You need to call me.This sentence shows how to use zadzwonić to express a necessity to call someone.Tatoeba #5437512 by pixelka, translation #5436996 by confusedchild02
- Kazałem ci do mnie zadzwonić.I told you to give me a call.This sentence shows how to use zadzwonić when telling someone to call you.Tatoeba #4132113 by Hikaru, translation #3905494 by CH
- Byłem zbyt zajęty, aby zadzwonić do ciebie zaraz po spotkaniu.I was too busy to call you immediately after the meeting.
- Chciałbym się skontaktować z panem odnośnie naszej współpracy.I would like to get in touch with you regarding our cooperation.
- Zatelefonuj do mnie, jak dotrzesz do celu podróży.Call me once you reach your travel destination.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Piotr and Anna are talking in their kitchen during the morning.
- PiotrBędziesz do mnie dzwonić dzisiaj?Will you call me today?
- AnnaTak, będę dzwonić po pracy.Yes, I will call after work.
- PiotrDobrze, czekam na twój telefon.Good, I'll wait for your call.
- AnnaNie zapomnę o tym.I won't forget.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “call” translations and entries dzwonić, zadzwonić, telefonować, zatelefonować, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
