Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| samochód | /saˈmɔ.xut/ | inanimate, masculine |
| wóz | /ˈvus/ /ˈvos/ (Middle, Polish) |
slang |
| bryka | /ˈbrɘ.ka/ | slang |
| gablota | /ɡaˈblɔ.ta/ | slang |
| auto | /ˈaw.tɔ/ | neuter |
| fura | /ˈfu.ra/ | feminine |
The terms provided refer to an automobile, a vehicle steered by a driver.
What does it mean word for word?
The word samochód is a compound of sam (self) and chodzić (to walk/move), literally meaning 'self-mover'.
Which one should you use?
Use samochód for the standard, neutral term for a car, whereas auto is a common, slightly shorter neuter alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Samochód is the standard, neutral term. Auto is also common. Fura is a colloquial term, often implying a cool or impressive vehicle. Gablota is both colloquial and slang, while bryka and wóz are slang terms.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun samochód becomes samochody in the plural. The neuter noun auto becomes auta in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /saˈmɔ.xut/.
Did you know?
- The colloquial term gablota is often used to describe a car, but it literally refers to a display case or a glass showcase.
- The Polish word auto was borrowed directly from the German Auto rather than from English or French.
- The word wóz is a very old term that originally referred to a horse-drawn cart before it became slang for a modern car.
Examples in context
- To jest moje auto.This is my car.This sentence is useful for identifying ownership of an auto.Tatoeba #1131663 by hebrajska, translation #56205 by CK
- To ja mam samochód.I'm the one with the car.This sentence is useful for emphasizing who possesses a samochód.Tatoeba #4716938 by jeedrek, translation #2545272 by CK
- Czy Tom ma samochód?Does Tom have a car?This sentence is useful for asking if someone possesses a samochód.Tatoeba #3433695 by konrad509, translation #2275791 by CK
- Gdzie jest mój samochód?Where is my car?
- Jestem zainteresowany kupnem auta.I am interested in buying a car.
- Potrzebuję samochodu na weekend.I need a car for the weekend.
- Przepraszam, czy to twoje auto?Excuse me, is this your car?
- Kocham mój stary samochód.I love my old car.
- 346 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tomasz and Małgorzata are talking about how to get to the city center.
- TomaszJedźmy moim samochodem do centrum.Let's go to the center in my car.
- MałgorzataGdzie zaparkowałeś swój samochód?Where did you park your car?
- TomaszMój samochód stoi na parkingu.My car is in the parking lot.
- MałgorzataDobrze, chodźmy tam teraz.Okay, let's go there now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “car” translations and entries samochód, wóz, bryka, gablota, auto, fura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auto, bryka, samochód, wóz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
