dziecko
/ˈd͡ʑɛt͡s.kɔ/neuter
The Polish word for child is dziecko. Wiktionary also lists dziecię.
Meaning: son or daughter, someone's child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dziecko | /ˈd͡ʑɛt͡s.kɔ/ /ˈd͡ʑɛt͡s.kɔ/ (Middle, Polish) |
neuter |
| dziecię | /ˈd͡ʑɛ.t͡ɕɛ/ /ˈd͡ʑɛ.t͡ɕɛw̃/ |
dated, neuter |
The word refers to a son or daughter, or more generally to someone's child.
Which one should you use?
While dziecko is the standard term, you may encounter dziecię, which is a dated or poetic version rarely used in everyday modern speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of dziecko is dzieci. The form dziecka is used for the genitive singular (such as when saying 'no child') or for the nominative plural (such as when saying 'the children').
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈdʑɛts.kɔ/.
Did you know?
- The Polish word dziecko is a linguistic relative of the English word 'do' through their shared Proto-Indo-European root *dʰeh₁(y)-, which related to placing or setting something.
- The word dziecko is often used as a term of endearment for a romantic partner or a younger person, similar to the English 'baby'.
- While dziecko is the common word for 'child', the form dzieciątko is often used as an affectionate diminutive, much like saying 'little tot' or 'sweet babe' in English.
Examples in context
- Czy to twoje dziecko?Is this your child?This sentence shows how to ask if a dziecko belongs to someone.Tatoeba #8525159 by MCcommand, translation #5790351 by Eccles17
- Co za dziwne dziecko!What a strange child!This sentence uses dziecko to remark on a child's behavior.Tatoeba #13684057 by mx31, translation #12070361 by CK
- Moje dziecko jest chore.My child is ill.This sentence uses dziecko to describe a child's health status.Tatoeba #5188497 by nusia2302, translation #10696153 by tokzyk
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Piotr are talking about a neighbor's child in the park.
- AnnaCzy widzisz to dziecko?Do you see that child?
- PiotrTak, to dziecko biega po trawie.Yes, that child is running on the grass.
- AnnaPiotr, czy to jest jego dziecko?Piotr, is that his child?
- PiotrMyślę, że tak.I think so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “child” translations and entries dziecko, dziecię, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dziecię, dziecko, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
