Which one should you use?
Use the adjective zimny when describing a specific object, such as cold ice or cold wind. However, if you want to describe the state of the weather or the ambient temperature (e.g., "It is cold"), use the adverb zimno instead.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, zimny changes its ending to match the gender of the noun it describes. Use zimna for feminine nouns, such as zimna woda (cold water). Use zimne for neuter nouns, such as zimne piwo (cold beer). When describing a group of masculine-personal nouns, use the form zimni.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʑim.nɘ/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the adjective zimny to say "It is cold" (for example, do not say Jest zimny). To describe the ambient temperature or weather, you must use the adverb zimno (e.g., Jest zimno).
Did you know?
- The phrase zimny prysznic (cold shower) is commonly used as an idiom for a sudden, unpleasant realization or a 'wake-up call' that dampens enthusiasm.
- Polish has a specific word for the 'cold' felt in the bones or a deep chill, zimno w kościach, which is often used to describe a cold that is impossible to shake off.
- The phrase zimna krew (cold blood) is used in Polish to describe someone who stays calm and collected under extreme pressure.
Examples in context
- Czy lód jest zimny?Is the ice cold?This sentence is useful for checking if an object like ice is zimny.Tatoeba #3430322 by Hikaru, translation #3430211 by MTC
- Ten pokój jest zimny.This room is cold.This sentence shows how to describe a room as being zimny.Tatoeba #3942963 by jeedrek, translation #2648411 by CK
- Zimny wiatr wieje z nad morza.The cold wind is blowing from the sea.This sentence demonstrates using zimny to describe the wind.Tatoeba #3410164 by konrad509, translation #326058 by CK
- Proszę zamknąć okno, jest zimno.Please close the window, it's cold.
- Wczoraj było mega mroźno!It was extremely cold yesterday!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Katarzyna are sitting at a table with drinks.
- PawełMój sok jest już zimny.My juice is already cold.
- KatarzynaTo dobrze, bo jest dzisiaj bardzo gorąco.That's good, because it is very hot today.
- PawełCzy chcesz zimny napój, Katarzyno?Do you want a cold drink, Katarzyna?
- KatarzynaTak, poproszę wodę z lodem.Yes, I would like water with ice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cold” translations and entries zimny, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
