kuzyn
/ˈku.zɘn/masculine, person
The Polish word for cousin is kuzyn. Wiktionary also lists kuzynka.
Meaning: child of a person’s parent’s brother or sister (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kuzyn | /ˈku.zɘn/ | masculine, person |
| kuzynka | /kuˈzɘn.ka/ | feminine |
The terms kuzyn and kuzynka are used to refer to both first cousins and more distant relatives, such as second or third cousins.
Which one should you use?
Polish uses different words for cousin based on the gender of the cousin rather than the gender of the person speaking. kuzyn refers to a male cousin, while kuzynka refers to a female cousin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form kuzyn is used to refer to a male cousin regardless of whether the speaker is male or female. The feminine form kuzynka is used to refer to a female cousin regardless of whether the speaker is male or female.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈku.zɘn/.
Did you know?
- The word kuzyn shares its history with the English word 'cousin' because both trace their roots back to the French word for the same relative.
- Because Polish is a highly inflected language, the word kuzyn changes its ending to kuzyna or kuzynowi depending on its role in the sentence.
Examples in context
- Tom to mój kuzyn.Tom is my cousin.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is your kuzyn.Tatoeba #3996270 by jeedrek, translation #2273297 by CK
- To jest mój kuzyn.This is my cousin.This sentence is useful for introducing your kuzyn.Tatoeba #8751135 by nusia2302, translation #61487 by CK
- Helen, to mój kuzyn.Helen, this is my cousin.Tatoeba #369239 by zipangu, translation #33857 by CN
- Cześć, kuzynie!Hi, cousin!
- Hej, kuzynko!Hey, cousin!
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Małgorzata are talking about a family gathering.
- KrzysztofCzy twój kuzyn też tu przyjdzie?Will your cousin come here too?
- MałgorzataTak, mój kuzyn obiecał być.Yes, my cousin promised to be here.
- KrzysztofTo świetnie, on jest bardzo miły.That's great, he is very nice.
- MałgorzataZgadzam się, Krzysztofie.I agree, Krzysztof.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cousin” translations and entries kuzyn, kuzynka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kuzyn, kuzynka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
