ogórek
/ɔˈɡu.rɛk/inanimate, masculine
The English word "cucumber" is translated into Polish as ogórek.
The term refers to the edible fruit of the cucumber plant.
Meaning: edible fruit (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ogórek is the standard term, you may encounter diminutive forms like ogórczyk or ogóreczek which add a sense of endearment or affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ogórek is ogórki. When using the genitive singular case, which is required after most quantities or in negative sentences, the form changes to ogórka. ogórek is a masculine, inanimate noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /ɔˈɡu.rɛk/.
Did you know?
- The word ogórek is used in the common Polish idiom wycisnąć jak z ogórka, which means to extract every possible bit of information or value from someone or something.
- Poles distinguish strictly between ogórki kiszone (naturally fermented in brine) and ogórki konserwowe (pickled with vinegar and sugar), which have entirely different tastes.
- The Polish word ogórek actually shares a common ancestor with the Greek word angoúrion, which is the source of the English word 'cucumber'.
Examples in context
- Moja mama uprawia ogórki w naszym ogrodzie.My mom grows cucumbers in our garden.
- Kupiłem trochę ogórków na targu.I bought some cucumbers at the market.
- Ten ogórek jest bardzo zielony.This cucumber is very green.
- Kup w sklepie jeden ogórek.Buy one cucumber at the shop.
- Słoik zawiera mały ogórek.The jar contains a small cucumber.
Example conversation
Katarzyna and Paweł are preparing a salad in the kitchen.
- KatarzynaPaweł, gdzie jest ogórek?Paweł, where is the cucumber?
- PawełLeży w lodówce na półce.It is lying on the shelf in the fridge.
- KatarzynaZnajdę go, dzięki wielkie.I'll find it, thanks a lot.
- PawełNie ma za co, Kasiu.You're welcome, Kasia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cucumber” translations and entries ogórek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ogórek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
