dzień
/ˈd͡ʑɛɲ/inanimate, masculine
The English word "day" is translated into Polish as dzień. If unsure, use dzień. Wiktionary also lists doba.
Meaning: period of 24 hours (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dzień | /ˈd͡ʑɛɲ/ /ˈd͡ʑɛɲ/ (Middle, Polish) |
inanimate, masculine |
| doba | /ˈdɔ.ba/ | feminine |
dzień is the most common and standard translation for a day in Polish, used to refer to the daylight hours or a calendar day.
Which one should you use?
dzień is used for a calendar day or daylight hours, whereas doba is used specifically to denote a full 24-hour cycle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of dzień in the nominative case is dni. The genitive singular form is dnia, which is required after many numbers and certain prepositions.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdʑɛɲ/
Did you know?
- Polish has a specific term for the 'day before yesterday' called przedwczoraj and the 'day after tomorrow' called pojutrze.
- The word doba can be used figuratively to describe an era, such as 'the modern era', rather than just a single 24-hour period.
- The Polish word for 'day' is part of a linguistic family that includes the English 'day' and 'dawn', all linked to the Proto-Indo-European word for 'to shine'.
Examples in context
- Jak ci minął dzień?How was your day?This sentence shows how to ask someone how their day was using dzień.Tatoeba #3746156 by gin, translation #953356 by CK
- To taki miły dzień.It's such a nice day.This sentence uses dzień to describe a nice day.Tatoeba #8746871 by nusia2302, translation #3636250 by CK
- To był gorący dzień.It was a very hot day.This sentence uses dzień to describe a hot day.Tatoeba #968965 by zipangu, translation #449021 by CK
- 24 godziny na dobę24 hours a day
- Cześć, jak tam twój dzień?Hi, how's your day?
- Dzień dobry! Jak się masz?Good day! How are you?
- 245 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Piotr are talking about their work schedules.
- MałgorzataKiedy masz wolny dzień?When do you have a day off?
- PiotrMój wolny dzień to wtorek.My day off is Tuesday.
- MałgorzataTo bardzo dobry dzień na spacer.That is a very good day for a walk.
- PiotrTak, cały dzień będę na zewnątrz.Yes, I will be outside all day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “day” translations and entries dzień, doba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries doba, dzień, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
