drogi
/ˈdrɔ.ɡi/
The English word 'dear' can be translated into Polish using several forms, most commonly drogi. Wiktionary also lists kochany and luby.
Meaning: loved, lovable (adj)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| drogi | /ˈdrɔ.ɡi/ /ˈdrɔ.ɡi/ (Middle, Polish) |
| kochany | /kɔˈxa.nɘ/ |
| luby | /ˈlu.bɘ/ |
The words in this pack are used to describe someone or something that is loved, lovable or precious. Note that drogi is polysemous and can also mean 'expensive' depending on the context of your sentence.
Which one should you use?
While drogi means 'dear', the term kochany is a much stronger, more affectionate term used to mean 'beloved' or 'darling'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the gender of the noun it describes. Use droga for feminine nouns, drogie for neuter nouns and drodzy for a group of men or a mixed group.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈdrɔ.ɡi/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While drogi is used for 'dear' and 'expensive', the word droga is also the common noun for 'road' or 'way'.
- Using kochany as a greeting can sometimes sound condescending or overly familiar if said to a stranger or a superior.
- The root of luby shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'love', stemming from the Proto-Indo-European 'lewbʰ-'.
Examples in context
- To nie było drogie.It wasn't dear.This sentence shows the use of drogi in a negative context.Tatoeba #357823 by zipangu, translation #11093911 by sundown
- Krawat jest zbyt drogi.The tie is too dear.This sentence illustrates the use of drogi meaning expensive.Tatoeba #1855044 by MarekMazurkiewicz, translation #13427562 by sundown
- Garnitur jest zbyt drogi.The suit is too dear.Tatoeba #1855046 by MarekMazurkiewicz, translation #13427564 by sundown
- Szanowny Panie KowalskiDear Mr. Kowalski
- Szanowna Pani KowalskaDear Mrs. Kowalska
- Drogi Panie DoktorzeDear Doctor
- Droga Pani ProfesorDear Professor
- Drogi TomekDear Tomek
- Droga AniaDear Ania
- Kochany TatoDear Dad
- Kochana MamaDear Mom
Example conversation
Paweł is giving Agnieszka a gift.
- AgnieszkaMój drogi Pawle, dziękuję za kwiaty.My dear Paweł, thank you for the flowers.
- PawełNie ma za co, droga Agnieszko.You're welcome, dear Agnieszka.
- AgnieszkaTo bardzo miły gest.That is a very kind gesture.
- PawełCieszę się, że ci się podobają.I'm glad you like them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dear” translations and entries drogi, kochany, luby, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries drogi, kochany, luby, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
