zmywarka
/zmɘˈvar.ka/feminine
The Polish word for dishwasher is zmywarka. Wiktionary also lists zmywarka do naczyń.
Meaning: machine (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| zmywarka | /zmɘˈvar.ka/ | feminine |
| zmywarka do naczyń | feminine |
This noun refers to the machine used for cleaning dishes.
What does it mean word for word?
The word zmywarka is derived from the verb zmywać, which means to wash off or rinse.
Which one should you use?
zmywarka is the common shorthand, while zmywarka do naczyń is the more precise, formal term meaning 'dishwasher for dishes'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the dishwasher is the direct object of a sentence (e.g., 'I am buying a dishwasher'), the ending changes from -a to -ę.
How do you pronounce it?
/zmɘˈvar.ka/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The term zmywarka is a modern creation, but its core root myć dates back to Proto-Slavic mỳti and further to Proto-Indo-European muH-.
- In Polish, the verb zmywać can mean both 'to wash dishes' and 'to wipe something away', such as removing makeup from a face.
- The Polish word zmywarka is built using the suffix -arka, which is used to turn an action into a tool. This same logic creates words for other machines, like pralka for 'washing machine'.
Examples in context
- Nowa zmywarka jest w kuchni.The new dishwasher is in the kitchen.
- Ta zmywarka działa bardzo cicho.This dishwasher works very quietly.
- Czy ta zmywarka jest duża?Is this dishwasher large?
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Tomasz are in their kitchen looking at a new appliance.
- AgnieszkaTa zmywarka wygląda świetnie.This dishwasher looks great.
- TomaszTak, jest bardzo nowoczesna.Yes, it is very modern.
- AgnieszkaCzy muszę ją szybko podłączyć?Do I need to connect it quickly?
- TomaszNie, zmywarka jest już gotowa.No, the dishwasher is already ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dishwasher” translations and entries zmywarka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries do, zmywarka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
