Which one should you use?
While lekarz refers to the medical profession, the word doktor is used to refer to someone holding an academic title, such as a PhD.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
When addressing a medical professional directly in a polite or formal setting, it is common to use Pan doktor for a man or Pani doktor for a woman. You may also address a doctor directly using the form doktorze.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form lekarz changes depending on its role in a sentence. It becomes lekarza in the genitive or accusative cases, such as when you see a doctor. It becomes lekarzem in the instrumental case, which is often used with the verb 'to be' to describe someone's profession.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈlɛ.kaʂ/.
Did you know?
- While lekarz is the professional term, calling a medical doctor doktor is a common social courtesy in Poland, even if they do not hold a PhD.
- In a hospital setting, patients and staff often use the term doktorze as a direct vocation, which is a specific grammatical form called the vocative case.
- The root of lekarz is lek, which means 'medicine' or 'cure' in Polish.
Examples in context
- Lekarz jej to dał.The doctor gave it to her.This sentence shows the use of lekarz to describe the person who provided something.Tatoeba #1659855 by zipangu, translation #27921 by CK
- On nie jest lekarzem.He's not a doctor.This sentence demonstrates the use of lekarzem to state someone's profession.Tatoeba #353889 by zipangu, translation #663923 by bluepie88
- Nie jest pan lekarzem.You are not a doctor.This sentence shows the use of lekarzem to indicate someone's profession.Tatoeba #520045 by zipangu, translation #69692 by CK
- Czy pan/pani doktor może mi pomóc?Can you help me, doctor?
- 150 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Małgorzata are discussing a health issue.
- PawełCzy widziałaś już swojego lekarza?Have you seen your doctor yet?
- MałgorzataTak, byłam u niego wczoraj.Yes, I was there yesterday.
- PawełCo powiedział lekarz o Twoim zdrowiu?What did the doctor say about your health?
- MałgorzataPowiedział, że wszystko jest w porządku.He said that everything is fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lekarz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
