lalka
/ˈlal.ka/feminine
The Polish word for doll is lalka. Wiktionary also lists lala.
Meaning: a toy in the form of a human (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lalka | /ˈlal.ka/ | feminine |
| lala | /ˈla.la/ | feminine |
The word refers to a toy in the form of a human.
Which one should you use?
lalka is the standard term, whereas lala is a more childish way to refer to a doll.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of lalka is lalki. When the doll is the direct object of a sentence, such as in 'I see a doll', the form changes to lalkę.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈlal.ka/.
Did you know?
- In Polish slang, lala can be used to refer to an attractive woman, similar to how 'doll' is used in mid-century American English.
- The word lalka is the title of a famous 1890 novel by Bolesław Prus, one of the most important works of Polish realism.
- Polish uses lalkarstwo to describe the specific art of puppet theatre, treating the 'doll' as a professional medium.
Examples in context
- Popsuta lalka jest moja.The broken doll is mine.This sentence shows how to describe a broken lalka.Tatoeba #2809462 by Ceresnya, translation #49031 by CK
- Lalka uśmiechnęła się ponownie.The doll smiled again.This sentence describes the action of a lalka.Tatoeba #13116562 by Kissielu, translation #12111673 by Amastan
- To jest japońska lalka.This is a Japanese doll.This sentence is useful for identifying the origin of a lalka.Tatoeba #372481 by ilayde, translation #281422 by CK
Example conversation
A father and daughter are looking at a toy store window.
- PiotrCzy ta lalka ci się podoba, Agnieszko?Do you like this doll, Agnieszka?
- AgnieszkaTak, ta lalka jest wspaniała!Yes, this doll is wonderful!
- PiotrChcesz, żebym ją kupił?Do you want me to buy it?
- AgnieszkaTak, proszę!Yes, please!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doll” translations and entries lalka, lala, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
