osioł
/ˈɔ.ɕɔw/masculine
The English word "donkey" is translated into Polish as osioł. Wiktionary also lists oślica.
Meaning: a domestic animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| osioł | /ˈɔ.ɕɔw/ | masculine |
| oślica | /ɔˈɕli.t͡sa/ | feminine |
The terms refer to the domestic animal known as a donkey or an ass.
Which one should you use?
osioł is the masculine form used for a male donkey or when referring to the species in a general sense. oślica is used specifically when referring to a female donkey.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the genitive case, the masculine form osioł changes to osła. The feminine form oślica changes to oślicy when used in the genitive case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɔ.ɕɔw/
Did you know?
- In Polish, describing someone as an osioł is a common way to call them a 'fool' or someone who is remarkably 'stupid'.
- The Polish word osioł is an ancient loanword that entered the language via Gothic from the Latin 'asellus'.
- In some Polish contexts, calling a child an osiołek (the diminutive form of osioł) can be a playful or affectionate way to call them stubborn.
Examples in context
- Dlaczego osioł ma takie długie uszy?Why does the donkey have such long ears?This sentence is useful for practicing the masculine form osioł.Tatoeba #7969982 by arie, translation #3590752 by Plusquamperfekt
- Osioł od stuleci pomagał człowiekowi.The donkey has been helping man for centuries.This sentence demonstrates the use of the masculine form osioł.Tatoeba #6156335 by arie, translation #13786111 by katix824
- Osioł zarżał.The donkey brayed.This sentence shows the masculine form osioł in a simple action.Tatoeba #12053409 by jimbojim, translation #7043511 by Eccles17
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Anna are walking through a farm.
- KrzysztofPatrz, tam biegnie osioł!Look, a donkey is running there!
- AnnaTak, jest bardzo uroczy.Yes, it is very cute.
- KrzysztofCzy ten osioł jest głodny?Is that donkey hungry?
- AnnaChyba tak, bo bardzo głośno rży.I think so, because it is braying very loudly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “donkey” translations and entries osioł, oślica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries osioł, oślica, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
