w dół
/ˈv‿duw/
In Polish, the word for down is w dół. Wiktionary also lists na dół.
Meaning: from a high to a low position, downwards (adv)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| w dół | /ˈv‿duw/ |
| na dół | /ˈna duw/ |
The phrase w dół is used to describe direction or continuous motion towards a lower point, such as scrolling down a page or looking down at the ground.
Which one should you use?
The distinction between the two forms depends on whether you are describing a direction or a destination. Use w dół to describe a direction or a vector, such as moving downwards. Use na dół when the movement is directed toward a specific lower level or destination, such as a floor or a basement.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈv‿duw/
Did you know?
- The word dół is a homonym that can mean both 'down' and 'a hole' or 'a pit'.
- The word dół shares a common ancestor with the Proto-Slavic word dolina, which means 'valley'.
- While w dół describes movement, the word dołu is used in the phrase na samym dole to describe being at the absolute bottom of something.
Examples in context
- Paul przewinął stronę w dół.Paul scrolled down the page.This sentence shows how to use w dół when describing the action of scrolling down a page.Tatoeba #13335519 by Radek, translation #11656428 by Amastan
- Tom spojrzał w dół na chodnik.Tom looked down at the sidewalk.This sentence demonstrates using w dół to describe looking down at a surface.Tatoeba #3880117 by jeedrek, translation #3619122 by CK
- Wszyscy chłopcy spojrzeli w dół.All the boys looked down.This sentence illustrates the use of w dół to express the direction of looking down.Tatoeba #636693 by Bilberry, translation #267941 by CK
- Przejdź na dółGo downstairs
- Spójrz w dółLook down
- Chodź na dółCome down
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Katarzyna are hiking on a mountain trail.
- KrzysztofKatarzyno, spójrz w dół na dolinę.Katarzyna, look down at the valley.
- KatarzynaJest piękna, ale idziemy w dół?It's beautiful, but are we going down?
- KrzysztofTak, musimy zejść w dół przed zmrokiem.Yes, we must go down before dark.
- KatarzynaDobrze, Krzysztofie, idźmy.Okay, Krzysztof, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “down” translations and entries w dół, na dół, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
