pić
/ˈpit͡ɕ/imperfective
The Polish verb for 'drink' is pić.
pić is used to express the action of consuming liquid through the mouth.
Meaning: consume liquid through the mouth (verb)
Which one should you use?
pić is an imperfective verb, which means it is used to describe an ongoing or habitual action. If you want to express the completion of drinking a specific amount, such as finishing a whole glass, you should use the perfective form wypić instead.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present tense, the verb pić changes its form depending on the subject: piję means 'I drink' or 'I am drinking', pije means 'he/she drinks' and pili means 'they drink'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpitɕ/
Did you know?
- In Polish, the phrase pić is often used as a euphemism for consuming alcohol. If someone says they 'drink' without specifying a beverage, it is commonly understood they are talking about liquor.
- In traditional Polish etiquette, offering a drink is a fundamental part of welcoming a guest, and refusing a drink can sometimes be seen as a slight.
- The verb pić can be used metaphorically in Polish to describe 'soaking up' something, such as 'drinking in' the atmosphere of a place.
Examples in context
- Nie mogę pić kawy.I can't drink coffee.This sentence is useful for expressing an inability to drink coffee.Tatoeba #2828127 by aleksandraeska, translation #961717 by Eevee
- Ona musi pić wodę.She has to drink water.This sentence is useful for expressing a necessity to drink water.Tatoeba #10495059 by Shounen, translation #2896413 by abburns
- Nie chcę tego pić.I don't want to drink this.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of desire to drink something.Tatoeba #13621736 by majabezjaja, translation #9183198 by CK
- Proszę jedną filiżankę kawyPlease, one cup of coffee.
- Poproszę herbatę z cytrynąI would like tea with lemon.
- Idziemy na piwo?Shall we go for a beer?
- Daj mi jedno piwoGive me one beer.
- Jaki koktajl polecasz?What cocktail do you recommend?
- Lubię sok pomarańczowyI like orange juice.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Piotr are at a cafe.
- AnnaCo chcesz pić, Piotrze?What do you want to drink, Piotr?
- PiotrChcę pić zimną herbatę.I want to drink cold tea.
- AnnaJa wolę pić sok pomarańczowy.I prefer to drink orange juice.
- PiotrTo brzmi dobrze, Anno.That sounds good, Anna.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drink” translations and entries pić, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
