orzeł
/ˈɔ.ʐɛw/animate, masculine
The English word "eagle" is translated into Polish as orzeł. Wiktionary also lists bielik.
Meaning: any of several large carnivorous birds in the family Accipitridae (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| orzeł | /ˈɔ.ʐɛw/ /ˈɔ.r̝ɛɫ/ (Middle, Polish) |
animate, masculine |
| bielik | /ˈbjɛ.lik/ | animate, masculine |
The word orzeł is a masculine animate noun used to refer to any large carnivorous bird in the family Accipitridae.
Which one should you use?
While orzeł is the general term for any eagle, bielik specifically refers to the white-tailed eagle, which is the most common large eagle species in Poland.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an animate masculine noun, orzeł changes its ending to orła when used in the genitive case, such as to indicate possession or when following certain prepositions.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of orzeł is /ˈɔ.ʐɛw/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
When do people say it?
Orzeł is a powerful national symbol in Poland and serves as the central figure in the Polish coat of arms, known as the Orzeł Biały (White Eagle).
Did you know?
- In Polish culture, calling someone an orzeł can be a compliment describing a highly capable or exceptionally clever person.
- In some traditional Polish folk tales, the orzeł is viewed not just as a king of birds but as a messenger between the earthly realm and the divine.
- Historically, the depiction of the orzeł in Polish heraldry shifted from a crowned bird to one without a crown during certain political periods.
Examples in context
- Orzeł jest królem ptaków.The eagle is king of birds.This sentence is useful for demonstrating the eagle as the king of birds using orzeł.Tatoeba #2244772 by Martka, translation #29139 by slyfin
- Orzeł wzbił się w powietrze.The eagle soared through the air.This sentence shows the eagle soaring through the air using orzeł.Tatoeba #6406231 by arie, translation #8159734 by TheNightAvl
- Orzeł musiał być karmiony z ręki.The eagle had to be fed by hand.This sentence illustrates the eagle being fed by hand using orzeł.Tatoeba #6322297 by arie, translation #462694 by lukaszpp
- Flaga Polski przedstawia białego orła na czerwonym tle.The flag of Poland features a white eagle on a red background.
- Orzeł to symbol odwagi i władzy w polskiej kulturze.The eagle is a symbol of courage and power in Polish culture.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Katarzyna and Paweł are watching birds in a nature reserve.
- KatarzynaSpójrz, tam leci orzeł!Look, an eagle is flying there!
- PawełTak, to piękny widok.Yes, it is a beautiful sight.
- KatarzynaCzy ten orzeł jest bardzo rzadki?Is this eagle very rare?
- PawełMój brat mówi, że tak.My brother says so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eagle” translations and entries orzeł, bielik, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
