Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wielkanoc | /vjɛlˈka.nɔt͡s/ | feminine |
| Pascha | /ˈpas.xa/ | feminine |
The term refers to the Christian feast commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You can also refer to the holidays as Święta Wielkanocne.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Wielkanoc is a compound of wielka, meaning great or big and noc, meaning night, literally translating to 'Great Night'.
Which one should you use?
Wielkanoc is the standard, most common term used by both Catholics and Protestants in Poland. Pascha is a more formal or liturgical term, often used in the context of Eastern Orthodox traditions or specific religious rites.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'Easter' as an adjective, such as when saying 'Easter eggs', you use the adjective form wielkanocny. When saying 'at Easter' or 'for Easter', the word changes to the genitive form Wielkanocy.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of Wielkanoc is /vjɛlˈka.nɔts/. It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
In Poland, a unique water fight called Śmigus-Dyngus takes place on Easter Monday.
Did you know?
- The term Pascha in Polish is a learned borrowing that traveled from Hebrew to Aramaic, then Greek and Latin, before entering the language.
- In Poland, it is common to create pisanki, which are intricately dyed and waxed eggs specifically for Wielkanoc.
Examples in context
- Chodźmy zobaczyć pochód wielkanocny.Let's go and watch the Easter parade.This sentence shows how to use the adjective form of Wielkanoc.Tatoeba #3046756 by jeedrek, translation #66761 by CK
- Pojechałem na 10-dniową wyprawę na Wyspę Wielkanocną.I went on a ten-day trip to Easter Island.This sentence uses Wielkanoc in the context of a location name.Tatoeba #356028 by zipangu, translation #253065 by CN
- Makowiec tradycyjnie piecze się na święta wielkanocne.Poppy seed cake is traditionally baked for Easter.Tatoeba #10805924 by sebek5000, translation #10805925 by sebek5000
- Wesołych Świąt Wielkanocnych! Niech radość zagości w Twoim domu!Happy Easter! May joy reign in your home!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Tomasz are discussing their holiday plans.
- MałgorzataKiedy jedziesz do rodziców na Wielkanoc?When are you going to your parents for Easter?
- TomaszWyjeżdżam w sobotę rano.I am leaving on Saturday morning.
- MałgorzataWielkanoc to zawsze spokojny czas.Easter is always a peaceful time.
- TomaszTak, bardzo lubię te tradycje.Yes, I like these traditions very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Easter” translations and entries Wielkanoc, Pascha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Pascha, Wielkanoc, pascha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
