Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| doskonały | /dɔ.skɔˈna.wɘ/ |
| świetny | /ˈɕfjɛt.nɘ/ |
Both terms are used to describe things of the highest quality. While they both translate to "excellent," they carry slightly different nuances regarding perfection and everyday use.
Which one should you use?
doskonały often implies that something is perfect or flawless. In contrast, świetny is more versatile and is frequently used in everyday conversation to mean something is simply very good, great or wonderful.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. For masculine nouns, use doskonały. For feminine nouns, use doskonała. When modifying neuter singular nouns or any plural nouns, use doskonałe.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /dɔ.skɔˈna.wɘ/. It has four syllables, and the stress is on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The word świetny is actually a descendant of the word for 'light', having originally described something that was literally 'shining' or 'radiant'.
- The word doskonały is built from the verb doskonalić, which means 'to perfect'. It describes something that has reached its absolute end state of completion.
- Because doskonały implies flawlessness, using it for everyday items can sometimes sound overly formal or even slightly sarcastic depending on the tone.
Examples in context
- Co za doskonały pomysł!What an excellent idea!This sentence shows how to use doskonały to describe an idea.Tatoeba #3835917 by jeedrek, translation #3732139 by CK
- Jules jest świetnym szoferem.Jules is an excellent chauffeur.This sentence demonstrates using świetny to describe a person's skill as a chauffeur.Tatoeba #12716096 by kontomilosza, translation #12521675 by rul
- W tej posiadłości robią świetny ocet.At this property, they make excellent vinegar.This sentence illustrates using świetny to describe the quality of a product like vinegar.Tatoeba #5909156 by Ceresnya, translation #6029327 by Huskion
- Wspaniały wynikExcellent result
- Wspaniała robotaExcellent job
- Ten projekt jest znakomityThis project is excellent
- Doskonałe wykonanieExcellent execution
- Twoje maniery są nienaganneYour manners are excellent
- Podoba mi się. Jest superI like it. It's great
- Jesteś fantastyczny/aYou are fantastic
- To było bombowe!That was awesome!
- Jego występ był mistrzowskiHis performance was excellent
- Świetna robota!Excellent job!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Małgorzata are tasting a new dessert at a cafe.
- KrzysztofTen sernik jest doskonały.This cheesecake is excellent.
- MałgorzataMasz rację, jest przepyszny.You are right, it is delicious.
- KrzysztofMałgorzato, czy chcesz jeszcze trochę?Małgorzata, do you want some more?
- MałgorzataTak, to naprawdę doskonały deser.Yes, it is a truly excellent dessert.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excellent” translations and entries doskonały, świetny, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries doskonały, świetny, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
