Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| duch | /ˈdux/ /ˈdux/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
| widmo | /ˈvid.mɔ/ | |
| widziadło | /viˈd͡ʑa.dwɔ/ | |
| upiór | /ˈu.pjur/ | masculine |
| zwid | /ˈzvit/ | masculine |
| zjawa | /ˈzja.va/ | feminine |
The primary meaning of the noun forms is a spirit appearing after death. Additionally, the related verb ghostować is a slang term used to describe the act of suddenly stopping all communication with someone on social media or via text without explanation, typically to end a relationship.
Which one should you use?
duch is the most common, neutral term for a ghost or spirit. zjawa often implies a visual apparition or a phantom-like figure. widmo describes a shadowy, indistinct or ethereal figure and can be used metaphorically, such as for the specter of war. upiór refers to a more terrifying, monstrous or legendary apparition, similar to a specter or ghoul. widziadło is a more colloquial term for a strange, unsettling thing seen by the eye, sometimes implying a hallucination.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun duch changes its form in a sentence. For example, when saying 'I see a ghost', the form changes to ducha due to the accusative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdux/
When do people say it?
In modern social contexts, the loanword ghostować is used specifically to describe the digital-age behavior of cutting off communication without explanation in dating or social media interactions.
Did you know?
- The Polish word duch shares an ancient root with the English word 'dust'.
- Depending on the context, duch can refer to the Holy Spirit in religious texts, the soul of a person, or a haunting apparition.
- The Polish word duch means both 'ghost' and 'spirit', but it is also used to describe the 'spirit' or 'mood' of a place or event.
Examples in context
- Jesteś blady jak duch.You're pale as a ghost.This sentence uses duch to create a simile about being pale.Tatoeba #3604786 by Siganiv, translation #2941419 by shekitten
- Duch krążył po pokoju.The ghost was roaming around the room.This sentence describes the movement of a duch within a room.Tatoeba #12359906 by arie, translation #11846613 by Amastan
- Sami wyglądał jak duch.Sami looked like a ghost.This sentence compares a person's appearance to a duch.Tatoeba #12061990 by uvenit127, translation #7214939 by OsoHombre
- Ciemny upiór przeszedł mi przez drogęA dark ghost crossed my path
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Paweł are watching a scary movie in their living room.
- AnnaCzy ten duch jest straszny?Is this ghost scary?
- PawełTak, ten duch przeraża mnie.Yes, this ghost terrifies me.
- AnnaChcę wyłączyć ten film.I want to turn off this movie.
- PawełNie bój się, to tylko film.Don't be afraid, it is only a movie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ghost” translations and entries duch, widmo, widziadło, upiór, zwid, zjawa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duch, upiór, zjawa, zwid, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
