cel
/ˈt͡sɛl/masculine
The Polish word for goal (a result one is attempting to achieve) is cel.
cel is used to refer to an objective, target or purpose. A very common way to say "to achieve a goal" is to use the phrase osiągnąć cel.
Meaning: result one is attempting to achieve (noun)
Which one should you use?
Do not use cel when referring to a goal scored in sports like football. Instead, use the word gol.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cel is cele. You should use the genitive form celu after the preposition do (meaning to/towards) or when expressing the absence of a goal.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtsɛl/
Did you know?
- The Polish word cel is a close relative of the German word Ziel. Both come from an ancient root that described something being fixed or set in place.
- If you want to say you are 'aiming for a goal' in the sense of a target, the Polish verb celować actually means 'to aim' at something, sharing the same root as cel.
- The phrase cel sam w sobie is used to describe something that is 'an end in itself'.
Examples in context
- Nie osiągnęli swojego celu.They didn't achieve their goal.This sentence shows how to use the form cel with the verb for achieve.Tatoeba #3658241 by Siganiv, translation #3658234 by AlanF_US
- Pomóż nam osiągnąć nasz cel.Help us reach our goal.This sentence shows how to use the form cel with the verb for reach.Tatoeba #4952969 by aleksandraeska, translation #4950738 by CK
- Tym razem moim celem jest Paryż.This time my goal is Paris.This sentence shows how to use the form cel to define a destination as a goal.Tatoeba #2809483 by Ceresnya, translation #241985 by Lumi_alt
- Celem naszej firmy jest osiągnięcie większych zysków w ciągu kolejnych pięciu lat.The goal of our company is to achieve higher profits within the next five years.
- Miała różne zamierzenia, ale jej głównym celem było zdobycie nowego stanowiska w firmie.She had various goals, but her main objective was to obtain a new position in the company.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Paweł are talking about their professional plans in a cafe.
- AgnieszkaJaki jest twój główny cel w pracy?What is your main goal at work?
- PawełMój cel to awans w tym roku.My goal is a promotion this year.
- AgnieszkaTo bardzo ambitny cel, Pawle.That is a very ambitious goal, Paweł.
- PawełTak, ale muszę ciężko pracować.Yes, but I have to work hard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goal” translations and entries cel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
