bóg
/ˈbuk/masculine
The English word "God" is translated into Polish as bóg. Wiktionary also lists bóstwo.
Meaning: deity (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bóg | /ˈbuk/ /ˈbok/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
| bóstwo | /ˈbu.stfɔ/ /ˈbo.stfɔ/ (Middle, Polish) |
neuter |
The word is used to refer to a deity. A common idiomatic expression is Bóg wie, which functions similarly to "who knows" or "heaven knows" to express a sense of resignation or skepticism.
Which one should you use?
The masculine noun bóg is used for a God, while the neuter form bóstwo refers to a generic divinity or divine being. When referring specifically to the single deity of monotheism, the word is capitalized as Bóg.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun bóg changes to Boga in the genitive case, which is required after certain prepositions and many verbs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbuk/
Did you know?
- The word bóstwo is not only used for a deity but can also describe a person with an exceptionally beautiful or angelic appearance.
- In Polish culture, mentioning Bóg in certain superstitious contexts can be seen as 'tempting fate', leading some to use euphemisms instead.
- In Polish, if you want to say 'godlike' or 'divine', you would often use the adjective boski, which is derived from the same root as bóg.
Examples in context
- Tylko Bóg to wie.Only God knows.Tatoeba #11181521 by Milenka, translation #269633 by Eldad
- Bóg może to zrobić.God can do this.Tatoeba #12193774 by polski_ren, translation #8247614 by Amastan
- Bóg wie, co to było.God knows what it was.Tatoeba #6598863 by princes21, translation #6598856 by Carradee
- Wierzę w jednego Boga.I believe in one God.
- Niech Bóg błogosławi to małżeństwo.May God bless this marriage.
- Czy wierzysz w Wielkiego Boga?Do you believe in the Great God?
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Małgorzata are discussing ancient history at a museum.
- PawełTen bóg ma wiele symboli.This god has many symbols.
- MałgorzataTak, to bóg słońca.Yes, it is a sun god.
- PawełCzy ten bóg był ważny?Was this god important?
- MałgorzataPaweł, on był bardzo ważny.Paweł, he was very important.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “God” translations and entries bóg, bóstwo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
