przepiękny
/pʂɛˈpjɛŋk.nɘ/
The English word "gorgeous" can be translated into Polish as przepiękny. Wiktionary also lists arcypiękny.
Meaning: very beautiful (adj)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| przepiękny | /pʂɛˈpjɛŋk.nɘ/ |
| arcypiękny | /ar.t͡sɘˈpjɛŋk.nɘ/ |
These words are used to describe someone or something that is very beautiful.
What does it mean word for word?
The word przepiękny is formed by the prefix prze-, meaning "over-" or "extremely" and the word piękny, meaning "beautiful".
Which one should you use?
While przepiękny is the standard way to express being very beautiful, arcypiękny can also be used to mean gorgeous.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree with the gender of the noun it describes. Use przepiękna for feminine nouns like kobieta (woman) and przepiękne for neuter nouns like dziecko (child). Use przepiękni when describing a group of men or a mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /pʂɛˈpjɛŋk.nɘ/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The prefix arcy- in arcypiękny comes from the Ancient Greek árkhō, meaning 'to rule' or 'to lead'. It is the same root used in English words like 'archbishop' or 'archrival'.
- While przepiękny is used for aesthetics, the prefix prze- can also be used to describe something that has gone too far, such as przesada meaning 'exaggeration'.
- In Polish, the word piękny can be used for both physical beauty and the beauty of a gesture or a soul, but it is rarely used for 'cute' or 'pretty' objects, which use ładny.
Examples in context
- Jest absolutnie przepięknym mężczyzną.He's an utterly gorgeous man.This sentence is useful for demonstrating the use of przepiękny when describing a man.Tatoeba #10999661 by hecko, translation #10198186 by shekitten
- Jesteś pięknyYou are gorgeous
- Twoje zdjęcie jest świetne!Your photo is gorgeous!
- Jesteś naprawdę piękna dziśYou look really gorgeous today!
- To jest przepiękny widok.This is a gorgeous view.
Example conversation
Anna and Paweł are looking at a sunset in a park.
- AnnaSpójrz, ten zachód słońca jest przepiękny.Look, this sunset is gorgeous.
- PawełMasz rację, Anno, to cudowny widok.You are right, Anna, it is a wonderful view.
- AnnaCieszę się, że tutaj przyszliśmy.I am glad we came here.
- PawełJa też, to był świetny pomysł.Me too, it was a great idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gorgeous” translations and entries przepiękny, arcypiękny, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arcypiękny, przepiękny, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
