wdzięk
/ˈvd͡ʑɛŋk/masculine
The English word 'grace' (referring to elegant movement, poise or balance) is translated into Polish as wdzięk or gracja.
Meaning: elegant movement, poise or balance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| wdzięk | /ˈvd͡ʑɛŋk/ | masculine |
| gracja | /ˈɡra.t͡sja/ | feminine |
In Polish, these terms are used to describe physical elegance, charm or poise in movement. The term wdzięk is the standard way to express these qualities.
Which one should you use?
While both words can translate to 'grace', wdzięk is the standard term used to describe physical elegance, charm or poise in movement.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say someone does something "with grace," you use the instrumental case of wdzięk, which is wdziękiem. Additionally, the adjective wdzięczny is derived from wdzięk and is used to describe someone or something that possesses grace or charm.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvdʑɛŋk/
Did you know?
- While wdzięk describes physical charm, the adjective wdzięczny is a common 'false friend' because it often means 'grateful' rather than 'graceful' in everyday Polish.
- While wdzięk refers to poise, the word dzięki is the common shorthand for 'thanks'. They are closely linked linguistically, as wdzięk is derived from dzięki.
- Unlike English, where 'grace' can refer to a short prayer before a meal, Polish uses the word modlitwa or podziękowanie for this purpose, as wdzięk never refers to religious prayer.
Examples in context
- Lola tańczyła z wdziękiem.Lola danced with grace.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the instrumental case of wdzięk.Tatoeba #358031 by zipangu, translation #29393 by al_ex_an_der
- Błogosław, Boże, te dary, które dzięki Twojej łaskawości spożywamy.Bless, O Lord, these gifts which we consume thanks to Your kindness.
- Dziękuję za jedzenie, życie i wspólny czas!Thank you for the food, life, and shared time!
- Jego taniec miał niezwykły wdzięk.His dance had an extraordinary grace.
- Ten model ma w sobie naturalny wdzięk.This model has a natural poise.
Example conversation
Anna and Paweł are watching a ballet performance.
- AnnaWidzisz, jaki on ma wdzięk?Do you see how much grace he has?
- PawełTak, porusza się bardzo lekko.Yes, he moves very lightly.
- AnnaTo niesamowite, jak panuje nad ciałem.It is amazing how he controls his body.
- PawełMa w sobie prawdziwy wdzięk.He has true poise in him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grace” translations and entries wdzięk, gracja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gracja, wdzięk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
