Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| szary | /ˈʂa.rɘ/ |
| siwy | /ˈɕi.vɘ/ |
In Polish, the word for gray depends on whether you are describing a general color or specific physiological traits like hair or fur. Use szary for inanimate objects and general descriptions of the color. To describe the process of hair turning gray, use the verb siwieć.
Which one should you use?
Use szary for general descriptions of the color, such as a gray sky or a gray suit. Use siwy specifically when referring to gray hair in humans or animals, or the color of fur.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to refer to the presence of gray hair on a person's head, use the noun siwizna. To describe the quality of being gray or a dull, gray state of things, use the noun szarość.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ˈʂa.rɘ/', 'syllables': 2, 'stressed_syllable': '1 of 2'}
Did you know?
- The word siwy is used for gray hair, but it can also describe a horse that is white or light gray, a specific term used in equestrian contexts.
- The word szary descends from the Proto-Slavic root *śěrъ, which is a linguistic relative of the English word 'gray'.
- While szary refers to the color gray, the noun szarość is frequently used in literature to describe the oppressive atmosphere of wartime or poverty.
Examples in context
- Czas czyni włosy siwymi.Time turns hair gray.This sentence shows how the verb siwieć relates to the adjective siwy.Tatoeba #1003754 by Mateusz, translation #1042293 by yessoos
- Był siwy.He had gray hair.This sentence uses siwy to describe a person's hair color.Tatoeba #945865 by zipangu, translation #736987 by CK
- Mój garnitur jest szary.My suit is gray.This sentence uses szary to describe the color of a piece of clothing.Tatoeba #457002 by gregloby, translation #456473 by lukaszpp
- Ten nowoczesny budynek jest pomalowany na kolor popielaty.This modern building is painted in a grayish color.
- Kupiłem nowe spodnie w kolorze szarawym.I bought new pants in a grayish color.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Katarzyna are discussing the weather outside.
- PawełDzisiaj jest bardzo szary dzień.Today is a very gray day.
- KatarzynaTak, niebo jest zupełnie szare.Yes, the sky is completely gray.
- PawełMyślisz, że wkrótce spadnie deszcz?Do you think it will rain soon?
- KatarzynaPewnie, taki szary kolor zwiastuje deszcz.Probably, such a gray color heralds rain.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gray” translations and entries szary, siwy, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries siwy, szary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
