chciwy
/ˈxt͡ɕi.vɘ/masculine
The English word "greedy" is translated into Polish as chciwy.
chciwy is an adjective used to describe someone who is consumed by selfish desires.
Meaning: having greed, consumed by selfish desires (adj)
Which one should you use?
While chciwy often refers to greed for money or power, the word zachłanny is more frequently used to describe gluttony or an excessive, uncontrolled desire for something (like information or food).
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the adjective is chciwa. The neuter form of the adjective is chciwe. The masculine personal plural form used for groups of men or mixed groups is chciwi. The masculine form is chciwy.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxtɕi.vɘ/
Did you know?
- The phrase zachłysnąć się is related to the root of zachłanny and means to choke or gasp, reflecting the idea of taking in too much too fast.
- The word zachłanny can be used to describe a 'greedy' fire that spreads rapidly across a forest or building.
- The word chciwy is part of a linguistic family that shares a common ancestor with the English word 'want', as both relate to the fundamental drive of desiring something.
Examples in context
- Tom nie jest chciwy.Tom isn't greedy.This sentence shows how to use chciwy in a negative statement about a person.Tatoeba #11599851 by tokzyk, translation #3360578 by CK
- Jesteś chciwy.You're greedy.This sentence shows how to use chciwy to describe someone directly.Tatoeba #5665088 by machmet, translation #2202910 by CK
- Jestem chciwy.I'm greedy.This sentence shows how to use chciwy to describe oneself.Tatoeba #10566169 by tokzyk, translation #2202912 by CK
- Osoba ta jest bardzo chciwa i skupia się tylko na zysku.This person is very greedy and only focuses on profit.
- Niebezpieczne jest zostawianie władzy w rękach pazernych polityków.It is dangerous to leave power in the hands of greedy politicians.
- Ta firma jest znana z bycia żądną pieniędzy.This company is known for being money-hungry.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Paweł are discussing a former business partner.
- PawełNasz poprzedni wspólnik był bardzo chciwy.Our former partner was very greedy.
- AgnieszkaTak, on zawsze dbał tylko o siebie.Yes, he always only cared about himself.
- PawełPrzez niego straciliśmy sporo czasu.Because of him, we lost a lot of time.
- AgnieszkaTo prawda, Paweł.That is true, Paweł.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “greedy” translations and entries chciwy, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chciwy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
