Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| przystojny | /pʂɘˈstɔj.nɘ/ |
| piękny | /ˈpjɛŋk.nɘ/ /ˈpjɛ̃k.nɨ/ (Middle, Polish) |
The primary way to describe an attractive man is using przystojny. Other options include ładny, which is a versatile and common adjective for 'handsome' suitable for both formal and informal situations and urodziwy, which conveys that a person is charming and handsome in a refined and timeless way.
Which one should you use?
While przystojny is the standard word for a handsome man, piękny means 'beautiful' and is more intense, often used in a poetic or highly complimentary sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its form based on the gender and grammatical case. Use przystojna when describing a woman, though in Polish this form is more commonly used to mean 'attractive'.
How do you pronounce it?
/pʂɘˈstɔj.nɘ/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word przystojny is derived from the verb przystać, which means 'to fit' or 'to be appropriate'. This implies that being handsome is fundamentally about looking 'fitting' or 'proper' in one's appearance.
- In casual Polish, people might use the word przystojniak as a noun to call someone a 'handsome devil' or a 'hottie'.
- Because piękny is so strong, using it for a man in everyday conversation might make you sound like a character in a romantic novel.
Examples in context
- Jest przystojny i mądry.He is handsome and clever.This sentence shows how to use przystojny to describe a man's qualities.Tatoeba #3099776 by jeedrek, translation #292459 by CK
- Tom jest dość przystojny.Tom is rather handsome.This sentence demonstrates how to use przystojny with the adverb 'dość'.Tatoeba #12470549 by katix824, translation #5751944 by CM
- Myślisz, że jestem przystojny?Do you think I'm handsome?This sentence shows how to use przystojny in a question.Tatoeba #959663 by zipangu, translation #953219 by CK
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata is talking to Tomasz about a new colleague.
- MałgorzataWidziałas nowego kolegę z biura?Did you see the new colleague from the office?
- TomaszTak, jest bardzo przystojny.Yes, he is very handsome.
- MałgorzataZgadzam się, ma świetny uśmiech.I agree, he has a great smile.
- TomaszWydaje się też bardzo miły.He seems very nice too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handsome” translations and entries przystojny, piękny, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries piękny, przystojny, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
