szczęśliwy
/ʂt͡ʂɛw̃ɕˈli.vɘ/
szczęśliwy is the Polish word for happy.
This adjective is used to describe a state of being happy or lucky. It is a general term for being contented or joyous.
Meaning: contented, joyous (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective szczęśliwy is derived from the noun szczęście, which means both happiness and luck.
Which one should you use?
The word szczęśliwy refers to a state of being happy or lucky, whereas radosny is used to describe a specific feeling of joy or cheerfulness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form of the word for happy is szczęśliwy. The feminine singular form is szczęśliwa, and the neuter singular form is szczęśliwe. For groups of men or mixed groups, use the masculine personal plural form szczęśliwi.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ʂtʂɛw̃ɕˈli.vɘ/. It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word szczęśliwy is used in the phrase szczęśliwej drogi, which translates to 'happy journey'. This is the standard way to tell someone to have a safe and pleasant trip.
- The word 'szczęśliwy' shares a common ancestor with the Czech word 'šťastlivý' and the Russian 'счастливый', marking its deep Slavic roots.
- The term szczęśliwy traf refers to a 'happy accident' or a stroke of luck. In this context, szczęśliwy has nothing to do with an emotional state and everything to do with chance.
Examples in context
- Tom czuł się szczęśliwy.Tom felt happy.This sentence shows how to use szczęśliwy to describe how someone felt.Tatoeba #4148487 by jeedrek, translation #1025795 by CK
- Nikt nie jest szczęśliwy.Nobody's happy.This sentence uses szczęśliwy in a negative context to say nobody is happy.Tatoeba #8722914 by nusia2302, translation #2044394 by CK
- Każdy chce być szczęśliwy.Everybody wants to be happy.This sentence uses szczęśliwy to describe a universal desire to be happy.Tatoeba #358924 by zipangu, translation #270044 by CK
- Życzę Panu/Pani wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji urodzin!I wish you all the best on your birthday!
- Wesoło ci dziś!You look happy today!
- Jesteś w doskonałym nastroju!You are in an excellent mood!
- 109 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Paweł are talking about their new jobs.
- MałgorzataCzy jesteś zadowolony z nowej pracy?Are you satisfied with your new job?
- PawełTak, jestem naprawdę szczęśliwy.Yes, I am really happy.
- MałgorzataTo świetna wiadomość, Pawle!That is great news, Paweł!
- PawełDziękuję, Małgorzato.Thank you, Małgorzata.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy” translations and entries szczęśliwy, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries szczęśliwy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
