jeż
/ˈjɛʂ/animate, masculine
The Polish word for hedgehog is jeż.
The word jeż refers to the animal. In informal or affectionate contexts, you might hear the diminutive jeżyk used to refer to a hedgehog.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Which one should you use?
While jeż is the standard form, jeżyk is specifically used as an affectionate or informal term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the word is jeże. When the hedgehog is the direct object of a verb, you use the accusative form jeża, such as in the sentence 'Widzę jeża' (I see a hedgehog).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈjɛʂ/
Did you know?
- The word jeżyk can be used colloquially to describe a short, spiky hairstyle that stands up straight.
- In Polish, the word jeż is also used to describe a specific type of spiked garden roller or a piece of equipment used to break up soil.
- While jeż is the animal, the phrase jeżyć włosy means to make one's hair stand on end, often due to fear or electricity.
Examples in context
- Jeż jest małym zwierzęciem.The hedgehog is a small animal.Tatoeba #6483087 by mojeanin, translation #803658 by Eldad
- Jeżu klątw, spłódź Finom część gry hańb.Hedgehog of curses, generate a part of the game of disgraces to the Finns.Tatoeba #768849 by zipangu, translation #768850 by zipangu
- Mieszkam z jeżem.I live with a hedgehog.Tatoeba #524386 by newton, translation #524387 by newton
- Proszę zwrócić uwagę na tego jeża.Please pay attention to this hedgehog.
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Małgorzata are walking in a park.
- KrzysztofSpójrz, tam jest mały jeż!Look, there is a little hedgehog!
- MałgorzataOjej, jaki on jest uroczy.Oh, how cute he is.
- KrzysztofCzy ten jeż ma kolce?Does that hedgehog have spikes?
- MałgorzataTak, wszystkie jeże mają kolce.Yes, all hedgehogs have spikes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hedgehog” translations and entries jeż, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
