tutaj
/ˈtu.taj/
The English word 'here' is translated into Polish as tutaj or tu.
Meaning: in, on, or at this place (adv)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| tutaj | /ˈtu.taj/ /ˈtu.taj/ (Middle, Polish) |
| tu | /ˈtu/ /ˈtu/ (Middle, Polish) |
Both forms are adverbs meaning 'in, on or at this place'. They can also function as nouns meaning 'this place'.
Which one should you use?
The short form tu is more common in casual speech, while the longer form tutaj is used when you want to be slightly more formal or provide more emphasis.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of tutaj is /ˈtu.taj/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The longer form tutaj is actually a linguistic hybrid, having been shaped by the patterns of the Polish words for 'today' (dzisiaj) and 'yesterday' (wczoraj).
- In some regional dialects like Silesian, you will hear tukej instead of tutaj. While the meaning is the same, it reflects a distinct linguistic evolution in the southern region of Poland.
- While tu means 'here', Polish speakers often use it as a filler word or a way to draw attention to a specific point in a conversation, similar to how 'here' is used in English to introduce a topic.
Examples in context
- Nic tu nie ma.There's nothing here.This sentence demonstrates the use of tu to indicate the absence of something in a location.Tatoeba #3427174 by konrad509, translation #2252669 by CK
- Tu nie ma piwa.There's no beer here.This sentence shows how tu is used to state that a specific item is not available here.Tatoeba #2827311 by MarekMazurkiewicz, translation #423144 by CM
- Coś tu nie gra.Something's wrong here.This sentence uses tu in an idiomatic way to express that something is not quite right in this place.Tatoeba #10475090 by Shounen, translation #1799603 by Spamster
- Przyjdź tutaj!Come here!
- Oto moja prezentacja.Here is my presentation.
- Czy jesteś tutaj?Are you here?
- Tu jest nasze miejsce spotkania.Here is our meeting place.
- Oto twoja pizza.Here is your pizza.
- Moje klucze są tutaj.My keys are here.
- Nauczycielka jest teraz tu.The teacher is here now.
- Oto informacje, o których mówiłem.Here are the pieces of information I mentioned.
- 1096 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Katarzyna and Piotr are meeting at a cafe.
- KatarzynaPiotr, czekam tutaj na ciebie.Piotr, I am waiting here for you.
- PiotrWidzę cię, już jestem tutaj.I see you, I am already here.
- KatarzynaDobrze, usiądźmy tutaj przy oknie.Good, let's sit here by the window.
- PiotrTo świetne miejsce.It is a great place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “here” translations and entries tutaj, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tu, tutaj, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
