ciekawy
/t͡ɕɛˈka.vɘ/
The English word 'interesting' can be translated into Polish using ciekawy or interesujący.
Meaning: arousing or holding the attention (adj)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| ciekawy | /t͡ɕɛˈka.vɘ/ /t͡ɕɛˈka.vɨ/ (Middle, Polish) |
| interesujący | /in.tɛ.rɛ.suˈjɔn.t͡sɘ/ |
Both terms are used to describe something that arouses or holds one's attention.
Which one should you use?
ciekawy is the most common and versatile word for 'interesting' in everyday Polish, whereas interesujący is also used to convey the same meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
Polish adjectives must agree with the gender of the noun they describe. Use ciekawy for masculine inanimate or masculine animate nouns in the nominative case, and use ciekawa for feminine nouns. The form ciekawych is used for the genitive plural or for certain adjective declensions in other cases.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of ciekawy is /tɕɛˈka.vɘ/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The meaning of ciekawy shifted from 'flowing' to 'fast' and then to 'running to get news' before becoming 'interesting'.
- Because ciekawy can mean 'curious', using it to describe a person can sometimes imply they are being 'nosey' depending on the context.
- The word ciekawy can also mean 'curious' when applied to a person, rather than just 'interesting' when applied to an object.
Examples in context
- To ma interesujący posmak.This has an interesting aftertaste.This sentence shows how to use interesujący to describe an aftertaste.Tatoeba #7610571 by qmak, translation #6907415 by swolesuki
- Omówiliśmy kilka ciekawych spraw.We discussed quite a few interesting things.This sentence demonstrates the use of ciekawy when discussing things.Tatoeba #6306799 by fau, translation #3271841 by CM
- Rozumiem, że miałeś ciekawy dzień.I understand you had an interesting day.This sentence illustrates how to use ciekawy to describe a day.Tatoeba #3931543 by jeedrek, translation #2712703 by CK
- Ta książka jest bardzo ciekawaThis book is very interesting
- Słyszałem intrygującą historię o tym miejscuI heard an intriguing story about this place
- Ten film jest naprawdę fascynującyThis movie is truly fascinating
- Byłem na ciekawym spotkaniu dzisiaj.I attended an interesting meeting today.
- Intrygujące wiadomości zaskoczyły mnie.Intriguing news surprised me.
- Bardzo mnie fascynuje polska kultura.I am fascinated by Polish culture.
- Książka o kosmosie jest naprawdę zajmująca.The book about space is truly interesting.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Krzysztof are talking about a book.
- AnnaKrzysztof, czytasz teraz jakąś książkę?Krzysztof, are you reading a book right now?
- KrzysztofTak, to bardzo ciekawy kryminał.Yes, it is a very interesting crime novel.
- AnnaO czym on jest?What is it about?
- KrzysztofO detektywie z małego miasta.About a detective from a small town.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “interesting” translations and entries ciekawy, interesujący, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciekawy, interesujący, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
