Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pocałunek | /pɔ.t͡saˈwu.nɛk/ | masculine |
| całus | /ˈt͡sa.wus/ | masculine |
In Polish, you can refer to a touch with the lips using several nouns. The verbs used to describe the action also differ based on whether you are describing an ongoing habit or a single, completed act. To describe the ongoing process or habit of kissing, use całować or całować się. To describe a single, completed act of kissing, use the perfective forms pocałować or pocałować się.
Which one should you use?
While pocałunek is the standard noun for a kiss, całus is a more informal and colloquial term. For a very casual or lighthearted context, you may also encounter the informal term buziak or its diminutive form buziaczek, which is used when addressing children or expressing lighthearted affection.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun pocałunek changes to pocałunku in the genitive singular case, which is often used after certain prepositions or to indicate possession.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of pocałunek is /pɔ.tsaˈwu.nɛk/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The root of the word całować is linked to ancient Slavic words for 'entirety' or 'wholeness', suggesting a deep historical connection to the concept of a complete action.
- In Polish culture, a kiss on the cheek is a common greeting among friends and family, often performed three times in some regions or contexts.
- In very traditional or old-fashioned Polish contexts, całować was used not just for lips, but as a gesture of extreme respect when kissing a hand.
Examples in context
- Jesteś mi winny pocałunek.You owe me a kiss.This sentence uses pocałunek to express someone owing a kiss.Tatoeba #13225568 by katix824, translation #2556296 by Hybrid
- To idealny moment na pocałunek.It's the perfect moment for a kiss.This sentence uses pocałunek to describe a perfect moment for a kiss.Tatoeba #13561500 by JimiYoru, translation #1977573 by Spamster
- Myślę, że jesteś mi winien całusa.I think you owe me a kiss.This sentence uses całus to express the idea of owing a kiss.Tatoeba #10549956 by tokzyk, translation #6566668 by Hybrid
- Buziaki dla mojej ukochanej babci.Kisses to my beloved grandma.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A romantic evening at a park bench.
- AgnieszkaTo był bardzo słodki pocałunek.That was a very sweet kiss.
- PawełDziękuję, Agnieszko. Ty też jesteś wspaniała.Thank you, Agnieszka. You are wonderful too.
- AgnieszkaChcę jeszcze jeden pocałunek.I want one more kiss.
- PawełZ przyjemnością, kochanie.With pleasure, darling.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations and entries pocałunek, całus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries całus, pocałunek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
