Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| język | /ˈjɛw̃.zɘk/ /ˈjɛn.zɘk/ |
inanimate, masculine |
| mowa | /ˈmɔ.va/ /ˈmɔ.va/ (Middle, Polish) |
feminine |
język is used to refer to a specific linguistic system, such as język angielski (English language) or język polski (Polish language). It is also used idiomatically in the phrase zważać na język, which means to watch one's language or be careful with one's words. Additionally, język is the word used for the anatomical tongue.
What does it mean word for word?
In Polish, the word język serves a dual purpose as it means both 'language' and the organ in the mouth, 'tongue'.
Which one should you use?
Use język when referring to a specific linguistic system (for example, English or Polish) or the anatomical organ. Use mowa when referring to the act of speaking or the spoken aspect of a language rather than the system itself.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈjɛw̃.zɘk/ and has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Polish, the word język is used to describe the 'tongue' of a shoe. This usage extends the anatomical meaning of the word to inanimate objects that share a similar shape.
- The word język is used in various Polish idioms involving taste and sensing, not just speaking, because of its meaning as 'tongue'.
- The Polish word język is a distant relative of both the English words 'tongue' and 'language'.
Examples in context
- Jaki to był język?What language was that?This sentence asks about the identity of a specific language using język.Tatoeba #10616782 by tokzyk, translation #3738657 by CK
- Zważaj na swój język.Watch your language.This sentence uses the idiom for being careful with one's words via język.Tatoeba #10595487 by polski_ren, translation #239756 by CM
- Łacina to język martwy.Latin is a dead language.This sentence refers to a linguistic system being dead using język.Tatoeba #7300004 by OtCzarnyKot, translation #379238 by CK
- Chcę nauczyć się nowego języka.I want to learn a new language.
- Polski jest moim drugim językiem.Polish is my second language.
- Wybierz język komunikacji.Choose the language of communication.
- Uczę się mowy migowej.I'm learning sign language.
- Mogę mówić w wielu językach.I can speak many languages.
- Który język najbardziej ci się podoba?Which language do you like the most?
- Czy znasz tę gwarę?Do you know this language (regional variation)?
- 192 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Paweł are talking about their studies at a university.
- AnnaJaki język studiujesz?What language are you studying?
- PawełStudiuję język włoski.I am studying Italian.
- AnnaTo bardzo piękny język.That is a very beautiful language.
- PawełDziękuję, Anna.Thank you, Anna.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language” translations and entries język, mowa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries język, mowa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
