Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| prawnik | /ˈprav.ɲik/ | masculine |
| adwokat | /aˈdvɔ.kat/ /aˈdvɔ.kɒt/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
| adwokatka | /ad.vɔˈkat.ka/ | feminine |
| prawniczka | /pravˈɲit͡ʂ.ka/ | feminine |
| radca | /ˈrat.t͡sa/ | masculine |
| radczyni | feminine |
The term is used to describe a professional qualified and authorized to practice law, such as an attorney, solicitor or advocate, who provides legal advice or represents clients in trials. While prawnik is the general term for any legal professional used in everyday conversation, more specific titles exist for different professional roles.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the specific professional designation and gender. prawnik is a general term for any lawyer. adwokat is a specific professional title for a licensed advocate or attorney authorized to represent clients in court. radca (specifically as part of the term radca prawny) refers to a legal counsel, a professional often found in corporate or administrative contexts. Gendered forms include adwokatka and prawniczka for women, and radczyni for a female legal counsel.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine forms change when used in the genitive or accusative cases. For example, prawnik becomes prawnika and adwokat becomes adwokata.
How do you pronounce it?
The word prawnik is pronounced as /ˈprav.ɲik/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word adwokat entered the Polish language through a long journey from Latin, through German and French, and even Dutch.
- In Polish, the word prawo used to form prawnik can mean both 'law' as a system and a 'right' as an entitlement.
- The suffix '-nik' in prawnik is a common way in Polish to turn a noun into a word describing a person who performs a specific role.
Examples in context
- Tom to mój adwokat.Tom is my lawyer.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific person as an adwokat.Tatoeba #3996295 by jeedrek, translation #2273309 by CK
- Nie możesz być prawnikiem.You can't be a lawyer.This sentence uses the form prawnik to express an inability to become a lawyer.Tatoeba #3696376 by jeedrek, translation #1950706 by CK
- Chcę rozmawiać z moim adwokatem.I want to speak to my lawyer.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to speak with an adwokat.Tatoeba #3679910 by Spodnie, translation #2013589 by CK
- Potrzebuję porady prawnej od dobrego prawnikaI need legal advice from a good lawyer
- Moja siostra jest adwokatem i specjalizuje się w prawie rodzinnymMy sister is a lawyer specializing in family law
- Skonsultuj się z radcą prawnym przed podjęciem decyzji biznesowejConsult a legal advisor before making a business decision
- Znam adwokatkę, która jest bardzo dobrą specjalistką w prawie cywilnymI know a female lawyer who is an excellent specialist in civil law
- Marta jest prawniczką w renomowanej międzynarodowej firmie prawniczejMarta is a female lawyer in a renowned international law firm
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Piotr and Katarzyna are discussing a legal problem at home.
- KatarzynaPiotrze, czy znamy jakiegoś dobrego prawnika?Piotr, do we know a good lawyer?
- PiotrTak, mój kuzyn to świetny prawnik.Yes, my cousin is a great lawyer.
- KatarzynaTo świetnie, zadzwonię do niego jutro.That's great, I will call him tomorrow.
- PiotrNa pewno ci pomoże.He will certainly help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lawyer” translations and entries prawnik, adwokat, adwokatka, prawniczka, radca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adwokat, adwokatka, prawniczka, prawnik, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
