Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kłamca | /ˈkwam.t͡sa/ | masculine |
| łgarz | /ˈwɡaʂ/ /ɫɡɒr̝/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
| kłamczuch | /ˈkwam.t͡ʂux/ | colloquial, masculine |
| kłamczucha | feminine | |
| łeż | /ˈwɛʂ/ /ˈɫɛʂ/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine, obsolete |
In Polish, several words are used to describe someone who tells lies, depending on the intended tone and the gender of the person being described.
Which one should you use?
The standard, neutral term for a liar is kłamca. If you want to be much harsher and more derogatory, you can use łgarz. For a more colloquial or slightly playful and diminutive tone, use kłamczuch.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
kłamca is the standard neutral term suitable for most situations. kłamczuch is a colloquial form used in informal settings. łgarz is a harsh, derogatory term. łeż is an obsolete form.
How does it change in a sentence?
kłamca is a masculine noun. The colloquial term kłamczuch is masculine, while its feminine counterpart is kłamczucha, which can be used to specify a female liar.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkwam.tsa/
Did you know?
- The term kłamczuch can be used affectionately towards children when they tell 'white lies', whereas calling an adult a kłamczuch might be seen as condescending.
- In Polish, the suffix -uch in kłamczuch is often used to create nouns that describe a person with a specific, sometimes exaggerated or quirky, habit.
- The term łgarz feels much more heavy and old-fashioned than kłamca, often implying a person who lies not just about facts, but about their entire character or moral standing.
Examples in context
- On to nie kłamca.He's no liar.This sentence shows how to deny that someone is a kłamca.Tatoeba #8524502 by MCcommand, translation #7051140 by AlanF_US
- Donald Trump to patologiczny kłamca.Donald Trump is a pathological liar.This sentence uses kłamca to describe someone as a pathological liar.Tatoeba #12706503 by JimiYoru, translation #8749047 by shekitten
- Kłamca!Liar!This sentence demonstrates using kłamca as a direct exclamation.Tatoeba #2008528 by Dominika, translation #1532901 by Spamster
- Nie wierz mu, to jeden wielki obłudnik.Don't believe him, he's a big liar.
- To już kolejny raz, kłamot jeden!It's another time, you liar!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Piotr are discussing a dishonest colleague at work.
- AgnieszkaCzy on naprawdę to powiedział?Did he really say that?
- PiotrTak, on to kłamca.Yes, he is a liar.
- AgnieszkaPiotr, czy ty mu ufasz?Piotr, do you trust him?
- PiotrNie, Agnieszka, zupełnie nie.No, Agnieszka, not at all.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “liar” translations and entries kłamca, łgarz, kłamczuch, łeż, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
