Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| błyskawica | /bwɘs.kaˈvi.t͡sa/ | feminine |
| piorun | /ˈpjɔ.run/ /ˈpjɔ.run/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
In Polish, there are two primary ways to refer to lightning depending on whether you are emphasizing the visual phenomenon or the physical discharge. You can also use the phrase jak błyskawica as a common simile to describe extreme speed, meaning "as fast as lightning". Related adjectives include błyskawiczny and błyskawicowy, which describe things that are extremely fast.
What does it mean word for word?
The word błyskawica is derived from the noun błysk, which means a flash or a glint.
Which one should you use?
Use błyskawica to refer specifically to the visual flash of lightning.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
błyskawica is a feminine noun, while piorun is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /bwɘs.kaˈvi.tsa/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word piorun shares a root with the ancient Slavic deity Perun, the god of thunder and lightning. This historical connection links the physical phenomenon directly to a mythological figure.
- The term piorunujący can be used figuratively to describe something 'stunning' or 'shocking', much like the English 'electrifying', but it carries a much heavier weight of physical impact.
- In Polish folklore, the piorun was sometimes believed to be a tool for purging the earth of evil spirits.
Examples in context
- Pioruny mogą być niebezpieczne.Lightning can be dangerous.This sentence uses the form piorun to discuss the danger of lightning.Tatoeba #12360051 by arie, translation #27163 by CK
- Pobiegłem szybko jak błyskawica.I ran as fast as lightning.This sentence uses the form błyskawica to describe running with extreme speed.Tatoeba #3099747 by jeedrek, translation #500070 by darinmex
- Piorun mnie trafił.I got hit by lightning.This sentence uses the form piorun to describe being struck by lightning.Tatoeba #3712726 by Siganiv, translation #2329613 by CK
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Katarzyna and Krzysztof are watching a thunderstorm from a window.
- KatarzynaPatrz, jaka wielka błyskawica!Look, what a huge lightning bolt!
- KrzysztofTak, to było bardzo blisko.Yes, that was very close.
- KatarzynaKolejna błyskawica rozświetliła całe niebo.Another lightning bolt lit up the whole sky.
- KrzysztofLepiej odejdźmy od okna, Katarzyno.We better move away from the window, Katarzyna.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lightning” translations and entries błyskawica, piorun, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries błyskawica, piorun, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
