usta
/ˈus.ta/
The Polish word for lips is usta.
The term refers to the two soft edges of the mouth.
How does it change in a sentence?
In standard Polish, usta is a neuter plural noun and does not have a singular form. Depending on the sentence structure, the word changes forms: ust is the genitive form used for possession or after certain prepositions (for example, bez ust, meaning "without lips") and ustach is the locative form used after prepositions like na (on) or w (in).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈus.ta/.
Did you know?
- In Polish, if someone says a topic is 'na ustach', they do not mean it is physically on someone's lips, but rather that it is currently being discussed or is a hot topic of conversation.
- While usta describes the mouth in a romantic or poetic sense, Polish uses the word wargi for the actual anatomical lips.
- The word usta shares a common ancestor with the English word 'mouth' through the Proto-Indo-European root for the anatomical opening of the face.
Examples in context
- Masz bardzo ładne usta.You have very nice lips.This sentence is useful for complimenting someone's lips using usta.Tatoeba #4719032 by Ceresnya, translation #4053185 by Neslihan
- Twoje usta są czerwone.Your lips are red.This sentence is useful for describing the color of someone's lips using usta.Tatoeba #10601857 by tokzyk, translation #1454989 by habazbooz69
- Mary położyła mi palec na ustach.Mary put her finger on my lips.This sentence shows how to use the locative form ustach after a preposition.Tatoeba #3894953 by jeedrek, translation #3226436 by Scott
- Pani ma bardzo ładne usta.You have very beautiful lips.
- Mówisz tak słodko, małe usteczka!You speak so sweetly, little lips!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Krzysztof are talking about winter skincare.
- AnnaMoje usta są bardzo suche.My lips are very dry.
- KrzysztofUżyj pomadki ochronnej, Anno.Use a protective lipstick, Anna.
- AnnaMasz jakąś pomadkę dla mnie?Do you have a lipstick for me?
- KrzysztofTak, Twoje usta będą teraz nawilżone.Yes, your lips will be moisturized now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry usta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries usta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
