chłopczyk
/ˈxwɔp.t͡ʂɘk/masculine
In Polish, "little boy" is chłopczyk. Wiktionary also lists chłopaczek.
Meaning: a diminutive male child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chłopczyk | /ˈxwɔp.t͡ʂɘk/ | masculine |
| chłopaczek | /xwɔˈpa.t͡ʂɛk/ | masculine |
The terms are used to refer to a diminutive male child.
What does it mean word for word?
The word chłopczyk is formed from chłopiec (boy) using the diminutive suffix -czyk.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean "little boy", chłopaczek is a more affectionate or "cuter" diminutive than chłopczyk.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on how the word is used in a sentence. If the little boy is the direct object, use the accusative form chłopczyka. If you are calling out to a little boy, use the vocative form chłopczyku.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxwɔp.tʂɘk/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word chłopczyk shares an ancient root with the word chłop, which in modern Polish actually means a 'peasant'.
- In Polish culture, using chłopaczek toward a teenager or adult is often used as a linguistic tool to intentionally belittle or patronize the person.
- The suffix '-ek' used in chłopaczek is a powerful linguistic tool in Polish, used to create 'diminutives' for almost any noun to express smallness or endearment.
Examples in context
- Proszę Państwa, pozwólcie mi przedstawić tego małego chłopca, który wygrał konkurs w szkole.Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce this little boy who won the school competition.
- Obejrzyj tego małego chłopaczka! Jak on świetnie tańczy!Look at this little boy! He dances so well!
- Ten mały chłopczyk jest tak pełen energii! Nie mogę nadążyć za nim!This little boy is so full of energy! I can't keep up with him!
- Chłopczyk w parku bawi się z psem.The little boy is playing with the dog in the park.
- Ten mały chłopczyk jest bardzo grzeczny.This little boy is very well-behaved.
- Widziałam w parku uroczego chłopczyka.I saw a cute little boy in the park.
- Czy ten chłopczyk szuka swojej mamy?Is this little boy looking for his mother?
Example conversation
Anna and Tomasz are watching children play at a park.
- AnnaSpójrz, ten chłopczyk bawi się piłką.Look, that little boy is playing with a ball.
- TomaszTak, to bardzo miły chłopczyk.Yes, he is a very sweet little boy.
- AnnaCzy on jest sam?Is he alone?
- TomaszNie, jego tata stoi obok.No, his father is standing nearby.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little boy” translations and entries chłopczyk, chłopaczek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
