bąk
/ˈbɔŋk/masculine
The English phrase "little one" can be translated into Polish as bąk. Wiktionary also lists bączek.
Meaning: young child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bąk | /ˈbɔŋk/ /ˈbɔ̃k/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
| bączek | /ˈbɔn.t͡ʂɛk/ | masculine |
This term is used to refer to a young child in an endearing and often humorous way.
Which one should you use?
bączek is an alternative masculine form.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term bąk is colloquial and should be used in informal settings, such as with family or friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the word is the direct object of a verb, such as in the sentence "I see the little one", the form changes from bąk to bączka.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɔŋk/
Did you know?
- Beyond referring to children, bąk can be used as a colloquial term for a 'fart' in Polish.
- While used for children, bąk also means 'bumblebee' in Polish. This creates a playful image of a small child buzzing around the room.
- The root of bąk comes from the Proto-Slavic word *bǫkъ, which was used across early Slavic languages to describe things that hummed or buzzed.
Examples in context
- Gdzie jest nasz mały bąk?Where is our little one?
Example conversation
Anna and Tomasz are looking at their toddler playing on the floor.
- AnnaSpójrz, jak ten bąk dzielnie buduje wieżę.Look how this little one is bravely building a tower.
- TomaszBardzo się w tym zapracował.He's worked very hard on it.
- AnnaTo naprawdę bardzo zdolny bąk.He is truly a very talented little one.
- TomaszZgadzam się z tobą, Anno.I agree with you, Anna.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little one” translations and entries bąk, bączek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bączek, bąk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
