How to Say “Look” in Polish

Ways to say it

The verb refers to the act of trying to see something. It can also be used as an interjection, such as słuchaj, to attract someone's attention or related to the noun pogląd regarding the action of looking.

Which one should you use?

The imperfective form patrzeć is used when describing an ongoing process of looking or a general habit. The perfective form popatrzeć is used for a single, completed action, often implying a brief or one-time look, such as 'to take a look'. Another alternative is spojrzeć, which specifically emphasizes a quick, sudden or momentary glance.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

In informal settings, you can use Zobacz to mean 'look' or 'check it out' or spójrz tu for 'look here'. The phrase No patrz is an informal expression used to convey surprise or amazement. For formal contexts, use Proszę spojrzeć to say 'please look'.

Related words

Interjection to attract attention (intj): słuchaj.

Action of looking (noun): pogląd.

How does it change in a sentence?

When you look at something or someone, you must use the preposition na followed by the accusative case, forming the structure patrzeć na [object].

How do you pronounce it?

patrzeć is pronounced /ˈpa.tʂɛtɕ/. It has 2 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.

What mistakes should you avoid?

English speakers often try to use the verb with a direct object without a preposition. Remember that you must say patrzeć na [object] to mean 'to look at [object]'.