Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kochanek | /kɔˈxa.nɛk/ | masculine |
| amant | /ˈa.mant/ | masculine |
| amantka | /aˈmant.ka/ | feminine |
| kochanka | /kɔˈxan.ka/ | feminine |
| kochanica | /kɔ.xaˈɲi.t͡sa/ | feminine |
| gach | /ˈɡax/ | masculine |
These terms are used to refer to a sexual partner.
What does it mean word for word?
The masculine form kochanek is derived from the verb kochać, which means to love.
Which one should you use?
The masculine kochanek and feminine kochanka are the standard terms. For a more formal or literary tone, you can use the masculine amant. In contrast, while kochanka is a neutral term for a female lover, the form kochanica is colloquial and carries a derogatory connotation, often implying a mistress in an adulterous relationship. The term gach is a masculine noun used for a lover.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Kochanek is the common way to say lover, whereas amant is more formal or literary. For an informal and affectionate way to refer to a lover of any gender, you can use kochanie, which means darling.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form kochanka is the genitive singular form of kochanek, which is used in possessive constructions such as 'the arms of the lover'.
How do you pronounce it?
kochanek is pronounced /kɔˈxa.nɛk/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The masculine amant suggests a sophisticated or literary context, whereas gach is rooted in folklore and rural stereotypes of a 'handsome rogue'.
- The word amant entered the Polish language as a loanword from the French 'amant' and was first documented in 1743.
Examples in context
- Layla pragnęła zarówno ramion kochanka, jak i bogactwa męża.Layla wanted both the arms of her lover and the wealth of her husband.This sentence shows the use of kochanka in a possessive context.Tatoeba #10203112 by Marlena, translation #6043455 by OsoHombre
- Kostka Toma jest spuchnięta, gdyż wyłamał kopniakiem drzwi kochanka swojej żony.Tom's ankle is swollen, as he had kicked the door of his wife's lover in.This sentence demonstrates the use of kochanka when referring to a person's lover.Tatoeba #5700091 by CarloLardini, translation #6029536 by Huskion
- Moja miłośćMy love.
- Ty jesteś moim kochankiem/kochankąYou are my lover.
- Cześć, kochanie!Hi, darling!
- Marek to dawny kochanek jej przyjaciółki.Marek is the former lover of her friend.
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Katarzyna are discussing a juicy piece of gossip.
- KrzysztofSłyszałaś, że ten kochanek wrócił do miasta?Have you heard that this lover has returned to town?
- KatarzynaNie, nie wiedziałam o tym.No, I didn't know about that.
- KrzysztofKatarzyno, on chce się z nią widzieć.Katarzyna, he wants to see her.
- KatarzynaTo będzie wielki skandal.That is going to be a big scandal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lover” translations and entries kochanek, amant, amantka, kochanka, kochanica, gach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amant, amantka, kochanek, kochanka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
