Which one should you use?
While szczęście can mean both 'luck' and 'happiness' depending on the context, it is distinct from szansa, which refers to the concept of chance or a favorable opportunity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is neuter. When you want to wish someone 'much luck' in a more formal or specific way, you use the genitive form szczęścia, as in Dużo szczęścia.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʂtʂɛw̃ɕ.tɕɛ/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say szczęście! when they intend to wish someone 'good luck' before an event. Instead, you should use Powodzenia! to wish someone luck.
When do people say it?
To wish someone good luck, you can say Powodzenia! Another common way to wish someone luck is to say Trzymam kciuki!, which literally translates to 'I'm holding my thumbs!'
Did you know?
- The Polish word szczęście is historically related to the word część, meaning 'part' or 'portion'.
- A common way to wish someone luck in Poland is to say 'trzymam kciuki', which literally means 'I am holding my thumbs'.
- To wish someone luck for a specific task, Poles use Powodzenia, which is derived from a word meaning 'success' or 'outcome'.
Examples in context
- Nie ma czegoś takiego jak szczęście.There's no such thing as luck.This sentence shows the use of szczęście in a negative context regarding its existence.Tatoeba #4789188 by Chemiczny_Bogdan, translation #4781215 by Hybrid
- Nie mogę uwierzyć w nasze szczęście.I can't believe our luck.This sentence illustrates expressing disbelief regarding one's szczęście.Tatoeba #6671583 by juu_ichi, translation #6666398 by CK
- W ruletce nie chodzi tylko o szczęście.The roulette is not only about luck.This sentence shows how szczęście relates to games of chance like roulette.Tatoeba #12062323 by uvenit127, translation #1137002 by marcelostockle
- PowodzeniaGood luck!
- Dzięki, powodzenia!Thanks, good luck!
- Masz farta!You have luck!
- Powodzenia z egzaminem!Good luck with your exam!
- Masz farta, wygrałeś!You have luck, you won!
- Dzięki, powodzenia na prezentacji!Thanks, good luck with your presentation!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Tomasz are talking about winning a small prize.
- MałgorzataTo było wielkie szczęście!That was great luck!
- TomaszMasz rację, wciąż nie wierzę.You're right, I still can't believe it.
- MałgorzataCzy wierzysz w szczęście, Tomaszu?Do you believe in luck, Tomasz?
- TomaszTak, czasem jest ono niezbędne.Yes, sometimes it is necessary.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “luck” translations and entries szczęście, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries szczęście, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
