usta
/ˈus.ta/plural
The English word 'mouth' is translated into Polish as usta. Wiktionary also lists paszcza and gęba.
Meaning: the opening of a creature through which food is ingested (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| usta | /ˈus.ta/ /ˈus.ta/ (Middle, Polish) |
plural |
| paszcza | /ˈpaʂ.t͡ʂa/ | feminine |
| gęba | /ˈɡɛm.ba/ | feminine |
The term refers to the opening of a creature through which food is ingested.
Which one should you use?
While usta is the standard term, paszcza refers to the large, gaping mouth of an animal or a monster.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word gęba is a highly informal and often rude way to refer to someone's mouth or face. Similarly, ryj is an informal way to refer to someone's mouth and can be considered slightly derogatory.
Is it said differently in some regions?
gęba is a dialectal term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The standard word for 'mouth' is usta, which is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈus.ta/.
Did you know?
- Polish distinguishes between usta for romantic or poetic contexts and buzia for a cute, childlike 'mouth' or 'face'. The latter is commonly used when talking to toddlers or pets.
- While ryj is used as a rude term for a human mouth, its literal and primary meaning is the snout of a pig.
- In Polish, usta is a plural-only noun, meaning it does not have a singular form like 'mouth' in English.
Examples in context
- Tom ma duże usta.Tom has a big mouth.This sentence is useful for describing someone's physical features using usta.Tatoeba #5989614 by jeedrek, translation #1025510 by CK
- Nie mów z pełnymi ustami.Do not talk with your mouth full.This sentence is useful for giving advice about eating and speaking using usta.Tatoeba #355741 by zipangu, translation #240538 by CC
- Nie mówi się z pełnymi ustami.You should not speak when your mouth is full.This sentence is useful for stating a general rule about speaking while eating using usta.Tatoeba #539962 by orzechowski, translation #2749871 by mervert1
- Proszę otworzyć usta.Please open your mouth.
- Powiedz to bezpośrednio do mojej gęby!Say it directly to my face!
- Jeszcze zamknij ten ryj!Just shut your mouth already!
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Paweł are discussing a skincare product.
- MałgorzataTen balsam nawilża usta.This balm moisturizes the lips.
- PawełCzy on jest dobry?Is it good?
- MałgorzataTak, moje usta nie są już suche.Yes, my lips are no longer dry.
- PawełKupię go jutro.I will buy it tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mouth” translations and entries usta, paszcza, gęba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
