Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| niegrzeczny | /ɲɛˈɡʐɛt͡ʂ.nɘ/ | masculine |
| psotny | /ˈpsɔt.nɘ/ | masculine |
| nieposłuszny | /ɲɛ.pɔˈswuʂ.nɘ/ | masculine |
The word describes someone who is behaving badly or is tending to misbehave.
What does it mean word for word?
The word niegrzeczny is a compound of nie (not) and grzeczny (polite/well-behaved), literally meaning "not polite".
Which one should you use?
There are different ways to express shades of naughtiness in Polish. Use niegrzeczny when a child is being rude or disrespectful to adults. Use psotny to describe someone who is being playful or causing minor, harmless trouble rather than being truly rude. Use nieposłuszny when the focus is specifically on a failure to follow orders or rules.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms provided are masculine. The feminine form of niegrzeczny is niegrzeczna, while the neuter singular or non-masculine plural form is niegrzeczne.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd of 3 syllables. The IPA is /ɲɛˈɡʐɛtʂ.nɘ/.
When do people say it?
The term figlarz can be used as a playful and endearing term for someone who is naughty.
Did you know?
- The word niegrzeczny can be used in a romantic or flirtatious context to mean 'naughty', similar to how 'naughty' is used in English suggestive contexts.
- While niegrzeczny is the standard term for 'naughty', calling an adult this way is often seen as patronizing or an intentional attempt to treat them like a child.
- In Polish, the word grzeczny can describe a child who is 'good' or 'well-behaved', but it is rarely used for adults unless they are being overly formal or subservient.
Examples in context
- Dla chłopca lepiej być znanym jako niegrzeczny niż jako głupi.It's better for the boy to be known as naughty than as silly.This sentence compares the concept of being known as niegrzeczny with being silly.Tatoeba #12890391 by Stanislawspruss, translation #9921705 by lucasmg123
- Jesteś niegrzeczny.You are naughty.This sentence is a direct way to tell someone they are being niegrzeczny.Tatoeba #5664934 by machmet, translation #16789 by iamgrim
- Nie toleruję nieposłusznych dzieci.I cannot tolerate naughty children.This sentence shows the use of nieposłuszny when referring to children's lack of obedience.Tatoeba #676712 by yessoos, translation #463383 by minshirui
- Podczas uroczystego obiadu mój syn był niegrzeczny i nie słuchał.During the formal dinner, my son was naughty and not listening.
- Mój wnuczek jest prawdziwym figlarzem. Często ma zabawne pomysły!My grandson is a real naughty boy. He often has funny ideas!
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Tomasz are discussing their young son's behavior.
- AgnieszkaMój syn był dzisiaj bardzo niegrzeczny.My son was very naughty today.
- TomaszCzy on znowu był niegrzeczny w szkole?Was he naughty at school again?
- AgnieszkaTak, Tomasz, znowu nie słuchał nauczycielki.Yes, Tomasz, he wasn't listening to the teacher again.
- TomaszMusimy z nim porozmawiać o tym zachowaniu.We need to talk to him about this behavior.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “naughty” translations and entries niegrzeczny, psotny, nieposłuszny, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
