siostrzenica
/ɕɔs.tʂɛˈɲi.t͡sa/feminine
The English word niece is translated into Polish as either bratanica or siostrzenica.
Meaning: fraternal or sororal niece (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| siostrzenica | /ɕɔs.tʂɛˈɲi.t͡sa/ | feminine |
| bratanica | /bra.taˈɲi.t͡sa/ | feminine |
What does it mean word for word?
bratanica is derived from the root for brother, brat and literally means brother's girl or daughter. siostrzenica is derived from the root for sister, siostra and literally means sister's girl or daughter.
Which one should you use?
Use bratanica specifically for the daughter of your brother. Use siostrzenica specifically for the daughter of your sister.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both bratanica and siostrzenica are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word siostrzenica is pronounced /ɕɔs.tʂɛˈɲi.tsa/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- In many Slavic languages, including Polish, the distinction between which sibling's child you are talking about is considered essential information, whereas English treats 'niece' as a generic term.
- The word siostrzenica is derived from the older term siostrzany, which referred to the side of the family related to one's sister.
- If a person has a niece from both a brother and a sister, they cannot use a single collective plural noun like 'nieces' without using both bratanice and siostrzenice.
Examples in context
- To jest moja bratanica.This is my niece.This sentence is useful for introducing your niece (using bratanica).Tatoeba #10702016 by tokzyk, translation #10701244 by AlanF_US
- Bratanica to córka brata.A niece is a daughter of one's brother or sister.This sentence defines the relation of a niece (using bratanica).Tatoeba #527947 by Dany74PL, translation #323493 by CM
- Moja siostrzenica pochodzi z Libii. Jest Libijką.My niece is from Libya. She is Libyan.This sentence describes a niece's origin (using siostrzenica).Tatoeba #1470644 by Pandista, translation #1110689 by shekitten
- Moja siostrzenica jest bardzo utalentowana.My niece is very talented.
- Moja siostrzeniczka jest moim oczkiem w głowie.My niece is the apple of my eye.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Piotr are talking about their family gathering.
- AgnieszkaCzy Twoja siostrzenica też będzie na urodzinach?Will your niece also be at the birthday party?
- PiotrTak, ona bardzo lubi Twoje przyjęcia.Yes, she likes your parties very much.
- AgnieszkaTo świetnie, przygotuję dla niej mały prezent.That is great, I will prepare a small gift for her.
- PiotrDziękuję, ona na pewno się ucieszy.Thank you, she will certainly be happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “niece” translations and entries siostrzenica, bratanica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bratanica, siostrzenica, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
