jeden
/ˈjɛ.dɛn/
The Polish word for one is jeden. If unsure, use jeden. Wiktionary also lists jedynka.
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| jeden | /ˈjɛ.dɛn/ /ˈjɛ.dɛn/ (Middle, Polish) |
|
| jedynka | /jɛˈdɘn.ka/ | feminine |
jeden is the cardinal number one.
Which one should you use?
While jeden is the cardinal number, jedynka is used to refer to the digit itself or a specific item labeled 'number one' (like a grade or a bus line).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form jeden changes to jedna when modifying a feminine noun (such as jedna książka for one book) and to jedno when modifying a neuter noun. The feminine form jedna changes to jedną when used as a direct object in the accusative case.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈjɛ.dɛn/.
Did you know?
- In the Polish school grading system, a 'jedynka' is not a top mark, but rather the lowest possible grade, equivalent to an 'F' or a '1' in many other systems.
- The Polish word jeden shares a common ancestor with the English word 'one' and the Greek 'hen', all tracing back to the same Proto-Indo-European root.
- Unlike English, where 'one' can be an indefinite pronoun meaning 'a person', Polish uses człowiek or ktoś for this purpose and never jeden.
Examples in context
- Jest o jeden mniej.There is one less.This sentence shows how to use jeden to express a quantity of one less.Tatoeba #7727827 by qmak, translation #1635525 by Amastan
- Spadł jej jeden but.One of her shoes fell off.This sentence demonstrates the use of jeden when referring to a single object.Tatoeba #527421 by zipangu, translation #12831360 by mollydot
- Mi też jeden kupcie!Buy me one as well!This sentence shows how jeden can be used when requesting a single item.Tatoeba #6301958 by arie, translation #6307406 by sundown
- Mam tylko jeden kawałek ciasta.I have only one piece of cake.
- Poproszę państwa o jedną kopię tego pisma.I kindly ask you for one copy of this document.
- Zjadłem jedną kanapkę.I ate one sandwich.
- jedna kobietaOne woman
- 125 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Katarzyna and Piotr are ordering coffee at a cafe.
- KatarzynaPoproszę jeden mały napój.One small drink, please.
- PiotrDla mnie też jeden, proszę.One for me too, please.
- KatarzynaCzy to będzie wszystko?Will that be all?
- PiotrTak, tylko jeden kawałek ciasta.Yes, just one piece of cake.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one” translations and entries jeden, jedynka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jeden, jedynka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
