smoczek
/ˈsmɔ.t͡ʂɛk/masculine
The Polish word for pacifier is smoczek.
smoczek is a masculine noun used to refer to a baby's pacifier.
Meaning: for a baby (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈsmɔ.tʂɛk/.
Did you know?
- The word smoczek is etymologically linked to the Polish word smok, which means 'dragon'.
- Polish has a specific verb oduczyć, often used with smoczek, which means to 'un-teach' a child how to use a pacifier.
- Unlike in some English-speaking cultures where pacifiers are strictly for infants, some Polish caregivers use smoczki for toddlers longer to soothe them during naps.
Examples in context
- Gdzie jest smoczek?Where is the pacifier?
- Ten smoczek jest czysty.This pacifier is clean.
- Kupiłam nowy smoczek dla dziecka.I bought a new pacifier for the baby.
Example conversation
Piotr and Katarzyna are preparing the baby for a nap.
- PiotrKatarzyna, czy widzisz smoczek?Katarzyna, do you see the pacifier?
- KatarzynaTak, leży na stole w kuchni.Yes, it is lying on the kitchen table.
- PiotrDziękuję, wezmę go teraz.Thank you, I will take it now.
- KatarzynaDobrze, dziecko już chce spać.Good, the baby wants to sleep already.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pacifier” translations and entries smoczek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries smoczek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
