Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| spodnie | /ˈspɔd.ɲɛ/ | nonvirile, plural |
| gacie | /ˈɡa.t͡ɕɛ/ | nonvirile, plural |
| pantalony | /pan.taˈlɔ.nɘ/ | nonvirile, plural |
| portki | /ˈpɔrt.ki/ | nonvirile, plural |
The primary word used to describe a garment covering the body from the waist downwards is spodnie.
Which one should you use?
Spodnie is the standard and neutral term. In contrast, pantalony sounds more old-fashioned or formal, while portki is more colloquial. The term gacie can refer to either pants or underwear depending on the context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Spodnie is the neutral, standard choice for any situation. Pantalony is more formal or old-fashioned. Portki is colloquial, and gacie is an informal term that can be slightly vulgar or humorous.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Portki is a colloquial term that may also be considered regional.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms provided in this entry, spodnie, gacie, pantalony and portki, are nonvirile and plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word spodnie is pronounced /ˈspɔd.ɲɛ/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The formal word pantalony entered Polish via French and Italian, but it traces back to a character named Pantalone from Italian theater.
- While gacie is often used for underwear, saying spadły mi gacie can be used humorously to describe a total loss of composure or dignity.
- The standard word spodnie is actually built from the Polish word spód, which means 'bottom' or 'underside'.
Examples in context
- Twoje spodnie są brudne.Your pants are dirty.This sentence shows how to describe the condition of the spodnie.Tatoeba #8765504 by nusia2302, translation #1895541 by CK
- Och, moje białe spodnie! A były one nowe.Oh, my white pants! And they were new.This sentence expresses dismay about the condition of white spodnie.Tatoeba #600730 by buari, translation #1553 by steverules123
- Co powinnam ubrać – spodnie czy spódnicę?What shall I put on: pants or a skirt?This sentence is useful for choosing between spodnie and a skirt.Tatoeba #10593842 by tokzyk, translation #402788 by FeuDRenais
- Gdzie kupiłeś te spodnie?Where did you buy these pants?
- Mam na sobie nowe szorty.I'm wearing new shorts.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Piotr are getting ready to go out.
- MałgorzataPiotrze, gdzie są moje czarne spodnie?Piotr, where are my black pants?
- PiotrWydają mi się być w szafie.I think they are in the closet.
- MałgorzataNie widzę ich, może są w pralce?I don't see them, maybe they are in the washing machine?
- PiotrTak, te spodnie są jeszcze mokre.Yes, those pants are still wet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pants” translations and entries spodnie, gacie, pantalony, portki, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gacie, pantalony, portki, spodnie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
