Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pokój | /ˈpɔ.kuj/ /ˈpɔ.koj/ (Middle, Polish) |
inanimate, masculine |
| mir | /ˈmir/ |
The primary way to express the state of being free from war is with the masculine inanimate noun pokój. While pokój refers to the absence of conflict, the related word spokój is used to describe a sense of tranquility or calmness and pokojowość refers to the concept of peacefulness or peaceful coexistence.
Which one should you use?
pokój is the standard term for peace, whereas mir is a dated or dialectal synonym that is rarely seen in modern standard Polish. Note that pokój is polysemous and can also mean a room in a house.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pokój is a neutral term used in official contexts. The form mir is considered archaic or dialectal and is not used in standard modern conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form mir is categorized as dialectal.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you need to use the genitive case for pokój, for example, to indicate possession or to use it after certain prepositions, the form changes to pokoju.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɔ.kuj/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
When do people say it?
The word cześć is a versatile term that can function as a greeting meaning both "hello" and "peace".
Did you know?
- The word pokój is derived from the Proto-Slavic word *pokòjь, which originally related to the idea of rest or repose.
- While pokój is the standard word for peace, the archaic term mir is a cognate of the Russian word for 'world' and 'peace'.
- If you ask someone to 'give you peace' using the word pokój, you might accidentally ask them to hand you a room.
Examples in context
- Pokój ma wielkie znaczenie.Peace is of great importance.This sentence demonstrates the importance of peace using pokój.Tatoeba #538527 by Bilberry, translation #320177 by CM
- Gałązka oliwna symbolizuje pokój.An olive branch symbolizes peace.This sentence uses pokój to describe an olive branch as a symbol of peace.Tatoeba #505588 by zipangu, translation #64821 by CK
- Pokój powrócił po trzech latach wojny.Peace has returned after three years of war.This sentence shows how pokój returns after a period of war.Tatoeba #3029799 by jeedrek, translation #72639 by CK
- Szukam pokojuI am seeking peace
- Pragnę spokojuI want peace
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Agnieszka are discussing current world events.
- PawełCzy wierzysz, że wkrótce zapanuje pokój?Do you believe that peace will prevail soon?
- AgnieszkaMam nadzieję, że tak, Pawle.I hope so, Paweł.
- PawełŚwiat bardzo potrzebuje teraz pokoju.The world needs peace very much right now.
- AgnieszkaZgadzam się z tobą całkowicie.I agree with you completely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peace” translations and entries pokój, mir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mir, pokój, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
