pieprz
/ˈpjɛpʂ/masculine
The English word "pepper" is translated into Polish as pieprz.
pieprz refers to the spice, such as black or white pepper. It is used as a masculine noun.
Meaning: spice (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish pieprz from papryka. While pieprz refers specifically to the spice (black/white pepper), papryka is the word used for bell peppers or chili peppers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The related verb pieprzyć is informal and colloquial. It can be used to mean talking nonsense or is used as a vulgarity, similar to the English term "to bullsh*t".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun pieprz changes to the form pieprzu when used with the prepositions w (in) or o (about).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpjɛpʂ/
Did you know?
- The phrase pieprzyć się is a common, vulgar way to refer to the act of sexual intercourse.
- Polish uses different words for the spice pieprz and the plant papryka, reflecting a historical distinction between black pepper from Asia and capsicums from the Americas.
- The word pieprzyć is frequently used as a slang term for 'to mess around' or 'to screw up', moving far beyond its culinary origins.
Examples in context
- To tylko gaz pieprzowy.It's just pepper spray.This sentence shows the use of pieprz in the term for pepper spray.Tatoeba #12567504 by JimiYoru, translation #3729610 by CM
- Mógłbyś podać mi pieprz?Could you pass me the pepper, please?This sentence shows how to ask for pieprz at a table.Tatoeba #2302805 by liori, translation #1056331 by CK
- Życzy pan sobie z pieprzem?Do you want pepper on it?This sentence demonstrates asking if someone wants pieprz on their food.Tatoeba #606074 by zipangu, translation #426440 by CM
- Przyprawę pieprzową można dodać do sosu pomidorowego.You can add pepper spice to the tomato sauce.
- Czy masz jakąś sproszkowaną paprykę do pizzy?Do you have any powdered pepper for the pizza?
- Pieprz czarny doskonale komponuje się z befsztykiem.Black pepper pairs perfectly with steak.
- Zupa jest zbyt pikantna. Pewnie dodali za dużo chili.The soup is too spicy. They probably added too much chili.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is cooking dinner in their kitchen.
- KrzysztofCzy w tym przepisie jest czarny pieprz?Is there black pepper in this recipe?
- KatarzynaTak, dodaj tylko trochę pieprzu.Yes, just add a little pepper.
- KrzysztofCzy mamy jeszcze świeżo zmielony pieprz?Do we still have freshly ground pepper?
- KatarzynaTak, leży w szafce.Yes, it is in the cupboard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pepper” translations and entries pieprz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
