Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| okres | /ˈɔ.krɛs/ /ˈɔ.krɛs/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
| period | /ˈpɛ.rjɔt/ | formal, masculine |
okres is the standard term for an interval of time or a menstrual period. The form period is also used to refer to an interval of time, but it is more common in literary or formal contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The idiomatic expression i kropka! used to mean 'period!' (end of discussion) literally translates to 'and dot!'
Which one should you use?
While both okres and period can refer to an interval of time, okres is the standard word used when referring specifically to a menstrual period.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
period is a formal and literary masculine noun, whereas okres is a masculine noun.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the word in a negative sentence, such as saying you do not have your period, the masculine noun okres changes to its genitive form okresu.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈɔ.krɛs/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
When you want to express the English sense of 'period!' to signal that a discussion is finished, use the phrase i kropka!
Did you know?
- The Polish word for a menstrual cycle, okres, is a masculine noun, even though the biological process it describes is feminine.
- While okres is the standard term for time, the word period is a learned borrowing from Latin periodus and Ancient Greek períodos.
- When a Polish speaker denies having a period, the word okres must change to its genitive form okresu because of a specific grammar rule involving negation.
Examples in context
- Okres spóźnia mi się o pięć tygodni.My period is five weeks late.This example shows how to use okres to describe a menstrual cycle being late.Tatoeba #8178620 by arie, translation #271887 by jakov
- Nie dostałam okresu.My period hasn't come.This example shows the use of the genitive form okresu following a negation.Tatoeba #8178633 by arie, translation #500377 by blay_paul
- Okresy w historii są kluczowe do zrozumienia przeszłości.Periods in history are crucial to understanding the past.
- To był bardzo trudny okres w moim życiu.It was a very difficult period in my life.
Example conversation
Anna and Krzysztof are talking about their careers.
- AnnaKiedy pracowałeś w Londynie?When did you work in London?
- KrzysztofTo był krótki okres przed moim wyjazdem do Polski.That was a short period before my move to Poland.
- AnnaCzy podobało ci się tam?Did you like it there?
- KrzysztofTak, bardzo lubię to miasto.Yes, I like that city very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “period” translations and entries okres, period, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries okres, period, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
