szkodnik
/ˈʂkɔd.ɲik/
The English word "pest" is translated into Polish as szkodnik.
szkodnik refers to an animal regarded as a nuisance. In Polish, this term is used for biological pests, such as rodents or insects, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe a person who causes trouble or harm.
Meaning: animal regarded as a nuisance (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun is szkodniki. If you need to express possession or use certain prepositions, you might use the genitive form szkodnika, such as in the phrase brak szkodnika (lack of a pest).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈʂkɔd.ɲik/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The root szkoda in szkodnik is a cognate of the German word Schaden, as in the legal term 'Schadenfreude' (pleasure derived from another's misfortune).
- In a metaphorical sense, calling a child a szkodnik is often a playful or affectionate way to describe a mischievous kid who breaks things, rather than a genuine accusation of malice.
- The word szkodnik shares a deep linguistic ancestor with the English word 'scathe', as seen in the term 'unscathed'. Both derive from a root meaning to cause damage or harm.
Examples in context
- W środowisku rolniczym ważne jest kontrolowanie szkodników.In the agricultural environment, it is important to control pests.
- Musimy podjąć działania przeciwko pladze insektów.We need to take action against the insect infestation.
- Ta mucha to taki szkodnik, ciągle wokół nas lata.That fly is such a nuisance, it keeps buzzing around us.
- insekty szkodliweharmful insects
- Szkodniki niszczą nasze uprawy.Pests are destroying our crops.
- Długotrwała susza przyczynia się do namnażania się szkodników.Prolonged drought contributes to the multiplication of pests.
- Stężenie szkodników jest szczególnie wysokie w okresie letnim.The concentration of pests is particularly high in the summer period.
- Ten szkodnik zniszczył moje plony.This pest destroyed my crops.
- Musimy pozbyć się każdego szkodnika z ogrodu.We must get rid of every pest from the garden.
- Czy to jest jakiś szkodnik?Is this some kind of pest?
Example conversation
Paweł and Agnieszka are looking at plants in their garden.
- PawełSpójrz na te liście, Agnieszka.Look at these leaves, Agnieszka.
- AgnieszkaCzy to jakiś szkodnik?Is it some kind of pest?
- PawełTak, ten szkodnik zjada rośliny.Yes, this pest is eating the plants.
- AgnieszkaMusimy coś z tym zrobić.We have to do something about it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry szkodnik, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
