poduszka
/pɔˈduʂ.ka/feminine
The Polish word for pillow is poduszka. If unsure, use poduszka. Wiktionary also lists zagłówek.
Meaning: soft cushion used to support the head in bed (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| poduszka | /pɔˈduʂ.ka/ | feminine |
| zagłówek | /zaˈɡwu.vɛk/ | masculine |
The word refers to a soft cushion used to support the head in bed.
Which one should you use?
While poduszka refers to a soft pillow for sleeping, zagłówek is used for a headrest, such as in a car or a chair.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of poduszka is poduszki, but poduszki is also the genitive singular form used after certain quantities or prepositions. The word changes to poduszce when used in the dative or locative cases, such as in the phrase na poduszce (on the pillow).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /pɔˈduʂ.ka/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The term poduszka powietrzna is used to describe an 'airbag' in a car, literally translating to an 'air pillow'.
- The Polish word zagłówek is also used in publishing to mean a 'header' or 'headline' at the top of a page.
- The root of poduszka is related to the word 'under', because a pillow is something placed 'under' your head.
Examples in context
- Twoja poduszka jest brudna.Your pillow is dirty.This sentence shows the use of poduszka to describe the condition of a pillow.Tatoeba #11581749 by polski_ren, translation #8392021 by Smoky
- Ta poduszka jest pokryta aksamitem.This pillow is covered with velvet.This sentence shows the use of poduszka to describe a pillow's covering.Tatoeba #5652980 by kami987, translation #6029604 by Huskion
- Ta inteligentna poduszka wibruje, kiedy chrapiesz.This smart pillow vibrates when you snore.This sentence shows the use of poduszka to describe a piece of smart technology.Tatoeba #12567525 by JimiYoru, translation #5749518 by Hybrid
- Mogę pożyczyć twoją poduchę?Can I borrow your pillow?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Piotr and Anna are preparing the guest room.
- PiotrCzy ta poduszka jest wygodna?Is this pillow comfortable?
- AnnaTak, jest bardzo miękka.Yes, it is very soft.
- PiotrDobrze, położę ją na łóżku.Good, I will put it on the bed.
- AnnaDziękuję ci, Piotrze.Thank you, Piotr.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pillow” translations and entries poduszka, zagłówek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poduszka, zagłówek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
