Polka
/ˈpɔl.ka/
The English phrase "polish girl" is translated into Polish as Polka.
Polka is a noun used to refer to a female person of Polish nationality.
Which one should you use?
While Polka is the noun for a Polish woman or girl, the adjective polski is used instead when you want to describe things or qualities as being Polish. Additionally, Polka is specifically the feminine form, whereas Polak is the masculine noun used for a Polish man.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is Polka, and the plural form used for multiple Polish girls or women is Polki.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈpɔl.ka/.
Did you know?
- The word Polka is a namesake for the 'polka' dance and music style, which became a global phenomenon in the 19th century.
- The root of the word for a Polish person is thought to connect to the Proto-Indo-European root for 'field' or 'plain', potentially referring to the landscape of the region.
- Be careful with your pronunciation, as saying Polka with a slightly different vowel sound than the word for a Polish woman results in the word półka, which means 'shelf'.
Examples in context
- To jest moja dobra koleżanka, Polka.This is my good friend, a Polish girl.
- Ta Polka jest bardzo miła.That Polish girl is very nice.
- Czy ta Polka mówi po angielsku?Does that Polish girl speak English?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new student in their class.
- MałgorzataCzy znasz nową studentkę?Do you know the new student?
- PiotrTak, to jest Polka.Yes, she is a Polish girl.
- MałgorzataSkąd ona dokładnie pochodzi?Where exactly is she from?
- PiotrJest z Warszawy.She is from Warsaw.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Polka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Polka, polka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
