kiełbasa
/kjɛwˈba.sa/
The English phrase "polish sausage" is translated into Polish as kiełbasa.
kiełbasa refers to a type of smoked sausage originating from Poland.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of kiełbasa is kiełbasy. If you are using certain prepositions such as 'o' (about) or 'w' (in), you must use the locative form kiełbasie, such as in the phrase 'o kiełbasie' (about the sausage).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and the stress is on the second syllable: /kjɛwˈba.sa/.
Did you know?
- The word kiełbasa became a powerful political symbol in Poland during the 1980s. It represented economic struggle and protest during the 'meat shortages' of the communist era.
- Grilling kiełbasa over an open fire is the central activity of an ognisko. This is a traditional Polish bonfire gathering specifically intended for friends and family.
- The term 'kiełbasa' is part of a massive linguistic family of meat-related words across Eastern Europe. Its Proto-Slavic root is so ancient that it connects Polish sausage to similar-sounding meat products in almost every Slavic language.
Examples in context
- Ta kiełbasa jest bardzo smaczna.This sausage is very tasty.
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Agnieszka are at a local market.
- KrzysztofAgnieszko, czy ta kiełbasa jest świeża?Agnieszka, is this sausage fresh?
- AgnieszkaTak, wygląda na bardzo dobrą.Yes, it looks very good.
- KrzysztofW takim razie weźmy ją.In that case, let's take it.
- AgnieszkaDobry pomysł, Krzysztofie.Good idea, Krzysztof.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kiełbasa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kiełbasa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
