ksiądz
/ˈkɕɔnt͡s/Christian, masculine
The Polish word for priest is ksiądz. Wiktionary also lists kapłan and klecha.
Meaning: clergyman (clergywoman, clergyperson) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ksiądz | /ˈkɕɔnt͡s/ /ˈkɕɔ̃t͡s/ (Middle, Polish) |
Christian, masculine |
| kapłan | /ˈka.pwan/ | masculine |
| klecha | /ˈklɛ.xa/ | masculine, pejorative |
| duchowny | /duˈxɔv.nɘ/ | masculine |
| prezbiter | /prɛzˈbi.tɛr/ | Christian, masculine |
| żerca (Poganism) | masculine | |
| żyrzec (Poganism) | masculine | |
| wołchw (Poganism) | masculine | |
| żyrzko (Poganism) | masculine | |
| guślarz (Poganism) | masculine |
While ksiądz is the standard word for a Catholic priest in everyday conversation, kapłan is a more formal or anthropological term for a priest or cult leader. In Poland, ksiądz is used not only as a noun but also as a respectful title or form of address when speaking directly to a priest.
Which one should you use?
Duchowny is a formal, respectful term used to refer to a member of the clergy in a general sense, rather than a specific person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Klecha is a derogatory, slang term for a priest and should be avoided in polite or respectful conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ksiądz is an irregular masculine noun. For example, the genitive form (used for 'of the priest') is księdza.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɕɔnts/
Did you know?
- The word ksiądz is a linguistic relative of the word kniaź, which means 'prince'.
- In historical or pagan contexts, a priest might be called a guślarz, a term often associated with folk magic or ritual trance.
- While modern terminology is standard, ancient Slavic practitioners of religion were referred to by terms like żerca or wołchw.
Examples in context
- Ksiądz jest ateistą.The priest is an atheist.This sentence shows the use of ksiądz to describe someone's religious identity.Tatoeba #2981807 by jeedrek, translation #2779968 by Hybrid
- Kapłan pobłogosławił wiernych.The priest blessed the congregation.This sentence demonstrates the use of kapłan in a formal context.Tatoeba #368424 by zipangu, translation #245507 by Zifre
- Nasza szefowa, pani Magdalena, na zarzut księdza, że jej nieskromny dekolt wzbudza grzeszne myśli, odpowiedziała, że on nie skusiłby jej, nawet gdyby stanął przed nią nago.Our boss, Ms. Magdalena, to the priest's objection that her immodest décolletage evokes sinful thoughts replied that he would not tempt her even if he stood naked in front of her.This sentence shows the genitive form księdza used in a complex sentence.
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Piotr are talking about a visit to the church.
- MałgorzataCzy ksiądz jest dziś w kościele?Is the priest in the church today?
- PiotrTak, pan ksiądz właśnie odprawia mszę.Yes, the priest is celebrating mass right now.
- MałgorzataTo dobrze, bo chciałam go zapytać o poradę.That's good, because I wanted to ask him for advice.
- PiotrMożesz go spotkać po nabożeństwie.You can meet him after the service.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “priest” translations and entries ksiądz, kapłan, klecha, duchowny, prezbiter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duchowny, kapłan, klecha, ksiądz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
