prawo
/ˈpra.vɔ/
The Polish word for the direction prawo (right) is used to indicate the side opposite to the left.
The word prawo is primarily used to indicate the direction or the right side. It can also function as a noun meaning a legal or moral entitlement, such as a right to vote. In an informal context, if you want to say 'right' to express agreement or certainty, you might use phrases like No pewnie or No jasne or simply use the informal term Okej.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
While prawo is the noun used for the direction 'the right' or the concept of 'right', the form prawy is the adjective used to describe a noun as being on the right side.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are using 'right' as an adjective to describe a noun, such as 'the right hand', the form changes from the noun prawo to the adjective prawy.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpra.vɔ/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Polish, the word prawo is used for both the physical direction 'right' and the legal concept of 'law'. This means a law school student is studying prawo.
- While prawo means 'right', the word for 'left' is lewo. In Polish folklore, the left side was historically associated with clumsiness or bad luck, similar to the English 'sinister'.
- The adjective prawy can be used to describe a person as 'righteous' or 'upright' in character.
Examples in context
- Masz prawo być zły.You have a right to be angry.This example shows how to express a legal or moral entitlement using prawo.Tatoeba #12062288 by uvenit127, translation #8566285 by CK
- Tom ma prawo wyborcze.Tom has the right to vote.This example demonstrates the use of prawo in the context of voting rights.Tatoeba #4829999 by jeedrek, translation #1025306 by CK
- Proszę skręcić w prawo.Please turn right.This example illustrates the use of prawo to indicate a direction.Tatoeba #760275 by zipangu, translation #2355815 by CK
- Twoja odpowiedź jest prawidłowaYour answer is correct/right
- Oczywiście, to jest właściwe rozwiązanieYes, that's the right/correct solution
- Zgadza się, to jest poprawneYes, that's correct/right
- No jasne, to jest prosteYeah, right, it's easy
- No jasne, zgadzam się z tobąSure, I agree with you
- Okej, spotkajmy się jutroOkay, let's meet tomorrow
- Naprawdę? Masz pewność?Really? Are you sure?
- No pewnie, to jest jasneRight, that's obvious
- No pewnie, masz racjęOf course, you're right
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Anna are walking down the street looking for a cafe.
- PawełCzy ta kawiarnia jest po lewej stronie?Is this cafe on the left side?
- AnnaNie, ona jest po prawo.No, it is to the right.
- PawełWidzę ją teraz, dziękuję Anno.I see it now, thank you Anna.
- AnnaNie ma problemu, chodźmy tam.No problem, let's go there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry prawo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
