How to say “run” in Polish: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you are planning a trip to Poland or simply looking to expand your linguistic skills, knowing how to say common words like “run” can be extremely helpful. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “run” in Polish, both formally and informally. Additionally, we will provide you with regional variations, tips, examples, and more.

Formal Ways to Say “Run”

If you are in a formal setting or addressing someone with respect, you can use the following phrases to convey “run” in Polish:

1. Biec – Pronounced as “byets,” this is the standard and most commonly used translation for “run” in formal situations. For example:
   
   

   “Proszę nie biec po korytarzu!” (Please do not run in the hallway!)

2. Gonić – Pronounced as “go-neech,” this word primarily means “to chase” but can also be used in formal contexts to mean “to run” in certain contexts. Here’s an example:
   
   

   “Biegam, ponieważ muszę czasem gonić autobus.” (I run because sometimes I have to chase the bus.)

3. Pędzić – Pronounced as “pen-jeetch,” this verb is slightly more formal and conveys the idea of running at a high speed. It can also imply rushing or hurrying. For instance:
   
   

   “Jan pędził do mijającego autobusu.” (Jan was running to catch the departing bus.)

Informal Ways to Say “Run”

When speaking more casually or with friends, you can use these informal expressions for “run” in Polish:

1. Biec – As mentioned above, “biec” is the most commonly used term for “run” in Polish, regardless of the context. It is widely applicable in informal conversation too. For example, you might say:
   
   

   “Czy możemy pobiec do sklepu?” (Can we run to the store?)

2. Pędzić – While previously mentioned in the formal section, “pędzić” is also suitable for informal situations. It often conveys a sense of excitement and urgency. Here’s an example:
   
   

   “Gdzie się pędzisz tak szybko?” (Where are you rushing off to so quickly?)

3. Machać nogami – Pronounced as “ma-hatch no-gah-mee,” this phrase is particularly colloquial and translates to “to move your legs energetically.” It is often used when encouraging someone to run or hurry up. An example might be:
   
   

   “Machać nogami, bo pociąg odjeżdża!” (Start running, the train is departing!)

Regional Variations

Polish, being a diverse language, has regional variations in terms of vocabulary. However, when it comes to the word “run,” the variations are fairly minimal. The most common terms mentioned above are widely known and understood throughout Poland. However, you might come across these regional variations:

• Truchtać – Pronounced as “troo-h-tatch,” this verb is specifically used in certain regions of Poland, including central and eastern areas. It refers to running at a slower pace or jogging. An example would be:
  
  

  “Idziemy truchtać do parku?” (Shall we go for a slow run in the park?)

• Wybiec – Pronounced as “vi-bye-tz,” this term is sometimes heard in southern regions of Poland and implies running out or running ahead. Here’s an example:
  
  

  “Wybiegnij naprzód, a ja do Ciebie dobiegnę!” (Run ahead, and I’ll catch up with you!)

Tips and Examples

To help you understand and remember how to say “run” in Polish more effectively, here are a few additional tips and examples:

• When unsure about the appropriate form to use, “biec” is a safe choice, as it is widely understood in both formal and informal contexts.
• If you want to encourage someone to run faster, you can use phrases like “szybko biegnij” (run quickly) or “przyspiesz” (speed up).
• Consider practicing the different pronunciations of the words mentioned above to ensure you pronounce them correctly when speaking Polish.

Let’s conclude with a few additional examples to further solidify your understanding:

“Zaczynam biegać każdego ranka, i jest to niesamowicie relaksujące.” (I start running every morning, and it is incredibly relaxing.)
“Nie gubię się na trasie, bo zawsze biegnę za znakami.” (I don’t get lost on the route because I always run following the signs.)
“Pędzę tak szybko, jak tylko mogę, aby zdążyć na pociąg.” (I run as fast as I can to catch the train.)
“Goniłem swojego brata, ale nie udało mi się go dogonić.” (I was chasing my brother, but I couldn’t catch up with him.)

With these examples and phrases in mind, you are now well-equipped to use the appropriate word for “run” in Polish across various contexts.

We hope this guide has been informative and helpful in expanding your vocabulary. Enjoy your language learning journey and the rich linguistic experiences that Poland has to offer!