mówić
/ˈmu.vit͡ɕ/
To say in Polish is mówić.
mówić is a versatile verb used in both formal and informal contexts, often used for discussing opinions, ideas or giving instructions. To express the ability to speak a specific language, use the construction mówić po followed by the language name in the accusative case, such as mówić po polsku (to speak Polish). Related to this, the noun głos can mean a chance to speak or the right or power to influence or decide.
Meaning: to communicate verbally or in writing (verb)
Which one should you use?
While mówić describes the ongoing process of speaking or the ability to speak, the verb powiedzieć is used for a single, completed act of saying something. Additionally, if you need to make a formal or public announcement, use the verb ogłosić.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Common forms of mówić include the first-person singular present tense mówię (I say / I am speaking), the third-person plural present tense mówią (they say / they speak) and the masculine singular past tense mówił (he said / he was speaking).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈmu.vitɕ/.
Did you know?
- The noun głos can mean 'voice', but in a political context, it is the exact same word used for a 'vote' in an election.
- The word mówić can be used idiomatically in the phrase mówić do ścian, which translates to 'to speak to walls', meaning you are talking to people who are not listening.
- The word mówić comes from the Proto-Slavic word *mъlviti, which is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *mlewH-der.
Examples in context
- Powiem ci co mówić.I'll tell you what to say.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb mówić.Tatoeba #12359898 by arie, translation #2544824 by CK
- Jak śmiesz tak mówić?How dare you say that?Tatoeba #2593986 by Hikaru, translation #16342 by Zifre
- Nie musisz nic mówić.You don't have to say anything.Tatoeba #6602770 by princes21, translation #3388021 by CK
- Powiedziałem mu, że jestem zainteresowany jego projektem.I told him I'm interested in his project.
- Mówię ci, że to jest dobre rozwiązanie.I'm telling you, this is a good solution.
- Rzekł mi, że jestem najlepszy.He said to me that I am the best.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Katarzyna are discussing their language skills.
- KrzysztofCzy potrafisz mówić po polsku?Can you speak Polish?
- KatarzynaTak, mówię trochę po polsku.Yes, I speak a little Polish.
- KrzysztofBardzo dobrze mówisz, Katarzyno.You speak very well, Katarzyna.
- KatarzynaDziękuję ci, Krzysztofie.Thank you, Krzysztof.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “say” translations and entries mówić, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mówić, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
