szalik
/ˈʂa.lik/masculine
The English word "scarf" is szalik in Polish.
The term szalik is used to describe a long garment worn around the neck.
Meaning: long garment worn around the neck (noun)
Which one should you use?
While szalik refers to a long, narrow scarf typically worn for warmth, the related word szal is used for a wider, often decorative shawl or wrap.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun szalik has the plural form szaliki. Use the form szalika when the scarf is the object of a negation or follows certain prepositions such as do (to/towards).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of szalik is /ˈʂa.lik/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The root of the word travels a massive distance from its origins in ancient Persian and Hindi, through French, to reach Polish. This means your neck warmer is a direct linguistic traveler from the East.
- While a szalik is for warmth, the wider szal is often associated with elegance or traditional mourning attire in Polish history.
- The word szalik is actually a diminutive form of the older word szal. It is as if you added the English suffix '-let' to the word 'shawl' to create a smaller, more specific version.
Examples in context
- Czemu nosisz ten szalik?Why are you wearing that scarf?This sentence is useful for asking why someone is wearing a specific szalik.Tatoeba #3079775 by jeedrek, translation #2642527 by CK
- Mój szalik jest niebieski.My scarf is blue.This sentence is useful for describing the color of a szalik.Tatoeba #4410207 by Baakamono, translation #4410141 by XenoKat
- Nie podoba ci się mój żółty szalik?Don't you like my yellow scarf?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's preference for a yellow szalik.Tatoeba #3549156 by Siganiv, translation #3093403 by CM
- Czy wiesz, gdzie mogę kupić chustę jedwabną?Do you know where I can buy a silk scarf?
- Czy widziałeś mój szalik? Jestem pewien, że zostawiłem go tutaj.Have you seen my scarf? I'm sure I left it here.
- Ta apaszka dodaje koloru mojej stylizacji.This scarf adds some color to my outfit.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Katarzyna and Paweł are getting ready to go for a walk in the cold.
- KatarzynaPaweł, weź swój szalik.Paweł, take your scarf.
- PawełDziękuję, Katarzyno. Jest bardzo zimno.Thank you, Katarzyna. It is very cold.
- KatarzynaCzy ten szalik jest ciepły?Is this scarf warm?
- PawełTak, jest idealny.Yes, it is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scarf” translations and entries szalik, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries szalik, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
