Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| szkoła | /ˈʂkɔ.wa/ /ˈʂkɔ.ɫa/ (Middle, Polish) |
feminine |
| buda | /ˈbu.da/ /ˈbu.da/ (Middle, Polish) |
colloquial, feminine |
The term refers to an institution dedicated to teaching and learning.
Which one should you use?
szkoła is the standard, neutral term for any school, whereas buda is a slangy and often derogatory way to refer to a school building or institution.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
szkoła is the formal and standard way to say school. In contrast, buda is a colloquial term used in informal settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Specific types of schools are often referred to by their own names: Liceum refers to a high school or secondary school, and Gimnazjum refers to a junior high school or middle school.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of szkoła is szkoły. When using the word in the locative case, such as in the phrase 'w szkole' (in school), the form changes to szkole.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈʂkɔ.wa/.
Did you know?
- The word szkoła shares a surprising ancient ancestor with the English word 'schedule'. Both descend from the Greek concept of 'leisure' or 'free time', which was originally the time set aside for learning.
- The slang term buda for school literally means a 'shack' or a 'doghouse'.
- In Polish culture, the 'school of life' is expressed as szkoła życia, a phrase frequently used to describe hardships that teach more than a classroom.
Examples in context
- Szkoła jest do kitu.School sucks.This sentence uses szkoła to express a negative opinion about school.Tatoeba #12359754 by arie, translation #2163113 by Hybrid
- Ta szkoła jest nasza.This school is ours.This sentence uses szkoła to show possession.Tatoeba #3427253 by konrad509, translation #59928 by CK
- Gdzie jest twoja szkoła?Where is your school?This sentence uses szkoła to ask a question about location.Tatoeba #2183615 by Martka, translation #17283 by CK
- W liceum musisz zdać egzaminy, aby dostać dyplom.In high school, you have to pass exams to get a diploma.
- Czy pamiętasz nasze czasy w gimnazjum? To były najlepsze lata!Do you remember our times in middle school? Those were the best years!
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Tomasz are talking about their morning routines.
- MałgorzataCzy idziesz dziś do szkoły?Are you going to school today?
- TomaszNie, moja szkoła jest dziś zamknięta.No, my school is closed today.
- MałgorzataDlaczego szkoła jest zamknięta?Why is the school closed?
- TomaszTo jest dzień wolny od zajęć.It is a day off from classes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “school” translations and entries szkoła, buda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buda, szkoła, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
