nauka
/naˈu.ka/feminine
The Polish word for science is nauka.
nauka refers to the collective discipline of learning acquired through the scientific method. It can also be used to mean the process of learning, studying or teaching.
Meaning: collective discipline of learning acquired through the scientific method (noun)
Which one should you use?
While nauka refers to science as a discipline, it is also used to express the concepts of learning, study or teaching.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form nauki is used when you are referring to multiple scientific disciplines. A person who practices science is called a naukowiec. nauka is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /naˈu.ka/.
Did you know?
- The phrase nauka jazdy means 'driving lessons'. Despite containing the word for 'science', it refers to the practical skill of operating a car.
- The word nauka can also mean 'a lesson' in a moral sense. If someone says they learned a nauka from a mistake, they are referring to a life lesson rather than a scientific discovery.
- Polish uses the word nauki to describe the 'humanities' or 'liberal arts' when paired with certain adjectives, treating these as a branch of the broader nauka.
Examples in context
- Nauka ma wiele gałęzi.Science has many branches.This sentence shows that nauka can have many branches.Tatoeba #7911133 by qmak, translation #4961869 by Muelisto
- Nauka jest oparta na dokładnej obserwacji.Science is based on careful observation.This sentence explains that nauka is based on careful observation.Tatoeba #4235073 by anita4653, translation #24002 by Dejo
- Nauka bazuje na bardzo wnikliwych obserwacjach.Science is based on very careful observations.This sentence describes how nauka is based on very careful observations.Tatoeba #4017779 by jeedrek, translation #24000 by CK
- Nauka jest niesamowita.Science is amazing.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their university studies in a cafe.
- KatarzynaCzy nauka cię interesuje?Are you interested in science?
- TomaszTak, nauka to moja pasja.Yes, science is my passion.
- KatarzynaTomaszu, w jakiej dziedzinie pracujesz?Tomasz, in what field do you work?
- TomaszPracuję w naukach ścisłych.I work in the exact sciences.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “science” translations and entries nauka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
