rekin
/ˈrɛ.kin/masculine
The Polish word for shark is rekin.
Meaning: fish (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun rekin changes its form depending on its role in a sentence. When the shark is the direct object of a verb, such as in 'I see a shark', the form changes to rekina. If you are giving something to a shark or acting towards it, use the dative form rekinowi. To refer to multiple sharks, use the plural form rekiny.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrɛ.kin/. The stressed syllable is the 1st of 2.
Did you know?
- The word rekin is a linguistic outsider in a Slavic language, having been imported from French rather than growing from native Polish roots.
- In a professional setting, referring to someone as a rekin is a double-edged compliment that acknowledges their mastery while subtly hinting at a dangerous, aggressive nature.
- In Polish, the term rekin is often paired with 'business' to form rekin biznesu, a phrase used to describe an entrepreneur who is aggressively successful.
Examples in context
- Księżniczka została zjedzona przez rekina.The princess was eaten by the shark.This sentence shows how rekin is used in a passive construction.Tatoeba #5397955 by Annika, translation #4657574 by mervert1
- Nagle zobaczyłyśmy, że w naszym kierunku płynie rekin.Suddenly we saw a shark swimming our way.This sentence shows the word being used to describe an animal swimming towards people.Tatoeba #5652985 by kami987, translation #6029597 by Huskion
- Megalodon to prehistoryczny rekin, który kiedyś królował w oceanach.The megalodon is a prehistoric shark, which once ruled the oceans.This sentence describes a prehistoric species using rekin.Tatoeba #6156301 by arie, translation #12965014 by araneo
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Agnieszka are visiting an aquarium.
- PawełPopatrz, ten rekin jest ogromny!Look, this shark is huge!
- AgnieszkaMasz rację, on wygląda groźnie.You're right, he looks scary.
- PawełCzy wiesz, jaki to gatunek rekina?Do you know what species of shark this is?
- AgnieszkaMyślę, że to biały rekin.I think it's a great white shark.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shark” translations and entries rekin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rekin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
