but
/ˈbut/masculine
In Polish, the English word shoe is translated as but. If unsure, use but. Wiktionary also lists obuwie.
Meaning: protective covering for the foot (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| but | /ˈbut/ /ˈbut/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
| obuwie | /ɔˈbu.vjɛ/ |
The term refers to a protective covering for the foot. While but is the standard noun, it is also related to the verbs podkuwać and podkuć, which mean to put horseshoes on a horse.
Which one should you use?
but is the masculine singular noun used for a single shoe, whereas obuwie is a collective term for footwear.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form but changes based on its role in a sentence. For example, the genitive singular buta is used to indicate possession or after certain prepositions, such as in the phrase 'sole of the shoe'. The plural form is buty, and its genitive plural form is butów.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbut/
Did you know?
- The word but is an etymological relative of the English word 'boot', having traveled through Old French and Old Czech before entering Polish.
- In Poland, it is common to remove your buty immediately upon entering a home, and hosts often provide guest slippers so you do not walk barefoot.
- The word obuwie is primarily used in formal retail contexts, such as on shop signs or clothing labels, rather than in daily conversation.
Examples in context
- To jest podeszwa buta.This is the sole of the shoe.This sentence uses the form but to refer to the sole of a shoe.Tatoeba #12450214 by polski_ren, translation #9273482 by Nylez
- W pożarze zgubiłem but.I lost my shoe in the fire.This sentence uses the form but to describe losing a shoe.Tatoeba #728424 by zipangu, translation #23830 by CK
- Jaki jest twój rozmiar buta?What's your shoe size?This sentence uses the form but to ask about a shoe size.Tatoeba #1637730 by Siganiv, translation #20131 by CK
- Lubię twoje nowe butyI like your new shoes
- Masz świetne buty!You have great shoes!
- Proszę o zdjęcie obuwia.Please take off your shoes
- Czy mają Państwo te buty w czarnej kolorystyce?Do you have these shoes in black?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Krzysztof are getting ready to leave the house.
- MałgorzataKrzysztof, gdzie jest mój lewy but?Krzysztof, where is my left shoe?
- KrzysztofTwój but leży w przedpokoju.Your shoe is lying in the hallway.
- MałgorzataNie widzę go tutaj.I don't see it here.
- KrzysztofSpójrz za szafką, tam jest but.Look behind the cabinet, the shoe is there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shoe” translations and entries but, obuwie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries but, obuwie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
