dym
/ˈdɘm/masculine
The Polish word for smoke is dym.
dym is a masculine noun used to describe the visible particles and vapour given off by burning material.
Meaning: visible particles and vapour given off by burning material (noun)
Which one should you use?
While dym is the noun for smoke, you can use verbs to describe the act of emitting it. dymić is the general verb for emitting smoke, such as from a chimney or a cigarette, whereas kopcić specifically describes emitting thick, heavy or dark smoke, often in industrial contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form dymu is the genitive singular of dym. It is used after prepositions like pełny (full of) or in certain negative constructions.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdɘm/
Did you know?
- In Polish slang, robić dym (literally 'to make smoke') means to cause a scene, start a loud argument or create a chaotic situation.
- The expression puścić dym z uszu (literally 'to let smoke out of the ears') describes someone who is absolutely furious.
- The Polish word dym shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'dust', both stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to blow' or 'vapor'.
Examples in context
- Spójrz na ten dym.Look at that smoke.This sentence is useful for pointing out specific smoke using dym.Tatoeba #348712 by zipangu, translation #68563 by CK
- Pokój był pełny dymu.The room was full of smoke.This sentence demonstrates the use of the genitive form dymu to describe a room full of smoke.Tatoeba #11723021 by tokzyk, translation #319566 by Eldad
- Nie ma dymu bez ognia.There is no smoke without fire.This sentence uses dym in a common proverbial expression.Tatoeba #354113 by zipangu, translation #23884 by AlanF_US
- Czasem palę fajkę.Sometimes I smoke a pipe.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Anna are standing on a balcony looking at the horizon.
- PawełWidzisz ten czarny dym?Do you see that black smoke?
- AnnaTak, to musi być pożar.Yes, it must be a fire.
- PawełTen dym idzie od strony lasu.That smoke is coming from the direction of the forest.
- AnnaMusimy szybko zadzwonić na straż.We must call the fire brigade quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smoke” translations and entries dym, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dym, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
