zupa
/ˈzu.pa/feminine
The English word "soup" is zupa in Polish.
zupa is the general term for a soup dish. In Polish culinary culture, you will encounter specific types such as Barszcz, which refers to the iconic beetroot soup. Rosół, a traditional Polish chicken broth. And Chłodnik, a refreshing cold soup made from young beets, kefir or yogurt and various fresh vegetables.
Meaning: dish (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on its role in a sentence. Use the accusative singular form zupę when the soup is the direct object of a verb, such as in jem zupę (I am eating soup). Use the genitive singular form zupy after the preposition bez (without), for example, bez zupy (without soup).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈzu.pa/.
When do people say it?
Many traditional Polish soups have their own specific names, such as Barszcz (beetroot soup) or Rosół (chicken broth), rather than just being called a zupa.
Did you know?
- The word zupa shares a distant genetic ancestor with the English word 'sop', referring to a piece of bread soaked in liquid.
- Some Polish zupy are thickened with zabielanie, the practice of stirring in sour cream or cream just before serving to change the texture and color.
- Many Polish people consider 'rosół' to be a medicinal tonic for recovering from illness, rather than just a standard liquid meal.
Examples in context
- Ta zupa jest gęsta.The soup is thick.This sentence is useful for describing the consistency of the zupa.Tatoeba #3034932 by jeedrek, translation #60991 by CK
- Zupa jest za słona.The soup is too salty.This sentence is useful for describing the saltiness of the zupa.Tatoeba #10651475 by tokzyk, translation #433591 by Clavain
- Ta zupa smakuje rybą.This soup smacks of fish.This sentence is useful for describing the flavor profile of the zupa.Tatoeba #3034924 by jeedrek, translation #60983 by shekitten
- Proszę zamówić zupęPlease order soup
- Proszę zamówić barszcz dla mnie.Please order beetroot soup for me.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tomasz and Anna are having lunch at home.
- TomaszCzy ta zupa jest gorąca?Is this soup hot?
- AnnaTak, zupa jest bardzo gorąca.Yes, the soup is very hot.
- TomaszDobra, zjem ją powoli.Okay, I will eat it slowly.
- AnnaSmacznego, Tomasz!Enjoy your meal, Tomasz!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soup” translations and entries zupa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zupa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
