What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ostry means 'sharp' or 'acute'. This reflects the sharp sensation of heat from spices.
Which one should you use?
While ostry implies a burning, sharp heat, the word pikantny is often used to describe food that is flavorful and pleasantly spicy without necessarily being painfully hot.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes depending on the gender or number of the noun it describes. Use ostra for feminine nouns, such as ostra papryczka (spicy chili) and ostre for neuter nouns or plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈɔ.strɘ/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using ostry to mean 'spicy' in the sense of 'well-seasoned' or 'flavorful' (like cumin or cinnamon). In Polish, ostry specifically refers to the burning heat of peppers.
When do people say it?
An expressive, informal way to say 'spicy as hell' is Pikantny jak diabli.
Did you know?
- In Polish, the word ostry is used to describe the 'acute' phase of an illness or a medical condition, such as ostra infekcja for an 'acute infection'.
- The phrase ostry zakręt uses the word for spicy to mean a 'sharp turn' or a 'hairpin bend' in the road.
- The word ostry is a linguistic cognate of the English word 'acute', sharing the same ancient Indo-European root for things that are pointed or sharp.
Examples in context
- Mam zwykle lekkie sensacje żołądkowe po ostrym jedzeniu.My stomach is often a bit upset after eating spicy food.This sentence shows how to use ostry when discussing the effects of spicy food on the stomach.Tatoeba #997608 by zipangu, translation #954196 by CK
- Ten curry jest bardzo ostry!This curry is very spicy!
- To danie jest niezwykle pikantne!This dish is extremely spicy!
- Ta salsa jest ostra w smaku.This salsa is spicy in taste.
- Ten sos jest bardzo ostry.This sauce is very spicy.
- Nie lubię jeść zbyt ostrych potraw.I don't like eating too spicy dishes.
Example conversation
Anna and Paweł are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- AnnaPaweł, czy to danie jest bardzo ostry?Paweł, is this dish very spicy?
- PawełTak, ma w składzie dużo chili.Yes, it has a lot of chili in it.
- AnnaW takim razie nie wezmę go.In that case, I won't take it.
- PawełMożemy poprosić o wersję łagodną.We can ask for a mild version.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spicy” translations and entries ostry, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ostry, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
