brzuch
/ˈbʐux/masculine
In Polish, stomach is brzuch. Wiktionary also lists żywot.
Meaning: belly (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| brzuch | /ˈbʐux/ /ˈbr̝ux/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
| żywot | /ˈʐɘ.vɔt/ | archaic, masculine |
The word brzuch refers to the belly or the general abdominal area.
Which one should you use?
While brzuch refers to the belly or abdominal area, żołądek refers specifically to the internal organ (the stomach).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form żywot is considered dialectal or archaic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form brzuchu is used after prepositions like 'na' (on) or 'w' (in) to indicate location.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbʐux/
Did you know?
- The word brzuch is related to the Proto-Indo-European root for 'to boil' or 'to brew', suggesting an ancient linguistic connection between the belly and the heat of digestion.
- While brzuch means 'belly', the word żywot is an archaic term that carries a much deeper meaning, referring to one's 'life' or 'existence'.
- The word żywot is so old and poetic that you are more likely to encounter it in classical literature or hymns than in a modern conversation about anatomy.
Examples in context
- Lubię spać na brzuchu.I like to sleep on my stomach.This sentence shows how to use the word when referring to a sleeping position.Tatoeba #3897664 by jeedrek, translation #2397841 by felicia
- Mój brzuch jest wzdęty.My stomach feels bloated.This sentence demonstrates describing a physical sensation in the brzuch.Tatoeba #6316914 by qmak, translation #3826192 by CK
- Tom ma bliznę na brzuchu.Tom has a scar on his stomach.This sentence illustrates using the locative form brzuchu to describe a location on the body.Tatoeba #5437805 by pixelka, translation #5437762 by CK
- Mam ból w brzuchu.I have a stomach ache.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Paweł are talking about feeling unwell after dinner.
- AgnieszkaPaweł, czy boli cię brzuch?Paweł, does your stomach hurt?
- PawełTak, bardzo mnie kłuje w brzuchu.Yes, it's stinging in my stomach very much.
- AgnieszkaMoże zjadłeś coś niedobrego?Maybe you ate something bad?
- PawełChyba tak, mój brzuch nie znosi ostrego jedzenia.I think so, my stomach cannot stand spicy food.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stomach” translations and entries brzuch, żywot, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brzuch, żywot, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
