pewny
/ˈpɛv.nɘ/
The Polish word for sure is pewny.
The adjective pewny is used to describe being certain in one's knowledge or belief. In spoken Polish, the related adverb pewnie is frequently used as a casual way to say "sure" or "of course" when responding to a request. Additionally, oczywiście can be used to mean "of course" or "certainly".
Meaning: certain in one's knowledge or belief (adj)
Which one should you use?
While pewny is the adjective meaning "sure" or "certain", the adverbial form pewnie means "surely" or can serve as a colloquial way to say "sure" or "of course".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, pewny must agree in gender with the subject. Use pewna for a female subject, pewni when referring to a group of people that includes at least one male and pewne for neuter singular subjects or for groups of people that do not include any males.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈpɛv.nɘ/. It has 2 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- While pewnie can mean 'sure', it is also used to mean 'probably'. Context determines whether the speaker is certain or just guessing.
- A person who is 'sure of themselves' is described as pewny siebie, which literally translates to 'sure of himself'.
- In Polish, the word pewność means 'certainty' but is also the word used for 'confidence' in oneself.
Examples in context
- Tom nie był pewny.Tom wasn't sure.This sentence shows a negative application of pewny.Tatoeba #3750038 by gin, translation #3733444 by CK
- Jak możesz być tak pewny?How can you be so sure?This sentence asks how one can be so pewny.Tatoeba #3085092 by jeedrek, translation #874551 by darinmex
- Nie bądź tego taki pewny.You can't be sure of that.This sentence advises someone not to be so pewny of something.Tatoeba #13296160 by Alogo, translation #1950744 by CK
- Czy możesz pomóc mi z tym zadaniem? / OczywiścieCan you help me with this task? / Sure
- Czy chcesz iść na kawę? / No pewnieDo you want to grab a coffee? / Sure
- Czy możesz podjechać po mnie wieczorem? / OkejCan you pick me up tonight? / Sure
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Piotr are discussing a meeting time.
- AnnaSpotykamy się o piątej, prawda?We are meeting at five, right?
- PiotrJestem tego pewny.I am sure of that.
- AnnaA czy Piotr jest pewny godziny?And is Piotr sure about the hour?
- PiotrTak, sprawdziłem to w kalendarzu.Yes, I checked it in the calendar.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sure” translations and entries pewny, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
