Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kochanie | /kɔˈxa.ɲɛ/ | neuter |
| ukochany | /u.kɔˈxa.nɘ/ | masculine |
| ukochana | /u.kɔˈxa.na/ | feminine |
The term is used to refer to a person who is very much liked or loved by someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The masculine form ukochany is derived from the verb 'kochać' (to love) and literally means 'the beloved one'.
Which one should you use?
The forms ukochany and ukochana are adjectives meaning 'beloved', whereas kochanie is a noun used as a direct address or term of endearment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form ukochany is used when referring to a male sweetheart, while the feminine form ukochana is used when referring to a female sweetheart. The neuter form kochanie is the most common way to address a partner directly, regardless of their gender.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔˈxa.ɲɛ/, 3 syllables, stressed on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
In Polish relationships, speakers often use playful terms like Kotku or Koteczek (kitty or kitten) or Zajączku (bunny or little hare) to express affection and tenderness.
Did you know?
- While kochanie means 'sweetheart', it can also be used ironically or condescendingly in certain social contexts, similar to how 'dear' is used in English.
- Polish has a unique way of turning 'sweetheart' into even smaller versions using diminutives, such as turning kochanie into kochaniutki to express extreme tenderness.
- While 'sweetheart' is often used for romantic partners in English, using kochanie with a child or a close friend is perfectly natural in Polish.
Examples in context
- Kochanie, musimy iść do sklepu. Brakuje nam mleka.Sweetheart, we need to go to the supermarket. We ran out of milk.This sentence shows how to use kochanie in a direct address.Tatoeba #837126 by zipangu, translation #837002 by nthkmf
- Kocham cię, kochanie.I love you, sweetheart.This sentence demonstrates the use of kochanie as a term of endearment when expressing love.Tatoeba #1680460 by Tutim, translation #139171 by fengrim
- Moje kochanie zawsze ma rację.My sweetheart is always right.
Example conversation
A couple is preparing breakfast in their kitchen.
- AgnieszkaKochanie, czy chcesz kawę?Sweetheart, do you want coffee?
- KrzysztofTak, dziękuję, Agnieszko.Yes, thank you, Agnieszka.
- AgnieszkaZrobię też dla ciebie tosty.I will make toast for you too.
- KrzysztofJesteś wspaniała.You are wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweetheart” translations and entries kochanie, ukochany, ukochana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
