kochanie
/kɔˈxa.ɲɛ/
The Polish word for sweetie is kochanie.
kochanie is a term of endearment used to address a romantic partner or a loved one. This term is gender-neutral, meaning you can use it to address a man, a woman or a child.
What does it mean word for word?
kochanie is a neuter noun derived from the verb kochać, which means 'to love'. It literally translates to 'my love' or 'darling'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using kochanie to address someone directly (the vocative case), the word remains in the same form as the nominative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔˈxa.ɲɛ/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word kochanie is a gerund, meaning it is technically the act of loving turned into a noun.
- In Polish, there is a distinction between kochać for romantic love and lubić for liking someone or something.
- The phrase kochanie can be used ironically or condescendingly in an argument, similar to how 'honey' or 'sweetie' is sometimes used in English.
Examples in context
- O co chodzi, kochanie?What's the matter, sweetie?This sentence shows how to use kochanie when asking what is wrong.Tatoeba #12567486 by JimiYoru, translation #6478479 by mailohilohi
- Dziękuję, kochanie, że jesteś zawsze przy mnie.Thank you, sweetie, for always being by my side.
- Cześć, słoneczko! Jak minął twój dzień?Hi, sweetie! How was your day?
- Misiu, czy dziś możemy obejrzeć film razem?Sweetie, can we watch a movie together today?
- Dobranoc, kochanie.Goodnight, sweetie.
- Wszystko będzie dobrze, kochanie.Everything will be fine, sweetie.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tomasz and Katarzyna are sitting on the sofa at home.
- TomaszMasz ochotę na herbatę, kochanie?Do you want some tea, sweetie?
- KatarzynaTak, bardzo bym chciała.Yes, I would really love some.
- TomaszZaraz ją dla ciebie zrobię.I will make it for you in a moment.
- KatarzynaDziękuję ci, jesteś kochany.Thank you, you are so sweet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kochanie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
