tygrys
/ˈtɘ.ɡrɘs/animate, masculine
The English word "tiger" is translated into Polish as tygrys.
The word refers to the mammal Panthera tigris. While tygrys is the standard term, speakers often use the word tygrysek to refer to a tiger that is particularly cute or small.
Meaning: The mammal Panthera tigris (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and animate. Depending on its role in a sentence, the form changes: use tygrysa when the tiger is the direct object of a verb (the accusative case), such as in "I see a tiger". Use tygrysem in the instrumental case, which occurs when the tiger is an instrument of an action or follows the preposition z (with).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈtɘ.ɡrɘs/.
Did you know?
- In Poland, the term tygrysek is not just for small animals but is frequently used as an affectionate nickname for energetic children.
- The Polish word tygrys is a 'learned borrowing', meaning it was introduced to the language by scholars and official documents rather than through everyday conversation.
- When referring to the Tigris river in a geographical context, Polish uses the capitalized form Tygrys, treating the river and the animal as the same word.
Examples in context
- Tuż za tobą jest tygrys.There's a tiger right behind you.This sentence is useful for seeing the position of tygrys in a simple warning.Tatoeba #10594015 by zakid, translation #6029425 by mailohilohi
- Co jest silniejsze: tygrys czy lew?Which is stronger: a tiger or a lion?This sentence is useful for comparing tygrys with another animal.Tatoeba #356431 by zipangu, translation #8160647 by TheNightAvl
- Młody tygrys wyglądał jak duży kociak.The tiger cub looked like a large kitten.This sentence is useful for seeing the use of tygrys when describing a young animal.Tatoeba #3492099 by Siganiv, translation #36937 by CK
- W zoo można podziwiać pięknego tygrysa.At the zoo, you can admire a beautiful tiger.
- Moja córka uwielbia maskotki w kształcie tygryska.My daughter loves tiger-shaped plush toys.
- Ten tygrys jest bardzo groźny, lepiej trzymać się z daleka.This tiger is very dangerous, it's better to stay away.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Krzysztof are looking at a picture book about animals.
- MałgorzataCzy ten tygrys jest w zoo?Is this tiger in the zoo?
- KrzysztofTak, ten tygrys mieszka w zoo.Yes, this tiger lives in the zoo.
- MałgorzataOn jest bardzo duży.He is very big.
- KrzysztofTo prawdziwy, silny tygrys.It is a real, strong tiger.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tiger” translations and entries tygrys, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
