dwa
/ˈdva/neuter
The Polish word for two is dwa.
dwa is the cardinal number 2. It serves as the linguistic base for larger numbers, such as dwieście (two hundred).
Meaning: cardinal number 2 (num)
Which one should you use?
The form you use depends on the gender of the noun you are counting. Use dwa for neuter or masculine inanimate nouns. Use dwie for feminine nouns. If you are counting masculine persons, such as two men, use dwaj. Additionally, use the genitive form dwóch when the number is required in the genitive case, which frequently occurs after a negation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Polish numbers change based on the gender of the noun and the grammatical case. While dwa is the default for neuter and masculine inanimate objects, you must use dwie for feminine nouns and dwaj for masculine personal nouns. In certain grammatical constructions or following a negation, the genitive form dwóch is required.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdva/
Did you know?
- The Polish word dwa shares the same ancient root as the English word 'two' and the Latin 'duo', tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European reconstruction *dwóh₁.
- The word dwa appears in the name of the 'Two Towers' in the Polish translation of Tolkien's work as Dwie Wieże, using the feminine form because 'tower' is feminine.
- The Polish word for 'half' is połowa, which is conceptually linked to dwa as it represents the result of dividing something by two.
Examples in context
- On ma dwa koty.He has two cats.This sentence shows how to use dwa with a noun.Tatoeba #2005855 by Dominika, translation #758521 by bojnin
- Ken ma dwa koty.Ken keeps two cats.Tatoeba #8756175 by nusia2302, translation #238910 by Dana
- Pokój ma dwa okna.The room has two windows.Tatoeba #3865316 by jeedrek, translation #44240 by CK
- Na konferencji uczestniczyło dwóch naukowców.Two scientists participated in the conference.
- W parku spotkałem dwoje rodzeństwa.I met two siblings in the park.
- Dwie dziewczyny przyszły na przyjęcie.Two girls came to the party.
- Małe dzieci mają dwie lalki.Small children have two dolls.
- Kupiłem dwa bilety na koncert.I bought two tickets for the concert.
- 200 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tomasz and Małgorzata are at a cafe ordering drinks.
- TomaszMałgorzato, chcesz dwa ciastka?Małgorzata, do you want two cookies?
- MałgorzataNie, chcę tylko jedno.No, I only want one.
- TomaszTo wezmę dwa dla siebie.Then I will take two for myself.
- MałgorzataDobrze, to zamawiajmy.Fine, let's order then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “two” translations and entries dwa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dwa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
