bielizna
/bjɛˈliz.na/feminine
The Polish word for underwear is bielizna.
bielizna is used to refer to clothes worn next to the skin. While it serves as a collective term, Polish speakers often prefer to use more specific nouns when referring to individual items like socks or panties.
Meaning: clothes worn next to the skin (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word bielizna is derived from the adjective biały (white), which historically refers to the white linen garments that were worn under clothing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Silesian region, people often use gati to mean underwear.
How does it change in a sentence?
bielizna is a feminine non-count noun, meaning it does not have a plural form used to describe a collection of items.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable: /bjɛˈliz.na/.
Did you know?
- The root of the word relates to the Proto-Slavic word for 'white', which is also reflected in the Russian word бельё.
- The word bielizna follows a pattern where the suffix '-izna' often creates a noun from an adjective, similar to how other Slavic words are formed.
- Unlike English where 'underwear' is often used as a generic catch-all, Polish speakers often avoid bielizna in casual conversation in favor of the specific garment name.
Examples in context
- Czy mogę prosić o przymiarkę bielizny?Can I try on some underwear?
- Kupiłem nowe majtki wczoraj.I bought new underwear yesterday.
- Czy kupiłeś już nowe bokserki?Did you buy new boxers yet?
- Ta bielizna jest bardzo delikatna.This underwear is very delicate.
- Czy ta bielizna jest jedwabna?Is this underwear silk?
Example conversation
Tomasz and Anna are shopping for clothes in a department store.
- TomaszAnna, czy potrzebujesz nowej bielizny?Anna, do you need new underwear?
- AnnaTak, szukam czegoś wygodnego.Yes, I am looking for something comfortable.
- TomaszTa bielizna wygląda na bardzo miękką.This underwear looks very soft.
- AnnaMasz rację, wezmę ją.You are right, I will take it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “underwear” translations and entries bielizna, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bielizna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
