lisica
/liˈɕi.t͡sa/feminine
The English phrase vixen is translated into Polish as lisica. Wiktionary also lists liszka.
Meaning: female fox (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lisica | /liˈɕi.t͡sa/ | feminine |
| liszka | /ˈliʂ.ka/ | feminine |
The term is used to denote a female fox.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form lis is used for a male fox or to refer to the species in general, whereas lisica specifically denotes a female. Additionally, liszka serves as a more poetic or old-fashioned way to say vixen compared to the standard lisica.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
liszka is considered literary or archaic.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /liˈɕi.tsa/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word lisica is inherited from the Proto-Slavic word *lisica, showing a direct linguistic line back thousands of years.
- In Polish folk tales, a lisica is not just a fox, but is often characterized as a master of manipulation who outsmarts larger, stronger animals.
- The word lisica uses the suffix -ica, which is a common way in Polish to create feminine versions of nouns, often used for female animals or professions.
Examples in context
- Ta mała lisica jest bardzo szybka.This small vixen is very fast.
- Widziałem, jak lisica biegnie przez las.I saw a vixen running through the forest.
- Gdzie ta lisica schowała swoje młode?Where did that vixen hide her young?
Example conversation
Anna and Krzysztof are looking at a nature book in the garden.
- AnnaCzy ta lisica na obrazku ma rudy ogon?Does the vixen in the picture have a red tail?
- KrzysztofTak, ta lisica ma bardzo piękny kolor.Yes, that vixen has a very beautiful color.
- AnnaJest naprawdę niezwykła.She is truly remarkable.
- KrzysztofMasz rację, Anna.You are right, Anna.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vixen” translations and entries lisica, liszka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lisica, liszka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
