iść
/ˈiɕt͡ɕ/
The Polish verb for to walk is iść. Wiktionary also lists chodzić.
Meaning: to move on the feet (verb)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| iść | /ˈiɕt͡ɕ/ |
| chodzić | /ˈxɔ.d͡ʑit͡ɕ/ /ˈxɔ.d͡ʑit͡ɕ/ (Middle, Polish) |
The English verb 'to walk' can be translated into Polish using different verbs depending on whether you are describing a movement toward a destination or a general habit.
Which one should you use?
Use iść when describing a single, continuous movement toward a specific destination, such as 'I am walking to the store'. In contrast, use chodzić when describing a general ability to walk or a repeated, habitual action, such as 'I walk every day'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈiɕtɕ/
Did you know?
- In Polish, the phrase chodzi o… does not mean walking, but instead means 'it is about' or 'the point is'.
- The word chodzić is often used in expressions about time or functioning, such as saying a clock 'walks' (chodzić) when it is running correctly.
- The Polish verb iść is a distant relative of the English word 'go', as both trace back to the same Proto-Indo-European root *h₁ey-.
Examples in context
- Mógłbyś iść z psem?Could you walk the dog?This sentence is useful for practicing the form iść in a request.Tatoeba #6598828 by princes21, translation #6597981 by CK
- Nie mógł iść dalej.He could not walk any further.This sentence is useful for practicing the form iść to describe a limit of movement.Tatoeba #6690756 by qmak, translation #291524 by CK
- Nie mogę już chodzić.I can't walk any more.This sentence is useful for practicing the form chodzić to describe a physical ability.Tatoeba #7183437 by arie, translation #3822258 by CK
- Czy chciałby Pan/i wyjść na spacer?Would you like to go for a walk?
- Przejdźmy się na krótką przechadzkęLet's take a short walk
- Chodźmy dziś wieczorem na spacerLet's go for a walk this evening
- Czy chcesz dzisiaj iść na przechadzkę?Do you want to go for a walk today?
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Krzysztof are planning their afternoon together.
- AgnieszkaChcesz teraz iść do parku?Do you want to go to the park now?
- KrzysztofTak, chętnie pójdę na spacer.Yes, I would love to go for a walk.
- AgnieszkaTo świetnie, idziemy!That's great, let's go!
- KrzysztofCzekaj na mnie, Agnieszko.Wait for me, Agnieszka.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “walk” translations and entries iść, chodzić, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chodzić, iść, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
