dziwak
/ˈd͡ʑi.vak/masculine
The English phrase 'weirdo' is translated into Polish as dziwak. Wiktionary also lists cudak.
Meaning: strange person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dziwak | /ˈd͡ʑi.vak/ | masculine |
| cudak | /ˈt͡su.dak/ | masculine |
You might use dziwoląg to playfully refer to an eccentric person, dziwadło to humorously describe someone peculiar or the milder, more affectionate term dziwaczek.
Which one should you use?
While dziwak is the standard and most common term for a weirdo, cudak serves as a more colloquial or slightly more old-fashioned variation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word dziwak is a masculine noun. To refer to a female, use the feminine form dziwaczka. In sentences using the verb 'jest' (is) to mean 'is a weirdo', the word changes to the instrumental case form dziwakiem.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈdʑi.vak/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The term cudak is built from the root word cud, which means 'miracle' or 'wonder'.
- While dziwak is a general term, using dziwadło can sometimes sound more blunt or even slightly dehumanizing, as it is often used for objects or things that look strange.
- While cudak is still understood, it often evokes a nostalgic or literary feeling, making the person sound like a character from an older story.
Examples in context
- Tom jest dziwakiem.Tom is a weirdo.This sentence is useful for seeing how the form dziwak is used after the verb 'jest' in the instrumental case dziwakiem.Tatoeba #10584596 by tokzyk, translation #1558315 by Spamster
- On jest dziwakiemHe is a weirdo
- On jest kompletnym dziwolągiemHe is a complete weirdo
- Janek, jesteś taki dziwaczekJanek, you are such a weirdo
- Nie spotkałem jeszcze większego dziwadłaI haven't met a bigger weirdo yet
- Ten nowy sąsiad to straszny dziwak.That new neighbor is a terrible weirdo.
- Nie bądź takim dziwakiem.Don't be such a weirdo.
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Tomasz are talking about a new neighbor.
- MałgorzataWidziałaś nowego sąsiada? Ale dziwak!Did you see the new neighbor? What a weirdo!
- TomaszTak, ale wydaje mi się całkiem miły.Yes, but he seems quite nice to me.
- MałgorzataKupił trzy identyczne kapelusze w jednym dniu.He bought three identical hats in one day.
- TomaszTo nie znaczy, że jest dziwakiem.That doesn't mean he's a weirdo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weirdo” translations and entries dziwak, cudak, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cudak, dziwak, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
