gdzie
/ˈɡd͡ʑɛ/
The English word "where" is translated into Polish as gdzie. Wiktionary also lists skąd.
Meaning: at or in what place (adv)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| gdzie | /ˈɡd͡ʑɛ/ /ˈɡd͡ʑɛ/ (Middle, Polish) |
| skąd | /ˈskɔnt/ /ˈskɔ̃t/ (Middle, Polish) |
gdzie is used to inquire about a static location, or at/in what place something is. It can also function as a noun meaning "the place in which something happens."
Which one should you use?
Use gdzie to ask about a static location (where something is), whereas skąd is used to ask about origin (where something is from).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
gdzie is an adverb and does not change its form based on gender, number or case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡdʑɛ/
Did you know?
- The phrase skąd wiesz? literally asks 'from where do you know?', which is the standard way to ask 'how do you know?' in Polish.
- The word gdzie shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'where' through the Proto-Indo-European root *kʷ-, which was used to form questions across many early languages.
- Despite Polish being famous for its complex system of cases and gender changes, gdzie is invariant and never changes its form.
Examples in context
- Skąd on jest?From where is he?This sentence uses skąd to ask about origin.Tatoeba #5230039 by krzysiek, translation #1262614 by sacredceltic
- Skąd on to wziął?Where did he get this?This sentence uses skąd to ask about the source of an object.Tatoeba #12453779 by Wojtanex, translation #7494341 by CH
- Tom nie wie, gdzie.Tom doesn't know where.This sentence uses gdzie to show a lack of knowledge regarding a location.Tatoeba #4790168 by jeedrek, translation #2272449 by CK
- Przepraszam, gdzie jest najbliższa stacja kolejowa?Excuse me, where is the nearest train station?
- Wiecie, gdzie się znajduje mój portfel?Do you know where my wallet is?
- Gdzie jest najbliższa apteka?Where is the nearest pharmacy?
- Gdzie mogę znaleźć dobre jedzenie w tej okolicy?Where can I find good food in this area?
- 691 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tomasz and Anna are looking for a missing phone.
- TomaszGdzie jest mój telefon?Where is my phone?
- AnnaNie wiem, gdzie go położyłeś.I don't know where you put it.
- TomaszMoże jest w kuchni?Maybe it is in the kitchen?
- AnnaSprawdź tam, gdzie leżą klucze.Check where the keys are lying.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “where” translations and entries gdzie, skąd, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gdzie, skąd, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
