biel
/ˈbjɛl/feminine
The English phrase 'white' in Polish is biel. Wiktionary also lists białość.
Meaning: color (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| biel | /ˈbjɛl/ /ˈbjel/ (Middle, Polish) |
feminine |
| białość | /ˈbja.wɔɕt͡ɕ/ | feminine |
The noun biel refers to the abstract concept or the color itself. It is used in idiomatic expressions like 'w bieli i czerni' (in black and white) or when referring to being 'dressed in white' (ubrany w biel). When you want to describe an object as being the color white, or being bright and colorless, you would use the related adjective biały.
Which one should you use?
The noun biel refers to the abstract concept or the color itself, whereas the adjective biały is used to describe specific objects.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the northern region of Pomorskie, the term biały is often replaced with beły or bely.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective biały must agree in gender, number and case with the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbjɛl/
Did you know?
- The phrase biała robota literally means 'white work', but it is used idiomatically to describe work that is done for free or as a favor.
- The Polish word biały shares a deep ancient root with the English word 'bleach'. Both originate from the Proto-Indo-European root *bʰel-, meaning 'to shine' or 'to be white'.
- Polish has a specific distinction between biel and białość. While both translate to 'whiteness', biel usually refers to the color as a substance or pigment, whereas białość describes the quality or state of being white.
Examples in context
- Chciałbym to zobaczyć w czerni i bieli.I'd like to see that in black and white.This sentence shows how to use the noun biel in the expression 'in black and white'.Tatoeba #12062354 by uvenit127, translation #41769 by CK
- Pies odróżnia czerń od bieli.The dog knows black from white.This sentence uses the noun biel to describe the distinction between black and white.Tatoeba #2206289 by Mar, translation #239226 by shekitten
- ubrany w bielDressed in whiteThis sentence uses the noun biel to describe being dressed in the color white.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Piotr and Anna are looking at art supplies in a store.
- PiotrCzy ta farba to czysta biel?Is this paint a pure white?
- AnnaTak, to jest najjaśniejsza biel.Yes, it is the brightest white.
- PiotrDobrze, kupię tę biel dla Anny.Good, I will buy this white for Anna.
- AnnaDziękuję, będzie idealna do obrazu.Thank you, it will be perfect for the painting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “white” translations and entries biel, białość, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries białość, biel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
