zima
/ˈʑi.ma/feminine
The Polish word for winter is zima.
zima is a feminine noun used to refer to the fourth season of the year, characterized by low temperatures and short days.
Meaning: fourth season, marked by short days and the lowest temperatures (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes depending on its grammatical role in a sentence. The plural form is zimy. When zima is the direct object of a verb, such as the verb for 'to have' (mieć), use the form zimę. To express the idea of 'in winter' or 'during the winter', use the form zimą.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈʑi.ma/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- Polish speakers use the term zimowanie not just for animals hibernating, but also to describe spending the winter in a warmer climate.
- In traditional Polish villages, the end of zima was historically marked by 'zapusty', a carnival period of feasting and dancing before Lent.
- While English speakers use 'winter' to describe a season, Polish uses the related word zimny to describe anything 'cold' to the touch, from a drink to a person's personality.
Examples in context
- To będzie długa zima.It'll be a long winter.This example shows how to use zima when describing the duration of the season.Tatoeba #3960416 by jeedrek, translation #3818512 by CK
- W końcu nadchodzi zima.Winter is finally coming.This example shows how to use zima to indicate the arrival of the season.Tatoeba #5437986 by pixelka, translation #5428071 by Dejo
- Zima była wyjątkowo łaskawa.Winter was exceptionally mild.This example shows how to use zima when describing the weather conditions of the season.Tatoeba #3743969 by lato365, translation #9939717 by sundown
- Jest piękna zima!It's a beautiful winter!
- Lubię zimę, ale czasami jest zbyt zimno.I like winter, but sometimes it's too cold.
- Pojechaliśmy na narty tego zimowego weekendu.We went skiing this winter weekend.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Piotr and Katarzyna are talking about the weather.
- PiotrLubisz zimę?Do you like winter?
- KatarzynaNie, zima jest dla mnie zbyt mroźna.No, winter is too frosty for me.
- PiotrJa uwielbiam śnieg i mróz.I love snow and frost.
- KatarzynaWtedy zima jest naprawdę piękna.Then winter is truly beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “winter” translations and entries zima, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
