Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| czarownica | /t͡ʂa.rɔvˈɲi.t͡sa/ | feminine |
| wiedźma | /ˈvjɛd͡ʑ.ma/ | feminine |
| jędza | /ˈjɛn.d͡za/ | feminine |
| heksa | /ˈxɛk.sa/ | feminine |
All provided forms refer to a woman who uses magic, but the connotation varies significantly depending on the word chosen.
What does it mean word for word?
The word czarownica is derived from the noun czar, which means "spell" or "charm".
Which one should you use?
The term czarownica is the most neutral or even positive option, frequently used for a woman who casts spells or possesses magical powers in fantasy settings. In contrast, wiedźma is a more archaic term that often carries a more sinister connotation rooted in folklore. The term jędza is not primarily about magic. It is a derogatory way to describe an unpleasant, old or malicious woman, often translated as "hag" or "crone". Finally, heksa is another feminine form for witch.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun czarownica changes its ending to czarownicy when used in the genitive singular or the nominative plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word czarownica is pronounced /tʂa.rɔvˈɲi.tsa/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The root of wiedźma is related to the English word 'wit' and the Latin 'videre' meaning 'to see'.
- While czarownica refers to magic, the root word czar also means 'charm' or 'glamour'. In modern Polish, it is used to describe the 'charm' or 'magic' of a beautiful place or person.
- The suffix '-nica' in czarownica is a common way in Polish to turn a verb or a noun into a noun representing a person who performs a specific action.
Examples in context
- Twoja matka to wiedźma.Your mother is a witch.This sentence uses wiedźma to show how to identify a person.Tatoeba #12889102 by mwgamera, translation #10067786 by Nylez
- Wiedźma przywróciła potwora do życia.The witch resurrected the monster.This sentence uses wiedźma in a fantasy context of resurrection.Tatoeba #7998999 by arie, translation #3902464 by Amastan
- "Czarownica" przepowiadała przyszłość z wielką dokładnością.The witch predicted the future with great accuracy.
- Uważaj na tę "wiedźmę", bo łatwo rani słowami.Be careful with that witch, she can easily hurt with her words.
- Nie przesadzaj, nie jesteś żadną "wiedźmą"!Don't exaggerate, you're not a witch!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Anna are watching a fantasy movie.
- KrzysztofTa czarownica jest bardzo groźna.That witch is very dangerous.
- AnnaTak, ona ma wielką moc.Yes, she has great power.
- KrzysztofCzy ta czarownica wygra w filmie?Will that witch win in the movie?
- AnnaMyślę, że nie.I think not.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “witch” translations and entries czarownica, wiedźma, jędza, heksa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries czarownica, heksa, jędza, wiedźma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
