pięknie wyglądasz
The English phrase "you look beautiful" is translated into Polish as pięknie wyglądasz.
This phrase is used to compliment someone on their current appearance. It specifically refers to how a person looks at a given moment rather than commenting on their character or personality.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb pięknie (beautifully) and the second-person singular verb wyglądasz (you look).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form pięknie wyglądasz uses the second-person singular, which is used for friends, family or people you are on informal terms with. To say 'you look beautiful' to a stranger or someone in a formal setting, you must use the formal forms 'wygląda pan' (to a man) or 'wygląda pani' (to a woman).
Did you know?
- The root of pięknie comes from the Proto-Slavic *pěknъ, which originally meant 'fit' or 'suitable' rather than just aesthetically pleasing.
- While pięknie wyglądasz is a standard compliment, using the word ślicznie instead of pięknie makes the compliment feel more 'cute' or 'sweet' rather than purely elegant.
- If you want to tell a man he looks handsome instead of beautiful, you would typically use the adjective przystojny rather than piękny, as the latter can sometimes sound overly delicate or poetic when applied to men.
Examples in context
- Pięknie wyglądasz.You look beautiful.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone looks beautiful.Tatoeba #2211861 by Mar, translation #954758 by CK
- Dzisiaj pięknie wyglądasz.You look beautiful today.
- W tej sukience pięknie wyglądasz.You look beautiful in this dress.
Example conversation
Paweł and Anna are getting ready for a formal evening event.
- PawełAnna, pięknie wyglądasz.Anna, you look beautiful.
- AnnaDziękuję, Paweł. To miłe.Thank you, Paweł. That is nice.
- PawełCzy jesteś gotowa na wieczór?Are you ready for the evening?
- AnnaTak, już idę.Yes, I'm coming now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pięknie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
