Polish · People & Family
"Friend" in Polish: przyjaciel / przyjaciółka
przyjaciel / przyjaciółka
Note: Przyjaciel/przyjaciółka suggests a close friend; kolega/koleżanka can be less close.
Friend in Polish is przyjaciel for a male friend and przyjaciółka for a female friend. These words usually suggest a close friendship; kolega and koleżanka can be less close.
A simple sentence
To mój przyjaciel.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce przyjaciel / przyjaciółka
Say it
pshih-YAH-chel
/pʂɨˈja.t͡ɕɛl/
Przyjaciel stresses ja. Przy begins with a psh cluster; ci represents a soft consonant, not English see as a separate syllable.
"Friend" in Polish: quick reference
| Polish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| przyjaciel | male friend Close friend, masculine. | Close friend, masculine. |
| przyjaciółka | female friend Close friend, feminine. | Close friend, feminine. |
| przyjaciele | friends Masculine-personal plural. | Masculine-personal plural. |
How to use przyjaciel / przyjaciółka in real life
- 1A simple sentence
To mój przyjaciel.
This is my friend.
Mój agrees with masculine przyjaciel.
- 2An everyday situation
Mam dobrego przyjaciela.
I have a good friend.
The animate masculine object becomes przyjaciela.
- 3A useful question
Rozmawiam z przyjacielem.
I am talking with a friend.
Instrumental przyjacielem follows z.
Mistakes English speakers make with przyjaciel / przyjaciółka
Incorrect: To moja przyjaciel.
Correct: To mój przyjaciel.
Match the possessive to the masculine noun.
Incorrect: Mam przyjaciel.
Correct: Mam przyjaciela.
An animate masculine direct object uses the accusative form.
Good to know
Przyjaciel implies a closer bond than kolega in many contexts. If you mean a classmate or someone from work, choose a word that fits that relationship.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Introduce a close friend
Partner
Kto to jest?
Who is that?
You
To mój przyjaciel, Adam.
This is my friend, Adam.
Partner
Czy twój przyjaciel mówi po polsku?
Does your friend speak Polish?
You
Tak, mówi po polsku.
Yes, he speaks Polish.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Friend" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Friend" in Polish
How do I say a female friend?
Przyjaciółka is the feminine noun for a close friend.
Is kolega the same as przyjaciel?
Kolega can mean colleague, classmate, or a friend without implying the same closeness.
How do I say with a friend?
Z przyjacielem is the masculine instrumental phrase; z przyjaciółką is feminine.
What is the plural of przyjaciel?
Przyjaciele is the masculine-personal nominative plural.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
