Polish · People & Family
"Last name" in Polish: nazwisko
nazwisko
Last name in Polish is nazwisko. Nazwisko is neuter; useful forms are nazwiska (genitive), nazwisko (direct object) and nazwiskiem (instrumental). Nazwisko is a family name or surname; imię is a first name.
Identifying or describing last name
Nazwisko jest na bilecie.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce nazwisko
Say it
nazvisko
/nazviskɔ/
In nazwisko, keep the vowels clear and avoid adding vowels inside consonant clusters. The content words in nazwisko normally use penultimate stress when they have multiple syllables.
"Last name" in Polish: quick reference
| Polish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| nazwisko | last name Dictionary form for neuter nazwisko. | Dictionary form for neuter nazwisko. |
| nazwiska | of last name Genitive form, used for example after nie ma. | Genitive form, used for example after nie ma. |
| nazwiskiem | with last name Instrumental form after z meaning with. | Instrumental form after z meaning with. |
How to use nazwisko in real life
- 1Identifying or describing last name
Nazwisko jest na bilecie.
The surname is on the ticket.
This sentence uses nazwisko to describe last name in context.
- 2Using last name in daily life
Podaję nazwisko przy recepcji.
I give my surname at reception.
Notice the form used for nazwisko in this practical sentence.
- 3Another use of last name
Nie znam jej nazwiska.
I do not know her surname.
The construction shows how nazwisko fits a different situation.
Mistakes English speakers make with nazwisko
Incorrect: Nie ma nazwisko.
Correct: Nie ma nazwiska.
After nie ma, nazwisko takes the genitive form nazwiska.
Incorrect: z nazwisko
Correct: z nazwiskiem
When z means with, use the instrumental: z nazwiskiem. Z can also mean from.
Good to know
Nazwisko is a family name or surname; imię is a first name.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Describe last name in two different contexts
Partner
Ułóż zdanie z tym słowem.
Make a sentence with this word.
You
Nazwisko jest na bilecie.
The surname is on the ticket.
Partner
A teraz podaj inny przykład.
Now give a different example.
You
Podaję nazwisko przy recepcji.
I give my surname at reception.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Last name" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Last name" in Polish
What grammatical form is nazwisko?
Nazwisko is neuter. No article is required with nazwisko; surrounding words carry its gender and number agreement.
How does nazwisko change as a direct object?
The accusative form is nazwisko. For comparison, the genitive is nazwiska; negation can change the case required by a verb.
How do I use nazwisko after “with”?
Use z nazwiskiem. Here z introduces the instrumental form of nazwisko, rather than its dictionary form.
What should I know about using nazwisko?
Nazwisko is a family name or surname; imię is a first name.
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