dobry

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good, nice, fine, good, kind
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/ˈdɔ.brɨ/
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A positive quality describing something satisfactory, kind, or suitable, and also used in the common greeting dzień dobry.

Examples

  • Mamy dobry plan na weekend.
    We have a good plan for the weekend.
  • Jego wybór był dobry.
    His choice was good.
  • Twoja decyzja była dobra.
    Your decision was good.
  • To jest dobry film.
    This is a good film.
  • Jest dobry przyjaciel.
    He is a good friend.

Similar words

szlachetny
świetny
wspaniały
doskonały
uprzejmy
idealny
znakomity
serdeczny
życzliwy
cudowny

Meanings

Good, satisfactory

adjective
everyday
neutral
Describing something that meets expectations or is of a positive quality.

Usage

Use dobry when the noun is masculine singular and you want to say it is good.

Examples

  • To jest dobry film.
    This is a good film.
  • Mamy dobry plan na weekend.
    We have a good plan for the weekend.
  • Kupiłem dobry chleb w sklepie.
    I bought a good bread at the store.
  • To dobry pomysł.
    That is a good idea.
  • Jego wybór był dobry.
    His choice was good.
  • W tej restauracji serwują dobry rosół.
    This restaurant serves a good chicken broth.

Common mistakes

Incorrect gender agreement is common
IncorrectCorrect
To jest dobra samochód. To jest dobry samochód.
On jest dobry student. On jest dobrym studentem.
Jest to dobry. Jest to dobrze.

Similar words

Kind, virtuous

adjective
social
neutral
Describing a person who acts with generosity and moral goodness.

Usage

Use dobry to praise someone's character, matching gender and case.

Examples

  • Mój brat jest dobry człowiek.
    My brother is a good person.
  • Nauczycielka jest dobra i cierpliwa.
    The teacher is good and patient.
  • To był dobry gest pomocy.
    That was a good act of help.
  • Jest dobry przyjaciel.
    He is a good friend.
  • Twoja decyzja była dobra.
    Your decision was good.
  • Wszyscy uważają go za dobrego człowieka.
    Everyone regards him as a good person.

Common mistakes

Confusing dobry with the adverb dobrze
IncorrectCorrect
On jest dobrze. On jest dobry.
Ona jest dobry. Ona jest dobra.
To jest dobry. To jest dobre.

Similar words

Usage

Use dobry to describe positive qualities, matching gender and case, and in the greeting dzień dobry.

Common mistakes

Using dobry with a neuter noun like dziecko (should be dobre).

Etymology

From Old Polish dobry, inherited from Proto‑Slavic dòbrъ meaning ‘good’.

FAQ

What does dobry mean in Polish?

dobry means good, describing quality, kindness, or suitability.

How do I match dobry with different noun genders?

Use dobry for masculine nouns, dobra for feminine, and dobre for neuter.

Can dobry be used as an adverb?

No, the adverb form is dobrze; dobry is only an adjective.

What is the polite greeting that includes dobry?

The phrase dzień dobry means “good day” and is used as a standard greeting.

What are the comparative and superlative forms of dobry?

The comparative is lepszy and the superlative is najlepszy.

Is dobry ever used as a surname?

Yes, Dobry can appear as a family name, but its primary use is as an adjective.

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