ciastko
/ˈt͡ɕast.kɔ/neuter
The English word cookie is translated into Polish as ciastko. Wiktionary also lists ciasteczko and herbatnik.
Meaning: small, flat baked good (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ciastko | /ˈt͡ɕast.kɔ/ | neuter |
| ciasteczko | /t͡ɕasˈtɛt͡ʂ.kɔ/ | neuter |
| herbatnik | /xɛrˈbat.ɲik/ | masculine |
The term is used to describe a small, flat baked good.
Which one should you use?
ciastko is the general term for a cookie. Use the diminutive ciasteczko to refer to a little cookie or to sound more endearing and emphasize its small size. If you are referring specifically to a hard, plain biscuit typically eaten with tea, use the masculine noun herbatnik.
How does it change in a sentence?
The neuter noun ciastko becomes ciastka when you are talking about cookies in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈtɕast.kɔ/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- If a Polish person calls you a ciasteczko, they are using the word for cookie as a term of endearment to say you are sweet or cute.
- Polish allows for double diminutives, which is why ciasteczko exists as a smaller, cuter version of the already small ciastko.
- The root of herbatnik traces back to the Dutch word thee for tea, reflecting how tea culture entered Poland through trade.
Examples in context
- Ciastko jest pod stołem.A cookie is under the table.This sentence is useful for describing the location of a ciastko.Tatoeba #2005835 by Dominika, translation #1306415 by CM
- Proszę, czy mogę prosić o ciastko?Excuse me, may I have a cookie?
- Daj mi to ciacho, wygląda przepysznie!Give me that cookie, it looks delicious!
- Moja babcia zawsze piecze najsmaczniejsze ciasteczka.My grandmother always bakes the tastiest cookies.
- To ciastko bardzo mi smakuje.This cookie tastes very good to me.
- Zostawiłeś ciastko na talerzyku.You left a cookie on the small plate.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Krzysztof are in the kitchen during snack time.
- AnnaCzy chcesz to ciastko?Do you want this cookie?
- KrzysztofTak, poproszę.Yes, please.
- AnnaKrzysztofie, masz okruszki na koszuli.Krzysztof, you have crumbs on your shirt.
- KrzysztofOch, dziękuję za uwagę.Oh, thank you for noticing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cookie” translations and entries ciastko, ciasteczko, herbatnik, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciasteczko, ciastko, herbatnik, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
