pączek
/ˈpɔn.t͡ʂɛk/
The English word "donut" is translated into Polish as pączek.
The word refers to a sweet, fried dough confection. In a Polish context, it specifically describes a traditional filled, yeast-raised dough ball.
Which one should you use?
While the English term "donut" can describe both ring-shaped and filled doughs, pączek specifically refers to the traditional Polish filled version. If you are referring to a ring-shaped American-style donut, the colloquial loanword donat is sometimes used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is pączek. When you are eating or buying a donut, you use the accusative form pączka. The plural form is pączków.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpɔn.tʂɛk/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
When do people say it?
In Poland, pączki are traditionally eaten in large quantities on Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday) to celebrate the last Thursday before Lent.
Did you know?
- In some Polish dialects, the word pączkować is used as a verb meaning 'to multiply rapidly', mirroring the biological process of budding in organisms.
- The word pączek shares its root with pąk, which means 'bud' in English, such as a flower bud. This suggests the pastry's original shape was thought to resemble a swelling bud on a plant.
- If you describe a person as a pączek, you are not calling them a pastry, but rather suggesting they are 'chubby' or 'round' in a somewhat affectionate way.
Examples in context
- Przepraszam, czy mają państwo jakieś pyszne pączki?Excuse me, do you have any delicious donuts?
- Czy mogę prosić o jeden pączek?May I have one donut, please?
- Czy możesz mi podać pączka?Can you pass me a donut?
- Mam ochotę na pysznego pączka!I'm craving a delicious donut!
- Widziałeś, jak duży ten pączek jest?Have you seen how big this donut is?
- Ten pączek jest bardzo słodki.This donut is very sweet.
- Chciałbym zjeść jeden pączek.I would like to eat one donut.
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Krzysztof are at a bakery.
- MałgorzataKrzysztof, popatrz na ten pączek!Krzysztof, look at this donut!
- KrzysztofWygląda pysznie, kupmy dwa.It looks delicious, let's buy two.
- MałgorzataDobrze, wezmę ten pączek z lukrem.Okay, I'll take this donut with icing.
- KrzysztofA ja wezmę tradycyjny.And I will take a traditional one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pączek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pączek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
