napiwek
/naˈpi.vɛk/
The English word 'tip' is translated into Polish as napiwek.
In Polish, napiwek refers specifically to a monetary tip left for service workers. To express the action of leaving a tip in a restaurant or service setting, the most common phrase is zostawić napiwek.
Meaning: piece of advice (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important not to confuse napiwek with the word rada. While napiwek refers to a monetary tip, rada is the word used for a piece of advice or a suggestion.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of napiwek is napiwki. When using the word after prepositions such as o (about) or w (in/on), the locative case form napiwku is used.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable: /naˈpi.vɛk/.
Did you know?
- The word napiwek literally translates to 'for beer'.
- In some traditional Polish settings, leaving a napiwek for a doorman or porter is still a strong social expectation to ensure better service.
- Because it is constructed with the diminutive suffix -ek, the word napiwek carries a sense of being 'little' or 'small'.
Examples in context
- Sami zostawił Layli spory napiwek.Sami gave Layla a good tip.This sentence shows how to use napiwek when describing someone giving a tip.Tatoeba #12041091 by jimbojim, translation #6709573 by OsoHombre
- Tom zostawił na stoliku spory napiwek.Tom left a large tip on the table.This sentence demonstrates leaving napiwek on a table.Tatoeba #3992315 by jeedrek, translation #1164465 by CK
- Czy zostawiłeś napiwek?Did you leave a tip?This sentence uses napiwek in a question regarding whether a tip was left.Tatoeba #578061 by Bilberry, translation #2423 by CK
- Czy mógłbyś podać mi jakąś wskazówkę?Could you give me a tip?
- Czy znasz jakiś dobry sposób na szybsze chłodzenie zupy?Do you know any good tip for faster soup cooling?
Example conversation
Piotr and Agnieszka are paying the bill at a restaurant.
- PiotrIle zostawimy kelnerowi w napiwku?How much should we leave the waiter as a tip?
- AgnieszkaMyślę, że dziesięć złotych wystarczy.I think ten zlotys is enough.
- PiotrDobrze, kładę napiwek na stole.Okay, I'm putting the tip on the table.
- AgnieszkaDzięki, Piotr. Chodźmy już.Thanks, Piotr. Let's go now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry napiwek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries napiwek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
