kolacja

While 'kolacja' strictly means 'dinner', remember that 'obiad' (lunch/main meal) is often the largest meal in Poland, not 'kolacja'.

This is a general term for 'meal'. Use it when you're not specifying breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

This means 'dish' or 'course'. It can be part of any meal.

Often confused with 'dinner' or 'lunch' by English speakers.

'Śniadanie' means 'breakfast'. It's the first meal of the day.

Jem śniadanie o ósmej rano. (I eat breakfast at 8 AM.)

Many English speakers equate it with 'dinner', but it's typically a midday meal in Poland.

'Obiad' means 'lunch' or 'main meal of the day'. It's usually eaten around noon or early afternoon.

Na obiad często jemy zupę i drugie danie. (For lunch, we often eat soup and a main course.)

There isn't a direct English equivalent, leading to confusion.

'Podwieczorek' is an afternoon snack, typically eaten between lunch and dinner. It's lighter than a full meal.

Dzieci jedzą podwieczorek po szkole. (Children eat an afternoon snack after school.)

While it can be 'dessert', it's also used more broadly for any sweet treat.

'Deser' means 'dessert' but can also refer to any sweet course or treat, not necessarily after a main meal.

Czy masz ochotę na deser? (Do you feel like dessert/a sweet treat?)

Often translated as 'appetizer', but its usage can be slightly different.

'Przystawka' means 'appetizer' or 'starter'. It's a small dish served before the main course.

Na przystawkę zamówiliśmy deskę serów. (For an appetizer, we ordered a cheese board.)