Meaning
To buy extra food or items.
Cultural Background
The 'Spiżarnia' (pantry) is a sacred space in many Polish homes, filled with 'słoiki' (jars). Stocking up is seen as a sign of a good provider. In cities, 'zrobić zapasy' often happens at 'hipermarkety' on the outskirts, as small local shops are more expensive. During the PRL era, stocking up was not a choice but a necessity. This has left a linguistic mark where 'zapas' is associated with security. Autumn is the peak time for 'robienie zapasów' of root vegetables like potatoes and onions, often bought in 15kg sacks.
The 'Na Zapas' trick
If you forget the verb 'zrobić', you can always use 'kupić' + 'na zapas'. It's just as natural!
Wrestling vs. Shopping
Remember: 'Robić zapasy' is shopping. 'Uprawiać zapasy' is wrestling. Don't tell your boss you were wrestling with groceries!
Meaning
To buy extra food or items.
The 'Na Zapas' trick
If you forget the verb 'zrobić', you can always use 'kupić' + 'na zapas'. It's just as natural!
Wrestling vs. Shopping
Remember: 'Robić zapasy' is shopping. 'Uprawiać zapasy' is wrestling. Don't tell your boss you were wrestling with groceries!
The Sunday Ban
Since most shops are closed on Sundays in Poland, Saturday is the national 'Dzień Robienia Zapasów'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form.
Przed świętami zawsze _______ (robić - perfective) duże zapasy jedzenia.
The sentence implies a general 'we' or 'I' action. 'Zrobimy' (we will make) fits the context of preparation.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I bought coffee to have as a reserve'?
'Kupić coś na zapas' is a very common and correct way to express this.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Dlaczego kupujesz aż pięć kilogramów cukru? B: ____________________.
Buying a large quantity (5kg) is the definition of 'robienie zapasów'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
What can you 'zrobić zapasy' of?
Food
- • mąka
- • ryż
- • makaron
- • konserwy
Household
- • mydło
- • papier toaletowy
- • baterie
Energy
- • drewno
- • węgiel
- • paliwo
Practice Bank
3 exercisesPrzed świętami zawsze _______ (robić - perfective) duże zapasy jedzenia.
The sentence implies a general 'we' or 'I' action. 'Zrobimy' (we will make) fits the context of preparation.
How do you say 'I bought coffee to have as a reserve'?
'Kupić coś na zapas' is a very common and correct way to express this.
A: Dlaczego kupujesz aż pięć kilogramów cukru? B: ____________________.
Buying a large quantity (5kg) is the definition of 'robienie zapasów'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, we say 'odłożyć pieniądze' or 'mieć oszczędności', but 'zrobić zapas gotówki' (stock up on cash) is used in emergencies.
Always use the plural 'zapasy' for the general act of stocking up.
It is neutral. You can use it in any situation.
There isn't a direct opposite phrase, but 'kupować na bieżąco' (buying as you go) is the opposite behavior.
Not really. You don't 'zrobić zapasy' of files; you 'robić kopię zapasową' (make a backup).
Yes! It historically meant things kept behind the belt.
Use 'zrobić zapasy' + Genitive case (e.g., 'zapasy wody').
Yes, especially when talking about sales or preparing for parties.
Only if you are buying many of the same item (like socks) for the future.
It means 'in reserve' or 'for later'.
Related Phrases
kupić na zapas
similarTo buy something for reserve
mieć zapas
builds onTo have a reserve
koło zapasowe
specialized formSpare tire
czarna godzina
contextualA rainy day (lit. black hour)
