Nakrycie

Nakrycie is a Polish noun with several related meanings depending on context. The root verb nakryć means to cover or to lay over, which gives rise to its most common senses: a table setting and a cover or lid.

In dining and etiquette, nakrycie stołu refers to the arrangement of tableware and textiles prepared for a meal. It includes the placement of plates, cutlery, glasses, napkins, and a tablecloth, organized according to customary norms. The act of preparing nakrycie stołu is typically performed by the host or service staff before guests sit down, and the quality or formality of the arrangement signals the nature of the occasion.

In a broader sense, nakrycie denotes a covering for an object or surface, such as a lid, cap, or protective layer. It can also refer to clothing designed to cover the body, especially headwear, as in nakrycie głowy (head covering).

Etymologically, the term derives from the verb nakryć, meaning to cover or to lay over, and its various uses extend from practical protection to social practice surrounding meals. Depending on context, nakrycie can thus describe both a physical covering and a prepared setting for eating.

Common related phrases include nakrycie stołu (table setting) and nakrycie głowy (head covering). The word is used across everyday language, etiquette discussions, and descriptions of meals or attire.