Napisie

Napisie is a Polish noun used to denote an inscription or text applied to a surface. The term encompasses words, phrases, or notices that are written, carved, painted, printed, or otherwise affixed to objects or spaces. In grammatically correct usage, napis is the base form; napis, napisu, napisowi, napis, napisem, napisie are its singular forms across cases, with napisie being the locative singular. Therefore, after prepositions like na or o, one commonly finds phrases such as na napisie or o napisie.

The concept covers a wide range of inscriptions. These include monumental inscriptions on tombstones or buildings, informational or warning notices, plaques, memorial texts, as well as labels, signage, and decorative inscriptions on architecture or art. In modern contexts, it also includes digital or LED displays presenting text that functions as an inscription in a given setting. Techniques used to create napisy vary and include engraving, carving, painting, printing, etching, and laser engraving, and materials range from stone and metal to wood, ceramic, or plastic.

In Polish usage, napisy often distinguish the content of what is written from the medium or form of presentation. The locative form napisie is commonly used after prepositions to refer to the text itself in a descriptive sense, as in na napisie widnieje data. Additionally, napisy has a broader sense in contemporary media, where it frequently means subtitles in films and television, illustrating how the term extends beyond physical inscriptions.

Etymologically, napis derives from the verb pisać (to write), with roots in the common Proto-Slavic word for writing. See also inscriptions, signage, and subtitles for related concepts.