Paczka

Paczka is a Polish noun that primarily means a package or parcel. In everyday speech it denotes a container of goods sent or received, whether by mail, courier, or hand delivery. Common phrases include wysłać paczkę (to send a package) and otrzymać paczkę (to receive a package). The term covers a wide range of parcels, from small envelopes to larger shipments.

In addition to its everyday sense, paczka is used in various compound expressions. For example, paczka papierosów refers to a pack of cigarettes, and a metaphorical or figurative use often describes a bundle or stack of items, such as a large collection of documents or goods. The word can also appear in phrases describing money or valuables, where paczka conveys the sense of a sizable sum or bundle.

Etymologically, paczka is derived from the root related to packing or packaging, with the diminutive suffix -ka forming the noun that indicates a small or compact bundle. The term has been part of Polish vocabulary for many centuries and remains widely used in modern language.

Beyond its generic meaning, paczka can function as a surname or appear in place names and cultural references in Polish contexts, though this is less common than its everyday usage as a common noun. See also related terms such as przesyłka (shipment) and paczka pocztowa (postal parcel).