Parawanem

"Parawanem" is the Polish instrumental form of the noun "parawan," referring to a beach windbreak or portable privacy screen. In common use, it denotes either the object itself or the relationship expressed as "with a parawan" (for example, arriving at the beach with a parawanem). The term is most often encountered in Polish descriptions of seaside leisure and coastal culture.

A parawan is a lightweight, often folding barrier erected on sandy beaches to reduce wind, provide shade and privacy, and mark personal space. Typical constructions use wooden slats, fabric panels, plastic elements or a mix of these, and are supported by stakes driven into the sand. Sizes vary, but most designs are roughly waist to chest height and several meters long when extended, allowing groups to form sheltered enclosures.

Historically common on Baltic Sea beaches, parawans became a recognizable element of Polish and Central European beach life in the 20th century. They are also used inland as temporary changing rooms or as room dividers in domestic interiors. Modern variations include pop-up screens, lightweight aluminum frames and designs with integrated seating or storage.

Practical considerations include proper anchoring to prevent displacement by wind, choosing materials resistant to salt and moisture, and storing the device dry to avoid mold. Environmental concerns focus on loss and littering of poorly secured screens, and the use of durable plastics. In cultural contexts, images of families "with a parawanem" evoke traditional seaside leisure and private communal space.