jednorazowy

Jednorazowy is a Polish adjective meaning that a given item or action is intended for a single use or occurrence. It is used for products, services, or procedures that are not designed for repeated use, reuse, or repetition. Common examples include śtuł́ce jednorazowe (disposable cutlery), strzykawka jednorazowa (single-use syringe), or opakowanie jednorazowe (single-use packaging). In finance and commerce, the term appears in phrases such as opłata jednorazowa (one-time fee), contrasting with recurring or subscription-based charges.

The word derives from jeden (one) and raz (time); thus, jednorazowy literally conveys “one-time.” Grammatically it is an adjective that agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case: jednorazowy (masculine), jednorazowa (feminine), jednorazowe (neuter or plural). The adverb form is jednorazowo, used to describe an action performed in a single instance, for example, robić coś jednorazowo (to do something in one go).

Usage and implications: jednorazowy items are commonly associated with hygiene and convenience, but they also raise environmental concerns due to waste. This has led to increased interest in reusable or recyclable alternatives and in policies encouraging reduction of single-use products in various sectors, from healthcare to hospitality.

See also: wielorazowy, opłata jednorazowa, strzykawka jednorazowa.