kostka

Kostka is a Polish noun that generally denotes a cube or block. In everyday usage it refers to any cube-shaped object, with common examples being kostka cukru (a sugar cube) and kostka soli (a cube of salt). The term is also widely used in construction and urban design to describe cubic paving elements, such as kostka brukowa (paving stones) or granitowa kostka (granite paving blocks).

In geometry, kostka designates the cube, a regular hexahedron with six square faces. In mathematical and academic contexts the more formal term for this shape is sześcian, while kostka remains common in casual speech and teaching.

As a surname, Kostka exists in Polish onomastics. The most well-known bearer is Saint Stanislaus Kostka (Święty Stanisław Kostka), a 16th-century Polish noble and Jesuit novice who is venerated as the patron saint of students.

In gaming language, a single die is often called a kostka, and the plural form kostki do gry refers to dice used in board games or tabletop activities.

Kostka also appears in various compound terms describing blocks or cubes used in different contexts, from street paving to packaging. The word’s versatility reflects its broad association with cubic, compact, or block-like objects across everyday life, culture, and industry.