piatok

Piato k is the Slovak word for Friday, the fifth day of the week in the ISO calendar. In everyday Slovak usage, it is simply referred to as piatok. The day is used in dates, schedules, and common expressions such as "v piatok" (on Friday). In many contexts it signals the approach of the weekend and is a common reference point in calendars and planning.

Etymology and cognates: Piatok derives from a Slavic root meaning "fifth" or "the fifth day." It is cognate with Czech pátek, Polish piątek, and Russian pyatnitsa, among others. These forms reflect a shared heritage in which the days of the week were named by their position in the sequence when counting from Monday. The Slovak spelling and pronunciation align with this pattern, even though some languages started the week on different days.

Cultural and religious context: In contemporary Slovakia, Friday often marks the end of the standard workweek for many people and the start of the weekend. In Catholic communities, Friday has historically been observed as a day of abstinence or special devotion in some periods, though practices vary. The day also appears in common expressions and time references, such as "piatok večer" (Friday evening). In modern commerce, the term čierny piatok is used for Black Friday shopping events.

Notes: The concept of Friday as the fifth day reflects a shared Slavic origin with related languages. Some calendars place Sunday as the first day of the week, which affects how Friday is positioned within the weekly cycle, but the name piatok remains tied to its status as the fifth day.