piwa

Piwa is the plural form of the Polish noun piwo, meaning beers. In Polish, piwo refers to beer in general, and piwa is used when speaking about more than one beer, for example, "Dwa piwa, proszę" (Two beers, please).

Etymology: Piwo comes from Proto-Slavic *pivo, a common root across Slavic languages. Cognates include Russian pivo and Czech pivo, reflecting a shared medieval beverage term that spread through the region.

Usage and grammar: Piwo is a neuter noun; its plural nominative form is piwa. This form is used in everyday speech when counting or referring to multiple beers. Polish grammar requires different forms for other cases and numbers, but in typical conversational and menu contexts, piwa serves as the standard plural.

Cultural context: Beer is widely consumed in Poland, with a tradition that includes mass-market lagers as well as regional and craft varieties. Common styles include pale lagers (jasne), darker beers (ciemne), and wheat beers, along with seasonal and limited-edition brews. Pubs and restaurants frequently offer a range of bottles and taps, and beer is often paired with traditional dishes or enjoyed in social settings such as gatherings and sports events.

See also: Piwo, Polish beer, list of beer styles, craft beer in Poland.