prkno

Prkno is a common noun in several Slavic languages, notably Czech and Slovak, that denotes a flat piece of wood such as a board or plank. In everyday usage it refers to objects ranging from simple planks used in construction and carpentry to household items like cutting boards (diminutive prkénko).

Beyond its literal meaning, prkno appears in idiomatic and cultural contexts. In Czech theatre the phrase "prkna, která znamenají svět" ("the boards that mean the world") is a well-known expression for the stage, reflecting the historical importance of wooden stage boards. In modern colloquial speech the term is also applied to various flat sporting equipment — for example skateboards, snowboards and surfboards are often referred to generically as prkno or with compound forms (e.g., surfovací prkno).

As a basic building material, prkno denotes boards of different sizes and treatments used for flooring, scaffolding, furniture and packaging. Related forms and compounds derive from the same root to describe smaller boards, paneling and specific wooden implements. The word is part of a wider set of Slavic vocabulary for timber and woodworking, and remains a common, practical term in construction, domestic life and popular culture.