zabaw

Zabawa is a Polish noun meaning amusement, entertainment, or pastime. The term covers activities designed for enjoyment, including games, parties, performances, and other recreational pursuits. The standard plural nominative form is zabawy, while zabaw is the genitive plural and appears in phrases such as brak zabaw (lack of amusements) or dla zabaw (for amusements). In English-language discussions of Polish culture, zabawa is often translated as “fun” or “amusement.”

The concept of zabawa encompasses both organized events and informal leisure. Children’s zabawy include play and games that support social learning and motor development, while adult zabawy can involve dances, concerts, fairs, or casual gatherings with friends. In traditional settings, zabawy are commonly part of celebrations such as weddings and holidays, where music, dancing, and games accompany the occasion.

Linguistically, zabawa is related to the verb bawić, meaning to amuse or to play. The noun also yields related forms such as zabawny, meaning funny or amusing, and zabawka, meaning toy—an object designed to amuse. The root zabaw appears across terms that emphasize entertainment, play, and recreation in Polish.

See also terms and phrases such as zabawa w chowanego (a game of hide-and-seek) and broader concepts of play, leisure, and cultural celebrations.