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  What it means

  Literally “white coffee.” Refers to coffee with milk — what English speakers would call a white coffee or café au lait. In Poland, traditionally a large cup of hot milk with a splash of strong coffee.

  Vocabulary

  • biały — white
  • kawa — coffee

  Grammar note

  'Biała kawa' is a nominative noun phrase. In ordering: 'poproszę białą kawę' — accusative 'białą kawę.'

  Cultural context

  A staple of Polish breakfast culture, especially for children and older generations. Distinct from 'czarna kawa' (black coffee) — the contrast is built into everyday vocabulary.

  Beginner

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