Friends - Is there a difference between znajomych and przyjaciol?

Is there a difference between znajomych and przyjaciol?

I mean przyjaciel and znajomy

As I understand it, Poles tend to use znajomy more when referring to acquaintances, whilst the word przyjaciel is reserved for friends of long standing.

At least that's what friends have told me.

Thank you Pam!

I'm from Poland and I agree with Pam. Przyjaciel - person we keep in close, good relation. Znajomy- it can be everyone who we just know like our neighbour, a roommate we don't even like etc.

Thank you Kathyyy!

Big difference. Even bigger once you realize that Polish people do not use term "friend" (przyjaciel) as loosely as it is used in the US.

Poles will find it hard to explain the exact differences between - kolega, znajomy, przyjaciel' as they depend on context. Znajomy is a complex word. It generally means a known person. So you could in a way use it when speaking of a przyjaciel as well e.g. when you don't want the listener to know the person is a close friend for some reason but just that you know them. However if you say 'on jest tylko znajomy.' It's clear you're making a statement that the person is not a friend.

I think this article makes it all clear - sylwiaofwarsaw.wordpress.com/2009/04/29/the-various-stages-of-relationship-in-the-polish-language

It's easy:
kolega - colleague, friend
znajomy - acquaintance
przyjaciel - very good friend