Polish Phrase Book
Ashok Kumawat
© Ashok Kumawat, 2023
ISBN 978-5-0060-7130-8
Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this Polish phrase book is intended for general reference and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, the author and publisher do not assume any responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of the information contained within this book.
It is important to note that languages, including their phrases and expressions, can evolve over time and may vary in different regions or contexts. Therefore, the phrases and translations provided should be used as a general guide and may not always reflect the exact or current usage in all situations.
Readers are advised to exercise their own judgment and discretion when using the phrases and to seek further clarification or professional assistance as needed. The author and publisher disclaim any responsibility for any misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or miscommunications that may occur as a result of using the information in this book.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the reader to use the phrases and expressions in a respectful and appropriate manner, considering the cultural and social context in which they are applied.
Basic Greetings and Introductions
Section 1: Greetings
When visiting Poland or interacting with Polish speakers, its essential to know how to greet people in a polite and friendly manner. The following phrases will help you initiate conversations and make a positive first impression:
Dzień good! (Jen-dob-ri) Good morning!/Good day!
Cześć! (Che-shch) Hi!/Hello!
Witam! (Vee-tam) Welcome!
Dobry wieczor! (Dob-ri vyeh-choor) Good evening!
Whats wrong? (Yak sheh mash) How are you?
Milo cię poznać. (Mee-woh chyeh poz-nahts) Nice to meet you.
Whats wrong with that? (Yak sheh naz-wahsh) Whats your name?
Nazywam się (Naz-wahm sheh) My name is
Skąd jesteś? (Skont yeh-shtesh) Where are you from?
Jestem z (Yeh-stem z) Im from
Section 2: Introducing Yourself
To introduce yourself in Polish, you can use the following phrases:
Przepraszam, czy mogę się przedstawić? (Pshe-prah-sham, cho mo-geh sheh psheh-dstah-vysh) Excuse me, may I introduce myself?
Jestem (Yeh-stem) I am
Mom lat. (Mahm laht) I am years old.
Mieszkam w (Myesh-kam v) I live in
Pracuję jako (Pra-tsoo-yeh yah-koh) I work as
Studiuję (Stoo-doo-yeh) I study
Section 3: Polite Expressions
Politeness is highly valued in Polish culture. Here are some phrases that will help you navigate social interactions with grace:
Proszę. (Pro-sheh) Please.
Dziękuję. (Jen-koo-yeh) Thank you.
Bardzo dziękuję. (Bar-dzo jen-koo-yeh) Thank you very much.
Przepraszam. (Pshe-prah-sham) Im sorry/Excuse me.
Why not? (Tshe mo-zhesh mee po-mohts) Can you help me?
Nie rozumiem. (Nye roh-zoo-m-yem) I dont understand.
Czy możesz powtórzyć? (Tshe mo-zhesh pov-toh-reech) Can you repeat that?
Why not? (Tshe moo-vish po an-gyel-skoo) Do you speak English?
So. (Tahk) Yes.
Nie. (Nye) No.
Section 4: Social Etiquette
Understanding social customs can go a long way in building positive connections. Here are some phrases related to social etiquette:
Smacznego! (Smah-chnay-go) Enjoy your meal!
Na zdrowie! (Na zd-roh-vee-yeh) Cheers!/Bless you!
Do zobaczenia! (Doh zo-bah-chen-ya) See you later!
Happy birthday! (Mee-weh-go dnya) Have a nice day!
Przepraszam, czy możemy się przywitać? (Pshe-prah-sham, cho mo-zheh-my sheh pshee-vee-tach) Excuse me, may we greet each other?
Jak masz na imę? (Yak mash na ee-myem) What is your first name?
Czy mogę ci podać rękę? (Tshe mo-geh tsee po-datsh reng-keh) May I shake your hand?
Czy mogę cię przytulić? (Tshe mo-geh chyeh pshee-too-leech) May I give you a hug?
Czy mogę cię pocałować? (Tshe mo-geh chyeh po-tsah-wo-vach) May I kiss you?
Section 5: Farewells
When saying goodbye, its important to use appropriate farewell expressions. Here are some commonly used phrases:
Do widzenia! (Doh veed-zen-ya) Goodbye!
Miłego wieczoru! (Mee-weh-go vyeh-cho-roo) Have a good evening!
Miłej podróży! (Mee-leh poh-droo-zhi) Have a pleasant journey!
Żegnaj! (Zheg-nyai) Farewell!
Na razie! (Na ra-zhye) See you soon!
Wracaj bezpiecznie! (Vra-tsai be-sp-yeh-chny-tseh) Come back safely!
Do zobaczenia jutro! (Doh zo-bah-chen-ya yoo-tro) See you tomorrow!
Pa! (Pah) Bye!
Section 6: Small Talk
Engaging in small talk can help you build rapport with Polish speakers. Here are a few phrases to initiate casual conversations:
What do you mean? (Yak mee-naw woy dzyen) How was your day?
Pogoda jest piękna, prawda? (Po-go-dah yest pyen-kna, prahv-dah) The weather is beautiful, isnt it?
Masz jakieś plan for the weekend? (Mash yah-kyesh plany na ven-dehnt) Do you have any plans for the weekend?
Lubisz polską kuchnię? (Loo-bish pols-kon koookh-nyeh) Do you like Polish cuisine?
Czy czytasz jakieś dobre książki ostatnio? (Tshee tshy-tash yah-kyesh do-breh ksyonzh-kee ostahts-yo) Have you been reading any good books lately?
Gdzie jest twój ulubiony miejscowy sklep? (Gd-zhe yest tw-oy oo-loo-b-yo-ny myeesh-tso-vy sklep) Where is your favorite local shop?
Section 7: Expressing Interest
Showing interest in someones culture and language can help foster connections. Here are a few phrases to express your interest:
Interesuje mnie polska historia. (In-te-re-soo-yeh mnye pols-kah hee-sto-ryah) Im interested in Polish history.
How can I help you? (Mo-geh pro-seesh o keel-ka swoov po pols-koo) May I ask for a few words in Polish?
Czy możesz mi polecić jakąś polską potrawę? (Tshe mo-zhesh mee po-lets-each yah-kawsh pols-kon po-trah-veh) Can you recommend a Polish dish?
Chciałbym nauczyć się więcej o polskiej kulturze. (H-chyaw-bim now-choo-sheh sheh meh-nyeh o pols-key kool-toor-zeh) I would like to learn more about Polish culture.
Section 8: Cultural Awareness
Understanding cultural nuances is important in any interaction. Here are a few phrases to help you navigate cultural differences:
Czy powinienem zdjąć buty przy wejściu? (Tshe po-vee-nye-nyem zdyonch boo-ti p-zhi vayn-shchoo) Should I take off my shoes at the entrance?
Czy to jest odpowiedni strój na tę okazję? (Tshe to yest o-po-ve-dnee stroi na ten o-ka-tsyeh) Is this outfit appropriate for this occasion?
Czy mogę zabrać prezent na spotkanie? (Tshe mo-geh za-brahch preh-zent na spot-ka-nyeh) Can I bring a gift to the meeting?
Czy istnieją jakieś tabu w polskiej kulturze, o których powinienem wiedzieć? (Tshe ees-tye-nay yah-k-yesh ta-boo v pols-key kool-toor-zeh, o ko-tykh po-vee-nye-nyem v-yed-zhontsh) Are there any taboos in Polish culture that I should be aware of?
Section 9: Special Occasions
For special occasions, its nice to know how to offer congratulations or wishes. Here are a few phrases for different celebrations:
Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji urodzin! (V-shty-st-kyeh-go nyeh-lep-sheh-go z o-ka-tsyee o-ro-dzheen) Happy birthday!
Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji ślubu! (V-shty-st-kyeh-go nyeh-lep-sheh-go z o-ka-tsyee shlo-boo) Congratulations on your wedding!
Wesołych świąt! (Veh-soo-woh-h sh-vyont) Merry Christmas!
Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku! (Sh-cheh-shle-ve-go no-ve-go ro-ku) Happy New Year!
Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji rocznicy! (V-shty-st-kyeh-go nyeh-lep-sheh-go z o-ka-tsyee roch-nee-tsy) Happy anniversary!
Section 10: Parting Words
As you conclude conversations, its polite to exchange parting words. Here are a few phrases for saying goodbye:
Miłego wieczoru! (Mee-weh-go vyeh-cho-roo) Have a good evening!
Dobranoc! (Doh-brah-nots) Good night!
Życzę ci udanego dnia! (Zhi-chay tsee oo-dah-ne-go dnya) I wish you a successful day!
Powodzenia! (Po-vo-dzen-ya) Good luck!
Do zobaczenia następnym razem! (Doh zo-bah-chen-ya nas-ten-im ra-zem) See you next time!
Polite Expressions and Courtesies
Section 1: Politeness and Respect
Polish culture places a strong emphasis on politeness and respect in interpersonal interactions. Learning and using polite expressions and courtesies will help you navigate social situations with grace and leave a positive impression. Here are some essential phrases to incorporate into your everyday conversations:
Proszę. (Pro-sheh) Please.
Dziękuję. (Jen-koo-yeh) Thank you.
Bardzo dziękuję. (Bar-dzo jen-koo-yeh) Thank you very much.
Przepraszam. (Pshe-prah-sham) Im sorry/Excuse me.
Przepraszam za spóźnienie. (Pshe-prah-sham zah spo-zh-nyeh-nyeh) Sorry for being late.
Przepraszam za przeszkodę. (Pshe-prah-sham zah psheh-shko-deh) Sorry for the inconvenience.
Przepraszam, czy mógłbyś mi pomóc? (Pshe-prah-sham, tshi mo-gw-bish mee po-mohts) Excuse me, could you help me?
Przepraszam, why not? (Pshe-prah-sham, tshi mo-geh sheh do-woh-chich) Excuse me, may I join in?
Why not? (Tshi mash hwee-leh) Do you have a moment?
Dziękuję za cierpliwość. (Jen-koo-yeh zah cheer-plyo-shch) Thank you for your patience.
Section 2: Showing Consideration
Polish people appreciate consider behavior. Here are some phrases to demonstrate thoughtfulness and consideration in your interactions:
Czy mogę ci pomóc? (Tshi mo-geh tsee po-mohts) Can I help you?
Why potrzebujesz czegoś? (Tshi potsh-reh-boo-yesh tseh-gosh) Do you need anything?
Czy mogę coś dla ciebie zrobić? (Tshi mo-geh chosh dlah tsee-bye zro-beech) Can I do something for you?
Czy masz wolne miejsce? (Tshi mash vol-neh myeh-eh-shcheh) Do you have a free seat?
Proszę, pozwól mi przeprosić. (Pro-sheh, po-vwool mee psheh-proh-sheech) Please allow me to apologize.
Czy mogę ci przynieść coś do picia? (Tshi mo-geh tsee pshi-nyesh chosh do peet-syah) Can I bring you something to drink?
Czy potrzebujesz pomocy z czymś? (Tshi potsh-reh-boo-yesh po-mohts z chymsh) Do you need help with anything?
Czy mogę otworzyć ci drzwi? (Tshi mo-geh o-tvo-reech tsee dzh-vee) May I open the door for you?
Dziękuję za troskę. (Jen-koo-yeh zah tro-skah) Thank you for your care.
Czy mogę ci zaoferować pomocną dłoń? (Tshi mo-geh tsee zah-ofeh-ro-vach po-mohts-nah dwon) May I offer you a helping hand?
Section 3: Formal Expressions
In formal settings or when addressing someone with higher authority, its important to use appropriate formal expressions. Here are some phrases for formal situations:
Panie/Pani (Pah-nyeh/Pah-nee) Sir/Madam (Mr./Mrs./Ms.)
Przepraszam, czy mogę zadać pytanie? (Pshe-prah-sham, tshi mo-geh za-dash pit-sah-nyeh) Excuse me, may I ask a question?
Czy mogę skonsultować się z panem/panią? (Tshi mo-geh skon-sool-to-vach sheh z pah-nyem/pah-nyah) May I consult with you, sir/madam?
Proszę pozwolić mi przedstawić się. (Pro-sheh po-vwo-leech mee pshe-dsta-veech sheh) Please allow me to introduce myself.
Dziękuję za miłe przyjęcie. (Jen-koo-yeh zah mee-weh pshe-yen-cha) Thank you for the warm welcome.
Proszę przyjąć moje gratulacje. (Pro-sheh pshe-yontsh moh-eh grah-too-la-tsyeh) Please accept my congratulations.
Czy mogę zwrócić uwagę na pewną kwestię? (Tshi mo-geh zvroh-cheech oo-vah-geh na pev-n-oon kvesh-ch) May I draw attention to a certain matter?
Przepraszam za wszelkie niedogodności. (Pshe-prah-sham zah v-shehl-kyeh nee-doh-gov-nosht) Sorry for any inconvenience.
Bardzo dziękuję za uprzejmość. (Bar-dzo jen-koo-yeh zah oop-zheh-moshch) Thank you very much for your kindness.
Proszę przyjąć wyrazy szacunku. (Pro-sheh pshe-yontsh vih-azh-ee shah-tsoon-koo) Please accept my respects.
Section 4: Gratitude and Appreciation
Expressing gratitude and appreciation is an important aspect of politeness. Here are some phrases to convey your gratitude:
Dziękuję za życzliwość. (Jen-koo-yeh zah zhich-liv-oshch) Thank you for your kindness.
Jestem wdzięczny/wdzięczna. (Yes-tem v-dyen-ch-ny/v-dyen-ch-nah) I am grateful (masculine/feminine).
Dziękuję za gościnę. (Jen-koo-yeh zah gosh-chee-neh) Thank you for your hospitality.
Serdecznie dziękuję. (Ser-dech-nyeh jen-koo-yeh) Thank you sincerely.
Nie mam słów, by wyrazić moją wdzięczność. (Nyeh mahm swoov bih v-razh-eets mo-nya v-dyen-ch-noshch) I have no words to express my gratitude.
Remember, incorporating these polite expressions and courtesies into your interactions will go a long way in creating positive connections and building relationships in Polish-speaking environments.
Ordering Food and Drinks
Section 1: Restaurants and Cafes
When dining out in Poland, knowing how to order food and drinks is essential. Here are some phrases to help you navigate menus and communicate your preferences in restaurants and cafes:
Czy mogę zarezerwować stolik na dzisiaj wieczór? (Tshi mo-geh za-re-ze-ro-vo-vach sto-leek na d-zee-syah vyeh-choor) Can I reserve a table for tonight?
Na ile osób? (Na ee-leh oo-sow) For how many people?
Czy jest wolny stolik? (Tshi yest vol-ni sto-leek) Is there a free table available?
How about menu? (Tshi mo-geh zo-bah-cheech meh-noo) Can I see the menu?
Czy macie dania wegetariańskie? (Tshi ma-chee dahn-yah veh-ge-tah-ree-ahn-skee) Do you have vegetarian dishes?
Czy możecie polecić jakieś lokalne specjały? (Tshi mo-zhe-tsyeh po-lets-eetch yah-kyesh lo-kahl-neh spe-tsyah-weh) Can you recommend any local specialties?
Poproszę kartę dań. (Po-pro-sheh kar-teh dahn) May I have the menu, please?
Czy można zamówić jedzenie na wynos? (Tshi mo-zh-na za-mo-veech ye-dzheh-nyeh na vi-nos) Is it possible to order food to go?
Czy macie jakiś zestaw lunchowy? (Tshi ma-chee yah-keesh zeh-stav loon-shko-vih) Do you have any lunch specials?
Czy akceptujecie karty kredytowe? (Tshi a-kcept-oo-yeh kar-ti kreh-dy-to-veh) Do you accept credit cards?
Section 2: Placing an Order
Once youve decided what to eat and drink, use these phrases to place your order:
Poproszę (Po-pro-sheh) I would like
Chciałbym/chciałabym zamówić (H-chyaw-bim/h-chyaw-bam za-mo-veech) I would like to order
Czy mogę prosić o? (Tshi mo-geh pro-seesh o) May I ask for?
Poproszę kelnera/kelnerkę. (Po-pro-sheh kel-neh-rah/kel-neh-rengk) Waiter/waitress, please.
Chciałbym/chciałabym zacząć od (H-chyaw-bim/h-chyaw-bam za-chonch od) I would like to start with
Czy możemy zobaczyć winolistę? (Tshi mo-zhe-mee zo-bah-cheech vi-no-lees-teh) Can we see the wine list?
Poproszę wodę niegazowaną/gazowaną. (Po-pro-sheh vo-deh nyeh-ga-zo-va-noo/ga-zo-va-noo) I would like still/sparkling water.
Chciałbym/chciałabym zamówić główne danie. (H-chyaw-bim/h-chyaw-bam za-mo-veech gwoov-ne dahn-yeh) I would like to order a main course.
Why not? (Tshi mo-zh-na za-mo-veech deh-ser) Can we order dessert?
Czy macie jakieś dania dla dzieci? (Tshi ma-chee yah-kyesh dahn-yah dla dzeek) Do you have any dishes for children?
Section 3: Special Requests and Dietary Restrictions
If you have any special dietary requests or restrictions, its important to communicate them clearly. Here are some phrases to use:
Czy to danie jest pikantne? (Tshi to dahn-yeh yest pee-kahnt-neh) Is this dish spicy?
Czy to danie zawiera jakieś składniki, na które mam alergię? (Tshi to dahn-yeh za-vyeh-rah yah-kyesh skwahd-nee-kee, na koh-teh mahm a-leh-rgee) Does this dish contain any ingredients Im allergic to?
Czy to danie jest wegańskie? (Tshi to dahn-yeh yest veh-gahn-skee) Is this dish vegan?
Czy możecie przygotować danie bez glutenu/laktozy? (Tshi mo-zhe-tsyeh pshi-go-to-vach dahn-yeh bez gluh-teh-noo/lahk-toh-zi) Can you prepare a dish without gluten/lactose?
Poproszę danie lekko przyprawione. (Po-pro-sheh dahn-yeh lek-ko pshi-prah-vyoh-ve-neh) I would like a lightly seasoned dish.