Meeting someone new…what to say?
Posted on 11. Aug, 2012 by Kasia in Culture, Grammar, Languages, Phrases, Polish Language
Polish uses both formal and informal structures, and it is wise to observe them and try to use them correctly. The informal form of “you” — ty — should only be reserved for friends, and it is always best to use the polite forms pani (Madam) and pan (Sir) when addressing strangers, particularly if they are older than you. It is also a good idea to wait to be invited before addressing anyone senior by his or her first name.
Poland still maintains some customs that have fizzled out elsewhere. “Ladies first” is still the rule in most social situations, and women are usually introduced by a third party before men. Poles take hospitality seriously and will treat any guests with great honor, particularly if they have invited them into their home. While many Poles still hold to social formalities, the Polish also have a great sense of conviviality and are very easygoing in the right environment. You will find that once the ice is broken people are keen to chat, particularly in bars and pubs!
English is widely spoken in the cities and among younger people, but few visitors bother to speak the native tongue, so most Poles will be impressed with those brave enough to speak their complex language!
Here are some helpful phrases for you:
| Dzień dobry | Hello | ||
| Dobry wieczor | Good evening | ||
| Jestem… | I am… | ||
| Jak masz na imię? | What is your name? (first name; informal) | ||
| Jak ma pan/pani na imię? | What is your name? (first name; formal; pan if addressing a man; pani if addressing a woman) | ||
| Jak masz na nazwisko? | What is your name? (surname; informal) | ||
| Jak ma pan/pani na nazwisko? | What is your name? (surname; formal; pan if addressing a man; pani if addressing a woman) | ||
| Jak się nazywasz? | What is your name? (full name; informal) | ||
| Jak się pan/pani nazywa? | What is your name? (full name formal; pan if addressing a man; pani if addressing a woman) | ||
| Mam na imię… | My name is… (first name) | ||
| Mam na nazwisko… | My name is… (surname) | ||
| Nazywam się… | My name is… (full name) | ||
| Miło mi cię poznać | Nice to meet you | ||
| Mnie również | Nice to meet you too | ||
| To jest pan/pani… | May I introduce… (pan if a man; pani if a woman) | ||
| Jak się masz? | How are you? | ||
| U mnie w porządku, dziękuję. | I am well, thank you. | ||
| Dobrze | Fine | ||
| Tak sobie | So so | ||
| Źle/ niedobrze | Not so good | ||
| A pan/pani/ty? | And you? (pan if addressing a man; pani if addressing a woman (both formal); ty for either gender informally) | ||
| Czy pan/pani mówi po angielsku? | Do you speak English? (pan if addressing a man; pani if addressing a woman) | ||
| Mówię po angielsku. | I speak English. | ||
| Proszę powtórzyć? | Could you repeat that? | ||
| Co to znaczy? | What does this mean? | ||
| Jestem Amerykaninem/Amerykanką. | I am American. (masculine/feminine) | ||
| Jestem Kanadyjczykiem/Kanadyjką. | I am Canadian. (masculine/feminine) | ||
| Pan | Gentleman/Sir | ||
| Pani | Lady/Madam | ||
| Ty | You | ||
| Przepraszam | Excuse me/Sorry | ||
| Proszę | Please | ||
| Dziękuję | Thank you | ||
| Do zobaczenia! | See you! | ||
| Na razie | See you soon | ||
| Do widzenia | Goodbye | ||
| Dobranoc | Good night | ||
| Cześć | Hi/Bye (informal) |
Do następnego razu… (Till next time…)
About Kasia
My name is Kasia Scontsas. I grew up in Lublin, Poland and moved to Warsaw to study International Business at the University of Warsaw. I have passion for languages: any languages! Currently I live in New Hampshire. I enjoy skiing, kayaking, biking and paddle boarding. My husband speaks a little Polish, but our 3.5 year old daughter is a pro in it! I wanted to make sure that she can communicate with her Polish relatives in our native language. Teaching her Polish since she was born was the best thing I could give her! I have been writing about learning Polish language and culture for Transparent Language’s Polish Blog since 2010.4 Responses to “Meeting someone new…what to say?”
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well done keep up the good work, this is what I require from the Polish Blog.
Hi, another one I’ve heard said a lot here is “Witam” which seems to be the polite form of “Hello” when you first meet someone you do not know. I think it translates as “Greetings”.
Teach something harder ,it’s too easy !!!
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