Introduction to Polish Greetings

Polish greetings are a fundamental part of the Polish language and play a key role in everyday interactions. Whether you’re meeting Polish friends, introducing yourself to family members, or engaging with Polish speakers in a business meeting, knowing how to say hello in Polish is essential. Mastering basic Polish phrases, especially greetings, helps you break the ice and start conversations with confidence. In Polish culture, the way you greet someone can set the tone for the entire interaction, so it’s important to be aware of both formal and informal ways to greet people. Whether you’re learning Polish for travel, work, or to connect with new friends, understanding Polish greetings is your first step to effective communication.

Importance of Learning Polish Greetings

Learning Polish greetings is more than just memorizing words—it’s about making a good impression and showing respect for Polish culture. Using the right greeting in the right context demonstrates your understanding of social norms and helps you connect with Polish people on a deeper level. In formal settings, such as business meetings or professional contexts, using formal greetings like “dzień dobry” (good morning) or “dobry wieczór” (good evening) shows professionalism and courtesy. In more casual situations, such as chatting with fellow students or meeting friends, informal greetings like “cześć” or “siema” create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. By learning Polish greetings, you not only improve your language skills but also show that you value the customs and traditions of the people you’re speaking with. Choosing the right greeting for each situation is a simple yet powerful way to build trust and foster positive relationships.

USEFUL PHRASES

Today we will focus on the phrases you need to know. This article will show you those phrases which are the most common and let you practice them in the exercises. Good luck!

GREETINGS

There are different ways to say HI and BYE in Polish.

• CZEŚĆ means both: HI and BYE.
• How you can say HELLO:

Polish Greetings for Different Times of Day

HOW TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF

Mam na imię ANNA i (and) urodziłam (-em for non-feminine)  się w WARSZAWIE, ale (but) mieszkam w KRAKOWIE. Mam 25 lat i jestem NAUCZYCIELEM (teacher-nauczyciel).

When introducing yourself to a family member or close acquaintance, you might use more informal greetings. For example, ‘Cześć’ or ‘Hej’ are common among friends and relatives.

‘Jak się masz?’ is a common way to ask ‘How are you?’ in Polish, and it can be used in both formal and informal situations. The literal translation of ‘Jak się masz?’ is ‘How are you having yourself?’, which is similar in meaning to the English ‘How are you?’, though it may sound more formal in Polish than in English.

The choice of greeting can depend on certain contexts, such as whether you are meeting someone for the first time or talking to a family member. Paying attention to how a native speaker introduces themselves can help you sound more natural and confident in Polish.

Another example:

(imię) name: Bartek
(urodzony w) born in: Paryż
(mieszka w ) live in: Wrocław
(wiek) age: trzydzieści jeden
(zawód) profession: piosenkarz

*Mam na imię BARTEK i urodziłem się w PARYŻU, ale mieszkam we WROCŁAWIU. Mam 31 lat i jestem PIOSENKARZEM.

Using a polite way to introduce yourself is important in formal ways, such as when meeting someone for the first time or in a professional context. Maintaining a respectful tone in your greeting helps create a good impression.

Now let’s have some exercises!

In Polish, choosing between a formal greeting and an informal greeting depends on the social setting and your relationship with the person. For example, ‘Dzień dobry’ is the primary formal greeting and is suitable for most social and professional situations, helping you create a positive first impression. Informal greetings, such as ‘cześć’ or the slang-like ‘siema,’ are more appropriate for informal situations and informal settings, like meeting friends or addressing people you know well. Addressing people correctly is important for making a good impression and helps avoid misunderstandings.

1. It’s 10pm. How would you greet an old lady?

        *hej        *cześć        *dobry wieczór        *dzień dobry

2. You see your old friend from childhood. How would you greet them?

        *dzień dobry        *dobry wieczór        *cześć        *dobranoc

3. It’s 8am. How would you greet your neighbour who is 25 years older than you?

        *dobry wieczór        *hej        *cześć        *dzień dobry

One more exercise before we get to the next phrases.

4. Imagine You Are…

EVERYDAY SITUATIONS

Mastering just a handful of Polish phrases can help you handle most everyday conversations with ease. These phrases are useful for everyday use and are essential for developing your conversational Polish skills. Some greetings even serve as a go to phrase in specific situations, such as greeting someone in the evening.

Let us take a closer look at the phrases which can be useful during:

1. SHOPPING in Polish
2. TRAVELLING in Polish
3. JOB INTERVIEW in Polish

1. Shopping

CZY MAJĄ PAŃSTWO…? – Do you have…? (a specific item)

ILE TO KOSZTUJE? – How much is it?

ILE KOSZTUJE…? – How much is…? (a specific item)

CZY MOGĘ ZAPŁACIĆ KARTĄ KREDYTOWĄ? – May I pay with a credit card?

CZY MOGĘ TO PRZYMIERZYĆ? – May I try this on?

GDZIE JEST PRZEBIERALNIA? – Where is the changing room?

GDZIE MOGĘ ZNALEŹĆ…? – Where can I find…? (a specific item)

CHCIAŁABYM / CHCIAŁBYM TO ZWRÓCIĆ. – I would like to return it.

KUPUJĄCY – buyer
SPRZEDAWCA – sales assistant

KUPUJĄCY – (K)
SPRZEDAWCA – (S)

Your turn!

IMAGINE YOU ARE THE BUYER WHO NEEDS A RED ROSE (CZERWONA RÓŻA). YOU WANT TO USE A CREDIT CARD.

(S): DZIEŃ DOBRY, W CZYM MOGĘ POMÓC?
(K): DZIEŃ ………………………………, CZY …………………………. …………………………. CZERWONE RÓŻE?
(S): TAK, MAMY. 
(K): ………………… KOSZTUJE JEDNA ………………………… ………………………………?
(S): 10 ZŁOTYCH.
(K):  OKEJ. …………… ……………………….. ZAPŁACIĆ ……………………………… ………………………………?
(S): TAK, MOŻE PAN(I).

2. Travelling

DZIĘKUJĘ – thank you

CZY MÓWISZ PO ANGIELSKU? – Do you speak English?

CZY MOGĘ DOSTAĆ MAPĘ? – Could I get a map?

MAM REZERWACJĘ. – I have a reservation.

CZY TEN AUTOBUS JEDZIE NA LOTNISKO? – Does this bus go to the airport?

PRZEPRASZAM, JAKA JEST OPŁATA? – Excuse me, what’s the fare?

CZY MAJĄ PAŃSTWO WOLNE POKOJE NA DZIŚ? – Do you have any vacancies for tonight?

JESTEM UCZULONY NA ORZESZKI ZIEMNE. – I am allergic to peanuts.

PERSONEL – personnel  
PODRÓŻNIK – traveller 

PERSONEL – (PR)
PODRÓŻNIK – (PD)

Your turn!

IMAGINE YOU ARE A TRAVELLER AND YOU WANT TO ASK ABOUT VACANCIES AND A MAP.

(PD): …………… ……………………..
(PR): DZIEŃ DOBRY, W CZYM MOGĘ POMÓC?
(PD): CZY MAJĄ …………….. ………………… ……………………. NA DZIŚ?
(PR): TAK, MAMY.
(PD): SUPER, CZY…………… ………………….MAPĘ?
(PR): TAK, PROSZĘ.
(PD): ………………………….!:)

3. Job interview

DZIĘKUJĘ ZA ZAPROSZENIE NA TĘ ROZMOWĘ – thank you for inviting me for this interview

MOJE NAJWIĘKSZE ZALETY TO – my biggest advantages are

UMIEM WSPÓŁPRACOWAĆ W  ZESPOLE – I am a good team player

JESTEM NIEZALEŻNYM PRACOWNIKIEM – I am an independent employee

MOJE NAJWIĘKSZE OSIĄGNIĘCIE TO – my biggest achievement is

PRACODAWCA – employer
KANDYDAT – candidate

PRACODAWCA – (P)
KANDYDAT – (K)

Your turn!

TIME TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF:

Dzień dobry, dziękuję za…..
Moje największe….
Jestem…..

Tips for Practicing Polish Greetings

Conclusion: Summary of Polish Greetings

Polish greetings are a vital part of the Polish language and an important tool for connecting with Polish speakers. By learning both formal and informal greetings, you show respect for Polish culture and make a positive impression in any setting. Remember to practice your greetings often, paying attention to pronunciation and the context in which each phrase is used. Whether you’re saying “dzień dobry” in a professional setting or “cześć” to a new friend, using the right greeting can open doors and help you build meaningful relationships with Polish people. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll feel confident using Polish greetings in all areas of your everyday life!