Indispensable Basic Polish Phrases Quiz

Answer: Dzien dobry

'Dzien dobry' is a way of saying 'good morning', even if it literally means 'good day.' You can also say, more informally, 'witam' or 'czesc' (both these phrases can be used at any time of a day). 'Dobranoc' means 'good night' and 'Dobry wieczor' is the Polish for 'Good evening'.

Answer: Bardzo mi milo

'Bardzo mi milo' is a shortened way of saying: 'Bardzo mi milo pana/pania poznac' (I am very pleased to meet you). It might be a bit complicated for a foreigner so it is better if just go for the shorter form.

Answer: Nazywam sie

After 'Nazywam sie' you can say your full name or your first name. The Polish for 'My name is' is also 'Mam na imie' but it can be followed only by your first name. 'Mienja zawut' is Russian. 'Ktora godzina?' is also an useful expression and means 'What time is it?. Don't say 'Dajcie mi spokoj' unless you are being harassed by somebody (and it rarely happens in Poland as Poles are rather polite), it is rather rude and actually means 'Leave me alone!' :)

Answer: Do widzenia

You can also say, more informally, 'do zobaczenia' , 'czesc'. But beware of saying 'da swidania', it is Russian!! :). 'Do uslyszenia' is a way of saying 'see you' but it is used exclusively when you talk to somebody on the phone.

Answer: Gdzie jest...?

It is a very useful expression indeed and you will easily find a person ready to provide you with such an information. You can also ask 'Gdzie sie znajduje?' but it is more formal and complicated. 'Dokad isc?' means 'Where to go?' and 'Jak sie nazywasz?' is the Polish for 'What is your name?'. 'Dobrze sie czujesz?' means 'are you feeling well?' and you are supposed to ask this question only when you suspect that somebody is unwell (but well enough to be able to speak!! ;)).

Answer: Kawa, prosze

'Kawa, prosze' means 'Coffee, please'. 'Prosze' is the Polish for 'please'. 'Herbata', 'sok' and 'piwo' are also popular drinks you might find anywhere in Poland; they mean, respectively: tea, juice and beer.

Answer: Dziekuje

You are also welcome to say: 'dziekuje bardzo' (thank you very much). 'Spasiba' is Russian, so again beware of saying it when you are in Poland ;). 'Prosze' is 'please'. 'Na zdrowie' means 'cheers' (used as a toast) or 'bless you' (used to wish good health to a person who has just sneezed).

Answer: Prosze

You might be surprised, but 'prosze' means both 'you are welcome' and 'please' (in the former case you can also use a more familiar expression 'nie ma za co'). If you are even more lucky, you might hear the waiter saying 'Zapraszam nastepnym razem', which means 'Please come here next time'. Don't worry about 'przepraszam' for now, I will explain it later. 'Proszek' sounds similar but it might be misleading. I bet you wouldn't guess that it actually means 'powder'!!

Answer: Przepraszam

It won't hurt if you say, even more politely, 'Przepraszam bardzo' (I am so sorry). You are not supposed to say 'izvinitje' on the streets of Warsaw, but it might come in handy if you are planning a trip to Moscow!

Answer: Nie mowie po polsku

'I don't speak Polish' is 'Nie mowie po polsku'. The other expressions might also be useful and mean 'I am not Polish' (Nie jestem Polakiem), 'I don't live in Poland' (Nie mieszkam w Polsce) and 'Do you speak English?' (Czy mowisz po angielsku?). So, if you decide to go to Poland, have a good trip! (szczesliwej podrozy!).