You have mastered pointing at menus. You have confidently smiled your way through entire conversations. Now it is time to level up. Polish might look like your keyboard fell down the stairs, but do not panic. These ten phrases will get you fed, thanked, forgiven and possibly adopted by a local grandma.
Let us begin.
1. Dzień dobry
Good day
Pronunciation: jen DOH-bri
Your polite all purpose greeting for mornings, afternoons, shops, cafés and literally every situation where you want to seem well raised.
2. Dobry wieczór
Good evening
Pronunciation: DOH-bri VYEH-choor
Perfect for evenings, dinners and entering anywhere after sunset with grace and manners.
3. Proszę
Please
Pronunciation: PROH-sheh
This magical word works as please and also as you are welcome. Poland loves efficiency.
4. Dziękuję
Thank you
Pronunciation: jen-KOO-yeh
Say this often and enthusiastically. It is the fastest way to become everyone’s favourite tourist.
5. Przepraszam
Excuse me or sorry
Pronunciation: psheh-PRAH-sham
Use it when squeezing past people, bumping into someone or accidentally ordering the wrong thing and panicking politely.
6. Nie rozumiem
I do not understand
Pronunciation: nyeh roh-ZOO-myem
Your safety phrase when the conversation suddenly goes full fluent Polish and you are emotionally unprepared.
7. Czy mówi Pan lub Pani po angielsku
Do you speak English
Pronunciation: chi MOO-vee pan loof PAH-nee poh an-GYEL-skoo
Long, dramatic and incredibly useful. Say it with confidence and a hopeful smile.
8. Ile to kosztuje
How much does it cost
Pronunciation: EE-leh toh kohsh-TOO-yeh
Essential for markets, taxis and moments when you suspect the vodka shot might be suspiciously strong and possibly overpriced.
9. Gdzie jest toaleta
Where is the toilet
Pronunciation: g-JEH yest toh-ah-LEH-tah
This will save your dignity more than once. Memorise it like your passport number.
10. Poproszę jedno piwo
One beer please
Pronunciation: poh-PROH-sheh YED-noh PEE-voh
Arguably the most important sentence in the entire Polish language for travellers.
Final Confidence Boost
You do not need to sound perfect. You just need to try. Poles genuinely respect effort and will happily meet you halfway with patience, smiles and sometimes bonus pierogi. Say it wrong, say it bravely and say thank you a lot.
Your Polish will not be flawless. But your travel experience will be.
