Do you know of a Polish friend or exchange student?Are you planning on going to Eastern Europe?Though many Poles know English, greeting people in their native language is a great way to start a conversation and make new friends.Knowing the different ways to greet people in Polish can be useful if you want to use them with someone you meet.
Step 1: Say "cze" to say "hello" in Polish.
"This very common, albeit somewhat informal greeting, is pronounced roughly like "cheh-sh-ch."Non-Poles may find it hard to say this word correctly.It is almost never done in English to follow a "sh" and "ch" sound.In serious social situations, "Cze" is a little informal.It's fine for friends and family members, but some Poles may be offended if you use it the first time you meet them."Cze" can also be used to say goodbye.
Step 2: Say "good day" when you say it.
This greeting, which means "good day," is pronounced "jayn DOH-bry."The first word in this phrase sounds similar to Jane.The last "y" is similar to the "i" in "dinner" and "sick".This is a more formal way to say "hello", and is suitable for situations where you're dealing with people you don't know, or that you know in a professional context."Dzie dobry" means good morning.
Step 3: Say "good evening" if you want to.
This is called "Doh-bry VYEH-choorh."The way in which "Dobry" is pronounced is the same as in "dzie dobry."When meeting people after the sun has begun to go down but before it is completely dark, the W is pronounced like a V, not an English W.The level of formality is the same for "Dobry wieczr" and "dzie dobry."
Step 4: To say "hey"
This is similar to the English "hey".It's a familiar and informal greeting.You don't want to use it for formal situations or people that you're interested in maintaining a professional relationship with.It's best used by close friends."Hey" is the same as "hey" in English.
Step 5: You are the host if you say "witam" when greeting guests.
The first and second vowels are similar to the English V.It's not an appropriate greeting to strangers.It can mean that you occupy a higher social station than the person you're talking to.When you are greeting guests to your home is the best time to have it.
Step 6: If you're unsure, opt for semi-formal/formal greetings.
It's not typical for Polish people to greet someone they've never met before as if they are already friends.English-speakers are used to greetings that are more reserved and formal.Informal "hej" or "cze" greetings can be dangerous, so it's best to use the more formal greetings at your disposal.Informal greetings for casual conversations can usually progress once you've gotten to know someone.If you're not a confident Polish speaker, you may want to follow the lead of the person you are talking to.
Step 7: When addressing a man or woman by last name, use "Pan" or "Pani".
When it comes to greetings in Polish society, respect is an important concept.Until you are invited to address them on a first-name basis, you should always address the people you meet by their proper titles.If you don't know the honorific for the person you are talking to, use "Pan" and "Pani" for men and women."Pan" has a soft "ah" sound to it."Pani" has a long "e" sound at the end like "bee" or "see."Depending on the gender, the Polish last names end in "ski".Polanska would be used for a female.If you do not get invited to address someone by his or her first name, don't be offended.Getting invited into the "inner circle" is a big step for Poles.Business and professional relationships go on for a long time.
Step 8: greet women first at social events
When attending a social event, such as a party or a business meeting, it's important to greet everyone in the room.It can be seen as rude and disrespectful to pass someone over.In Polish society, women are greeted first.Your host will usually handle the introductions, so you won't have to worry about it.
Step 9: Keep eye contact by shaking hands.
You will want to shake hands when you leave as well.If you are a male and the woman extends her hand to you (palm down), you can take it, bow down, and give her a kiss, but you shouldn't kiss her lips.Good manners are still considered a little old-fashioned.
Step 10: Close friends and family members often kiss each other on the cheek.
People who know each other well will often greet one another with a kiss on the cheek, even if they aren't well acquainted.This isn't a sign of love.It can be done with almost any combination of two people as long as they're close.In Poland, you can use two to three kisses, first on the right cheek, then the left and finally theright again.Polish people are very fond of hugs.Don't be concerned if the host gives you one as though you're old friends.
Step 11: Get into the spirit of giving and receiving.
When visiting someone's home, it is not uncommon for the guest to bring a small gift, such as cut flowers, sweets, or alcohol.It is expected that flowers are the most common.If you bring flowers, try to pick out an odd number.chrysanthemums are often used for funerals, so don't bring them.The host might be embarrassed by the very expensive gifts.If you are a host, do not be offended if you don't get a gift.If you do receive a gift, be sure to thank your guest and open the gift.
Step 12: Don't be "prymitywny".
A rude person is called "prymitywny" in Polish.To avoid this label, just give an honest effort to greet the people you meet with respect and treat them with courtesy and kindness you would want for yourself.During your time in a Polish-speaking community, you'll probably make a few minor breeches of decorum.You'll be fine if you acknowledge your mistakes and be polite.People who give you grief for minor slip-ups in a language you're not familiar with is called prymitywny.
Step 13: Say "goodnight" if you want to.
This is called "doh-BRAH-nohts."The "oh" sounds are soft.A soft "ah" sound is what the a is.You can say it to someone as you leave at night, right before you go to bed, and so on.
Step 14: To ask, "how are you?"
Do you mean "jak Si masz?"In many languages, it's customary to ask how someone is.Polish is the same.The soft sounds of the "a" and "ahs" are what make this phrase pronounced "yahk sheh mash."It is best used after "cze" or "hej."It's not suitable after more formal greetings.
Step 15: Say "do widzenia" to say farewell.
"When it's time to leave, use this phrase, which is pronounced "doh veed-ZEN-yah."The W here gets the customary V pronunciation.It's easy to sound out the rest of the word.It's almost like it would be if it were an English.
Step 16: Say thank you when asked how you're doing.
If you want to impress your Polish hosts, offer this up when someone asks how you are doing after the initial greetings.Someone has shown an interest in your affairs by asking about you.Paying them a social courtesy and acknowledging their interest by saying "Thank you" is what you are doing."Dzikuj" is similar to "jen-KOO-yeh.""Prosz" means "please."If it follows "dzikuj", it means you're welcome."Dobrze" means "good.""Bardzo dobrze" means "very good."