Ways to Greet in Polish

Have a Polish friend or know someone from Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, or Ukraine? Planning a trip to Eastern Europe? While many Poles, especially the younger generation, understand English greetings like 'Hi' or 'Hello,' greeting people in their native language can help you connect and make new friends. Just like in English, there are various ways to say hello in Polish. Learning these phrases and the cultural customs associated with them can be valuable when meeting new people.

To greet someone in Polish, you can say 'cześć.' This common greeting, pronounced as 'cheh-sh-ch,' is somewhat informal. It's commonly used among friends and family but might not be suitable for formal situations. Remember that 'cześć' can also be used to say goodbye.

To greet someone with 'good day,' use 'dzień dobry.' Pronounced as 'jayn DOH-bry,' this formal greeting is suitable for professional or unfamiliar settings. It can also mean 'good morning.'

For 'good evening,' say 'dobry wieczór.' Pronounced as 'DOH-bry VYEH-choorh,' this greeting is used after sunset but before complete darkness. It carries the same formality as 'dzień dobry.'

To say 'hey,' use 'hej.' This familiar and informal greeting is pronounced the same as in English. Best reserved for close friends.

Greet guests as the host with 'witam.' Pronounced as 'vee-tahm,' it's suitable for welcoming guests to your home. However, it's not appropriate for strangers as it may imply social hierarchy.

When unsure, choose semi-formal/formal greetings In Polish culture, greetings are more reserved and formal than in many English-speaking countries. It's safer to use formal greetings like 'dzień dobry' rather than informal ones like 'hej' or 'cześć.'

Address individuals by 'Pan' or 'Pani' In Polish society, respect is paramount, especially in formal settings. Use 'Pan' for men and 'Pani' for women until invited to use their first name. Polish last names ending in 'ski' change based on gender, and don't be offended if not invited to use first names, as it's a significant social step.

Greet everyone at social gatherings, prioritizing women In social settings, greet everyone present, giving precedence to women. This etiquette is crucial to avoid appearing rude or disrespectful. Traditionally, women are greeted first in Polish culture.

Shake hands firmly and make eye contact Offer a handshake when greeting and leaving, maintaining eye contact. Men may gently kiss a woman's extended hand if offered, but never lift it to their lips.

Close friends and family often exchange cheek kisses While acquaintances usually greet with a handshake, close individuals may kiss on the cheek, a gesture of familiarity, not romance. In Poland, this may involve two to three kisses, starting on the right cheek.

Embrace the tradition of giving and receiving When visiting someone's home, consider bringing a small gift like flowers, sweets, or alcohol. Flowers are customary, but choose an odd number instead of even. Avoid chrysanthemums, skip expensive gifts, and don't expect a gift in return if you're the host. Always graciously thank your guest and open any gifts received.

Avoid being 'prymitywny'! In Polish, rudeness is labeled as 'prymitywny' (primitive). Simply show respect, follow social norms, and treat others as you wish to be treated. Minor etiquette mistakes are forgiven if you're sincere and polite. Anyone who criticizes you for language slip-ups is the one being 'prymitywny.'

Say 'dobranoc' for 'goodnight.' Pronounced as 'doh-BRAH-nohts,' it's used similarly to English. Soften the 'oh' sounds like in 'ocean,' and the 'a' is like in 'apartment.'

Ask 'jak się masz?' for 'how are you?' This informal phrase, pronounced as 'yahk sheh mash,' is used after informal greetings like 'cześć' or 'hej.' Soften the 'a' sounds as in 'apartment.'

Say 'do widzenia' for 'goodbye.' When leaving, use this phrase, pronounced as 'doh veed-ZEN-yah.' The W is pronounced like a V. It's fairly easy to sound out, almost like English.

Express gratitude when asked how you're doing. Impress your Polish hosts by thanking them when they ask about you. By saying 'thank you,' you acknowledge their interest and return a social courtesy.