One of the hardest languages on the planet to learn is Polish. We’ve compiled a list of some of the common Polish words with the hope of helping you navigate this Slavic language’s soft hisses and endless sibilant sounds.
‘Na Zdrowie!’ (nas-dro-v-yea)
The Polish word for ‘cheers!’ is ‘na Zdrowie!’. This word is used whenever raising a shot of their favorite local vodka, bison grass, and in some cases after someone sneezes to wish them good health.
‘Dzień dobry’ (jine-dobree)
Whenever visiting a country that speaks a different language, it is important and also necessary to know how to say hello in their local dialect. And in the Polish language, the word for hello is ‘dzień dobry’. Even though the literal meaning of this phrase is good morning, you can use it late at night and in the early hours of the morning.
‘Proszę’ (proshe)
Knowing how to say please in the local language of the country you are visiting is a sign of respect and politeness. In Polish the phrase for saying so is proszę’. So when in the country and ordering for frothy Slavic beers, steaming bigos stew, or Cracovian pretzels, make sure you say proszę’ to the server at the end of the order.
‘Dziękuję’ (jen-koo-yea)
Other than proszę’ (please), another important Polish word you need to learn is dziękuję’. This phrase means thank you and you can use it to express your gratitude to the locals you interact with.
‘Nie rozumiem’ (nie ro-zoo-me-em)
As a visitor, you won’t he able to understand all the words locals are saying when having a conversation with them. That is why you need to know how to say ‘I don’t understand’ in Polish. So when stuck in a linguistic quagmire with a local, just say nie rozumiem.
‘Jak masz na imię?’ (yak-mash-na-im-yea)
Polish names are famed for being some of the hardest to pronounce. However, this doesn’t mean that you should ask someone for their name. So, the Polish phrase for asking ‘What’s your name?’ is ‘Jak masz na imię?’
‘Przepraszam’ (psh-she-pra-sham)
This phrase is one that most people learning Polish complain of being the hardest and nearly impossible to pronounce. However, you’ll need to learn it because you’ll have to use it when apologizing or asking someone to move out of the way.
There are so many other common Polish words you should learn of you plan on visiting the country. The ones listed here will get you started.