Learn 85 basic, common phrases in Polish that every foreigner and Polish learner will find useful when communicating with the Poles and navigating living in or traveling around Poland.
Even if you're a beginner Polish learner or you just know a few simple words like "tak," "nie," and "dziękuję," you’re already off to a great start! But let’s face it—while a polite “thank you” and a confident “yes” or “no” can take you somewhere, there are moments when you might need a little more in your Polish vocabulary toolkit.
Whether you’re trying to make friends, ask for directions, or navigate a surprise encounter with a Polish grandmother who’s eager to feed you, knowing a few more common phrases will make your life a lot easier (and a lot more fun!).
In this article, I share 85 must-know, common phrases in Polish that will help you navigate some possible situations in Polish. From friendly greetings to emergency phrases that will get you out of a pickle, these are the expressions that every foreigner in Poland should have up their sleeve.
Common Phrases to Say Hello in Polish
You may have heard about the Polish smile. While Polish people don't smile very often and may seem cold and reserved, we are very kind and polite. We like to greet strangers with kindness and love it when foreigners learn a few words in Polish.
These phrases will help you make a great first impression on Polish people, no matter where you are - whether it's standing in the line at Żabka or saying hi to your new Polish friends.
Cześć (hello)
Hej (hi)
Dzień dobry (Good morning)
Dzień dobry Panu (Good morning, Sir)
Dzień dobry Pani (Good morning, Madame)
Dobry wieczór (Good evening)
Dobry wieczór Panu (Good evening, Sir)
Dobry wieczór Pani (Good evening, Madame)
💡 Want to learn more ways to say hi in Polish? Check out my article on 15 different ways to say hello in Polish.
Common Phrases in Polish to Say "How Are You"
Nothing says you're interested in someone's well-being like asking how they're doing. And while it may be a bit more complicated in Polish, it's always a good idea to have a few of these "how are you" expressions under your belt.
Here are some common phrases in Polish you can use to ask someone about their well-being and show them you care.
Jak się masz? (How are you?)
Co słychać? (How’s it going?)
Co u Ciebie? (How are you doing?)
Jak się masz ostatnio? (How have you been doing lately?)
Wszystko w porządku? (Everything alright?)
Co nowego? (What's new?)
Jak mija twój dzień? (How’s your day going?)
Jak mija twój tydzień? (How’s your week going?)
Co w pracy? (How's work?)
Polite Words & Phrases in Polish
Polish people are very polite and love courtesy. We tend to use polite language and formal expressions to show respect.
As a Polish learner, you may already be familiar with the official terms we use to address people we don't know or who are in formal settings: Pan (Sir), Pani (Madame), and Państwo (Ladies and Gentlemen). It's important to use these terms appropriately to convey respect.
So, of course, we're big on the standard expressions of politeness like thank you, you're welcome, and excuse me. So, here are some Polish words and phrases that will inevitably come in handy when interacting with others:
Proszę (Please)
Dziękuję (Thank you)
Proszę bardzo (You're welcome)
Przepraszam (Excuse me / Sorry)
Nie ma za co (Don't mention it)
Czy mogę prosić o...? (May I ask for...?)
Czy mógłbyś/mogłabyś...? (Could you...?) [for men/women]
Przepraszam, że przeszkadzam (Sorry to bother you)
Z góry dziękuję (Thank you in advance)
Przepraszam za spóźnienie (Sorry for being late)
Dziękuję za pomoc (Thank you for your help)
Proszę o chwilę cierpliwości (Please be patient)
Dziękuję za zrozumienie (Thank you for your understanding)
🤓 Want to learn more common Polish phrases you must know as a foreigner? Get my FREE list HERE.
Basic & Common Questions in Polish
When you're out and about in Poland, you may need to find your way in places, ask strangers for help, or get information about your surroundings. And asking questions is something that makes communication easier and more effective.
In Polish, we have a saying—kto pyta, nie błądzi—which means "who asks doesn't get lost."
So, here are some basic questions you might find helpful in various situations when navigating the city, seeking assistance, or simply trying to communicate more effectively. Oh, and make sure to use "przepraszam" (excuse me) in front of every question.
Gdzie jest toaleta? (Where is the toilet?)
Gdzie jest bankomat? (Where is the ATM?)
Gdzie jest kantor? (Where is the money exchange?)
Jak dojść do dworca? (How do I get to the train station?)
Czy mógłbyś/mogłabyś mi pomóc? (Could you help me? m./f.)
Ile to kosztuje? (How much does it cost?)
O której godzinie odjeżdża pociąg? (At what time does the train leave)
Czy mogę prosić o informację? (Can I ask for information?)
Gdzie jest najbliższa stacja metra/autobusowa? (Where is the nearest metro/bus station?)
Czy to daleko stąd? (Is it far from here?)
Czy jest tutaj restauracja? (Is there a restaurant here?)
Gdzie znajdę bankomat? (Where can I find an ATM?)
Czy mogę zapłacić kartą? (Can I pay by card?)
Czy jest dostęp do Wi-Fi? (Is there Wi-Fi access?)
Jak długo trwa podróż do Warszawy? (How long does it take to travel to Warsaw?)
Czy jest tutaj toaleta? (Is there a toilet here?)
Gdzie mogę kupić bilety? (Where can I buy tickets?)
Czy mogę prosić o rachunek? (Can I have the bill, please?)
Jakie są godziny otwarcia? (What are the opening hours?)
Czy macie menu w języku angielskim? (Do you have a menu in English?)
Czy mogę prosić o szklankę wody? (Can I have a glass of water, please?)
Czy jest tu parking? (Is there parking here?)
Emergencies & Important Phrases in Polish
Sometimes, things don't go as planned, and it's crucial to be prepared. That's why it's essential to know a few key emergency phrases that you may find handy when push comes to shove (knock on wood!).
These emergency phrases will ensure you're equipped to handle unexpected situations.
When you need medical help:
In situations where you need medical assistance, being able to communicate your needs clearly can be essential to your well-being. Even if you can't speak Polish fluently, knowing some of these phrases can potentially save your life.
Pomocy! (Help!)
Potrzebuję natychmiastowej pomocy. (I need immediate help.)
Zadzwoń po pomoc! (Call for help!)
Zadzwoń na pogotowie! (Call the ambulance!)
Wezwij karetkę! (Call the ambulance!)
Zadzwonię na policję! (I'll call the police!)
Czy możesz wezwać policję? (Can you call the police?)
Gdzie jest najbliższy szpital? (Where is the nearest hospital?)
Potrzebuję lekarza. (I need a doctor.)
Potrzebuję pomocy medycznej. (I need medical assistance.)
Ktoś jest ranny. (Someone is injured.)
Gdzie jest najbliższy punkt medyczny? (Where is the nearest medical center?)
When you get lost or lose something:
It's always helpful to know what to say if you find yourself in a situation where you're lost or have lost something. Here are some common phrases in Polish to use in these situations:
Zgubiłem/Zgubiłam portfel. (I've lost my wallet.)
Mój paszport został skradziony. (My passport has been stolen.)
Skradziono mi telefon. (My phone got stolen.)
Okradziono mnie. (I got robbed.)
Czy mogę użyć telefonu? (Can I use your phone?)
Nie mogę znaleźć drogi do mojego hotelu. (I can't find the way to my hotel.)
Proszę o pomoc, zgubiłem/zgubiłam się. (Please help, I'm lost.)
When you feel sick:
If you find yourself feeling unwell while in Poland, knowing how to express your symptoms and ask for help can be crucial. Here are some common Polish expressions to use when you're feeling sick:
Nie czuję się dobrze. (I don’t feel well.)
Źle się czuję. (I feel terrible)
Mam ból głowy. (I have a headache.)
Mam gorączkę. (I have a fever.)
Boli mnie brzuch. (My stomach hurts.)
Będę wymiotować. (I'll vomit.)
Zaraz zemdleję. (I'll pass out.)
Słabo mi. (I feel weak.)
Muszę się położyć. (Can I lie down here?)
Muszę iść do toalety. (I need to go to the toilet.)
Potrzebuję pomocy medycznej. (I need medical assistance.)
Czy jest tutaj lekarz? (Is there a doctor here?)
Czy mogę zobaczyć lekarza? (Can I see a doctor?)
Czy masz coś na ból głowy? (Do you have something for a headache?
Want to learn Polish words and expand your vocabulary? Check out my Polish Vocabulary Kit with 24 topic-specific vocabulary lists. Get it HERE.
There You Have It!
Well done! Now, you're prepared with 85 common phrases in Polish that will come in handy in various situations. Knowing these expressions can make a world of difference in different situations, whether you're greeting someone, asking for directions, or seeking help in an emergency.
Even if you're not fluent in Polish (yet), knowing a few key phrases not only helps you get around but also shows you're making an effort to connect with the locals. And trust me, that effort won't go unnoticed—it's a great way to win the hearts of the Poles!
