How Do You Say Hello in Polish and Other Useful Phrases

If the question, "How do you say hello in Polish?" is on your mind, then you must be interested in expressing greetings to your friends of Polish descent in their native language.

So how do you say hello in Polish? The answer is quite simple: Witaj. But remember that even when you know how to spell a word in the Polish language, you probably still won't be pronouncing it correctly. Pronouncingt Polish words with the correct amount of inflection, using the right words and grammar and keeping up in a conversation is a big load to take on all at once. The Polish language is not an easy language to learn. The best way to do it is to start with a few simple words.

Simple Greetings and Phrases
Phrases that are commonly used in any conversation should be on your list of simple words and phrases to learn. To begin with, start with greetings you might use when meeting another person.

• Hello: Witaj.    
• Good morning: Dzien dobry.
• Good night: Dobranoc.

Words that are used both as short commands and questions include the following:

• What for? Po co?
• When? Kiedy?
• Who? Kto?
• Why? Diaczego?
• Thank you: Dziekuje.

Family words can become a little bit confusing. Take the word "grandfather," which is spelled dziadzia and pronounced ja-ja, then consider the word "grandmother," which is spelled busia and pronounced the same way it looks. If you're interested in learning Polish, find a native speaker or look for an online course that includes audio pronunciations that you can pause, rewind and replay. As you get more familiar with the language, you'll learn to recognize patterns of pronunciation that will help you speak new words.

Holiday Greetings
When it comes to the holidays, everyone should be lucky enough to hear greetings in their own language from time to time. This year, greet your friends in Polish and wish them all the happiness that comes with the holidays.

• Merry Christmas: Wesolych swiat Bozego Narodzenia
• Happy New Year: Szczesliwego Nowego Roku
• Happy Easter: Wesolych swiat Wielkanocnych

Playful Slang Words
If you want to add a little fun to your list of words, try learning some slang words and silly phrases.

• You are sexy! Jestes seksowny! (for a man), Jestes seksowna! (for a woman)
• Don't make me laugh. Nie rozsmieszaj mnie.
• I need to use the bathroom. Chce mi sie siusiu.
• I don't like you. Nie lujbie Cie.