Language
There's no getting away from it - Polish is a tough language, any early attempts at which will have you sounding like you're whispering, gargling and choking simultaneously. Many Poles, particularly the younger ones, speak a little English, but that's no excuse not to learn at least a few of those tortuous tongue-twisters, so we've included. at the bottom of this page, a brief guide to get you started. For those who wish to get more involved, there are a host of excellent language schools, many of them providing translation services, which may be necessary if you plan to stay any length of time in the city.
There are a whole range of Polish words which look pretty similar to their English equivalents, so signs such as POLICJA, RESTAURACJA, HOTEL and TAXI are hardly going to tax most travellers, but here are a handful of others that may be useful:
Kawiarnia - Cafe
Herbaciarnia - Tea House
Ksiegarnia - Book Shop
Mieso - Butchery
Nabial - Dairy products
Sklep - Shop
Prasa - Newsagent
Dworzec - Station
Lotnisko - Airport
The Polish language uses the Latin alphabet as in English, however you will find a few extra letters, (formed from Latin letters but with an additional slash or hook), bringing the total to 32. A few letters you won't find are: q, v, and x. The only exception to this rule are direct translations from other languages (e.g. "fax') and, of course, slang and marketing-language.
We've recently added our new audio pronunciation guide (right) to help with those tricky Polish pronunciations! If you've got some good ideas on how to make our language section better, let us know!
Comments
Shanta from United States Reply
I am curious as to what masz piekna dupeczke means. If its an offensive term, I would rather not use it. I am highly interested in a Polish man and am trying to learn the language.
Bernard Darnley from United Kingdom Reply
Fantastyczny strona. Mam yedno pytanie dla Agnieska! Czy ty mnie kochasz tak yak ya ciebie?
Bernard Darnley from United Kingdom Reply
Work hard, practice-practice and practice some more. Always remember that "Perfekcja" is the result of hard graft. By the way if any polish person wants to share my love of language and learning, please feel free to get in touch with. I promise not to "bite your head off". Thats just a bit of english colloquialism. Keep the faith, regards Bernard
Sara from United States Reply
awesome site! needing help learning Polish. Troche rozumiem po polsku, but I plan to visit with my son soon. Any one with pointers, tips, or just willing to help please email me : Saralizzybeth@gmail.com Dziekuje!
Ernest Barteldes from United States Reply
The questions are fine, but then you memorize them and cant understand the answer... but thank God my wife is Polish... had a great time there, cant wait to go back
Bobby Rosenberg from United States Reply
I work @ Penn Medicine, The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, Neurology. I also enjoy the "arts & sciences," which encompasses many different facets of Gay Life in NJ, USA (New Brunswick, New Jersey/NJ) & NYC/New York City). I am do for a visit to Poland again & explore the Gay Polish Culture. I would like to do advanced degree work in Nursing @ the University of Warsaw. My E-mail address is: Grafvonrosenberg@aol.com & USA Cell Phone # is: (732)485 - 5468.
Bobby from United States Reply
I am currently a nurse @ The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, PA, in Neurology. I am planning to return to Warsaw in 2011, & hope to visit the city once more & experience the Gay Community. My family is orginally from the Polesie region - Brzesc Litewski nad Bugiem. I plan on studying @ the University of Warsaw, Nursing. I love Poland, & all that it has to offer. I want to get involved in the Gay Community.
Polish tuition from Poland Reply
I am a postgraduate student of Polish Studies and Classics at the University of Warsaw. Also, I used to study both of these programmes at UCL during the Erasmus exchange in London. I have experience working as a Polish tutor for more than 3 years. I provide all materials for: - basic, intermediate and advanced general Polish classes for children and adults - business Polish for professionals - legal Polish for solicitors/paralegals - CV, cover letters If interested, please send an e-mail to tuition.mb@hotmail.com
Research from Germany Reply
I forgot to mention I need that person to be a private tutor not from a tutor from a company. Thank you.
Research from Germany Reply
Does anyone know a Polish Teacher (who's native tongue is Polish) in Warsaw?? I know it can't be that hard to find but I'm finding it quite difficult.
Laura from Aruba and Netherlands Antilles Reply
heyyy my good friend is polish and i just wanted to write on this comment box!
Bernard Darnley from United Kingdom Reply
Imani/US Well done Imani you come across as a perfectionist.I have been trying to come to terms with the complexities of Polish grammer. Have a terrific time in
Imani Fox from United States Reply
I'm black and polish, which people find quite an unusual mix. However, i speak both english and polish fluently which seems to amaze everyone. My mother and I are planning a trip to Katowice, Polska for next summer. And i'm very excited. I'm just doing some last minute research to make sure that my polish grammar is as good as can be!
Bernard Darnley from United Kingdom Reply
I speak fluent and affluent Polish with an Irish accent, ale czazem nie rozumiem wszstko. Wole movic po polsku i czytam gazety Polski,teraz (Adam Mickiewicz)"Pan Tadeuz". Pomoc! Dziekuje bardzo. Bernard
Cami from United States Reply
berry cantika. In Polish, "I miss you" are "Bardzo za tob± têskniê." The "i love too" are "Te¿ ciê kocham." I hope I helped.
berry cantika from Indonesia Reply
hi there.. help me to translate " i love you too" and " i miss you much ", thanks
aneta from Poland Reply
hi i want to improve my language that,s why i,m looking for native speaker. I,m studying English in Warsow, I can teach you Polish. please help
Monika from United States Reply
How do you write a thank you for card for someone who threw you a baby shower? in Polish.Please help :)
im romanian (: from United States Reply
how do you say will you go out with me in polish i really wanna ask my soon to be girl in polish pleaze help (:
Alexandru Magda from United States Reply
This was really, well it was helpful, i learned how to say some things in polish. Even though im only 15 i wanna talk to my girlfriend in polish and i learned how to say good-bye, hello, how are you, i love you, you know...simple things.
Answer for Jon from United States Reply
Your grandmother was probably saying 'Ja Cie Kocham' which means 'I love you' :)
jon from United States Reply
Great site. Does anyone know the word "Yatchekuchem"? My grandmother used to say it all the time and I don't know the translation. Thanks, Jon
goober from United States Reply
Whats with the stamp thing? Is it common to collect stamps in poland?
tessa from United States Reply
My boyfriend is from poland. I learned alot so far but since im english its extreamly hard for me to pronounce polish words..Practice does make perfect. Ive been learning for about 5 months and ive learned so much. Polish is a beautiful language.
K from Poland Reply
Hi there Donald - 'welcome to the family' would be 'witamy w rodzinie' (said like: vee-TAH-mih vroh-GEE-njeh)
Donald Bajzat from United States Reply
I need help!!How do you say"Welcome to do family" in polish? My future sun in law is from poland and i would like to tell him that when i will meet him first time!!!
briustia from Poland Reply
lots of people whant to no polish yak sea mush means how are you doing dozze a te means are you good and jendroby means helo
Ears from United Kingdom Reply
i love you = kocham cie :) also... i didnt mean to put my below comment lol... i thought it was the sign up bit :S.. :)
LIKA from Japan Reply
My first visit Poland is ticking now.I tried learning Polish by listening to a CD in my car. Polish seems to be friendly. Thanks for your advice.
Janusz from United States Reply
could someone please tell me how to say I love you in polish with how to pronounce it, thanks
ManchesterChav from United Kingdom Reply
I went to Lublin City for a couple of days, beautiful, unexplored City, but they don't have a motorway between WARSAW and LUBLIN yet, so trip took about 1.5 hour. They have got cheap regional lager called "Perla", alcohol, food, weed... are much cheaper than in Warsaw. I recommend this site: http://kultura.lublin.eu/0.html?locale=en_GB it's available in English, Polish, Ukrainian and Spanish:) ps. ppl in Lublin, in general speak British-English:):):):)
antidote from Turkey Reply
polish is very difficult i think. i hope i'll find people who can speak english :)
Jean from France Reply
Polish is a very difficult language! But it's also very beautiful. It's worth the effort to learn the basics even.
elias from Turkey Reply
I think polish is really good language.I'll be in warsaw in a few months and I really wonder there.I wonder people,language,culture...almost everything
LIKA from Japan Reply
I will visit warsaw and krakow this fall for my first time with my old friend. Please let me know the words which I need at least.
Nadin from Ukraine Reply
The more languages u know - the more u a Human. Our languages are very similar, so, think, in 2-3 months, I'll manage with Polish. One thing is if u DO wish to know or only seem to be. Best regards from Ukraine and welcome to Chernivtsi !
Ewa from Canada Reply
It's encouraging to know that even you have difficulty pronouncing some Polish words. As for me, I tried my best when I went to Poland, and I can say proudly that I managed to pronounce correctly (that's what I think at least) such complicated street names as Plac Trzech Krzy¿y (Three Crosses Square).I have been learning Polish for about 8 months and I do my best to understand it and speak Polish fluently. I think we will have a great time learning Polish here :)
Sylwia from France Reply
Tout d'abord, la langue polonaise n'a jamais de difficulté à la compréhension mutuelle, et des locuteurs non-natifs ne peuvent généralement pas distinguer facilement les variations régionales./First, the Polish language has never difficulty in mutual understanding, and non-native speakers often can not easily distinguish regional variations.
KUBA from United Kingdom Reply
reply to Jim Goldman That's why most of the nations think that Americans are total ignorant. Poland was wiped out from map of Europe for nearly 300 years and Poles did not loose their language and culture because of that. Remember mister USA - our culture is much older than yours. And no one can be called Native American other than Indians (so called by Christopher Columbus fatal mistake). Read some books mr Jim before You write idiocy like that.
Anka from United Kingdom Reply
I'd say 60 million people (of those only 40 million actually in Poland) is not a limited number of people, especially since 20 million are spread all over the globe. I'd be more worried about smaller countries' languages dying out, like Latvia's or Lithuania's, as Polish will be around for some time - until we're all speaking Chinese anyway.
Jim Goldman from United States Reply
Polish is not here for ever - This language is not user friendly and is spoen by a limited number of people in a defined geographical area. The spoken language in Poland will soon be Russian / German / English . Jim
ida from United States Reply
honestly give me a good phrase to use to pick up a girl in bar - not too tacky but not too serious. something relatively easy (ie sans stamps collections...)
K from United States Reply
Polish is super hard to learn. I've been living in Poland for almost 4 months, and the only english I hear is at english schools.Yes the women do look like natural super models.
Jonathan from United States Reply
dude i need help in my project with polish words plz help .........thank you
Kyuno Tsukiyama from United Kingdom Reply
If U want to learn polish just write to me :))) My e-mail : wege4animals@op.pl Msn: fufek_lj@hotmail.com
kasia from Poland Reply
Hey you! Yes… you!!! On Tuesday and Wednesday, 16th and 17th of December AEGEE-Warszawa is once again organizing a European Day of Languages. This time we also remembered about all those who still have some Polish-language problems or … just visit Warsaw and have some free time:) We invite you for both: Polish your Polish workshop and Language Café. (more information about the program and directions: http://www.edl.aegee.waw.pl) POLISH YOUR POLISH!!! Wednesday, 17th of December, 10 a.m. – Riviera Dormitory building You have a great opportunity to take part in a unique workshop on Polish language!!! It will be a short course for both: those who have already started a journey with the language and also for those who still cannot overcome their fears and have not been brave enough before. Workshop led by two young professionals - girls from the Warsaw University, will be composed mostly on interactive elements. It will take about 90 min. You will find out how easy the Polish language is, sometimes funny and so useful in this country:) It will also be a good possibility to meet other people from different countries! Places are limited – sign in now! http://edl.aegee.waw.pl LANGUAGE CAFÉ!!! Tuesday, 16th of December, 8 p.m. – Equilibrium Pub Language Café means just free conversations for everybody!!! You will meet people from other countries and get to know about languages you are interested in! You can also speak in your language and share the experience of the Polish language. There will be also people interested in your language and country willing to find out some interesting things about it. Come and enjoy the cold beer/hot coffee meeting:) Don’t miss the chance! http://edl.aegee.waw.pl
kriminal from United States Reply
accented syllables would be PRO-sheh BAR-tso, okay hope that helps
kriminal from United States Reply
hi Judy - " you're welcome " is " prosze bardzo " or pronounced something like 'pro-sheh bar-tso'
kriminal from United States Reply
easiest way is to invite her to a specific place - ie, 'czy pojdziesz ze mna na kawe?' (chy puj-dzesh zeh mnow na ka-ve) which literaly translates to 'will you go for a cup of coffe with me?' sorry but not an expert on phonetic spelling... -- or see above "click & listen" options and use last one :)
Lauren from United States Reply
Could someone please help me and tell me how to say "In family there is strength and love" ? i'm getting it as a tattoo and want the translation to be correct! many thanks!
Florin from Romania Reply
Polish is a very beautiful language to learn.. Is kind of hard for latin speakers but.. who really wants.. I`m sure that they can do it. Kocham Cię is so nice to hear..
MEG from United States Reply
You have a great teacher but you should say the words slower then say them faster.
Cathy Kitkoski from United States Reply
How do you say pretty girl in polish. The correct spelling and translation, how to say it Thank you!
Suzy from Malaysia Reply
Sorry.. out of topic.. just wanna ask, in Poland, which university offers medical study? Thanks in advance..
Elizabeth from United States Reply
ty jesteś bardzo piękni, podoba mi sie twoje zdjencie. What is he saying?
Poland from Poland Reply
Polish Government is sick=Polski rz±d jest chory/walniêty [say: polski rzond jest hory /walnienty]
Ania from Poland Reply
Kimberly, "Zapraszam do znajomych i na swój profil z moimi utworami" means "welcome to my friends and to my profile, with my songs" - I'm guessing it's a "thanks for the add" on myspace?
Kimberly from United States Reply
Zapraszam do znajomych i na swój profil z moimi utworami. What does that mean I got some. profil=profile. z=and. swoj=your i'm trying to learn polish, and i dont have a teacher! I need help. :)
Ania from Poland Reply
Lexie, "zapraszam do klubu modne-dziewczyn, sweet-pieski, kotki_pieseczki" can roughly be translated as "we invite to the club trendy girls, sweet chicks, kittens-puppies" - it's actually a very weird phrase that doesn't make much sense in Polish either...
Lexie Currey from United States Reply
sorry on my comment below i forgot to say, please if you can help me e-mail me at AMAZINGLEXIE_14@yahoo.com. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! Oh and please let it be in english!!! lol :)
Lexie Currey from United States Reply
Can anybody tell me what: zapraszam do klubu modne-dziewczyn, sweet-pieski, kotki_pieseczki, means? I'm sorry but truth be told i'm a dumb american with a polish penpal who doesn't speak any english......ahhhhhh....anyway i'm from a polish background which means i should be able to speak a little but guess what i only speak spanish and english.....:) Lexie
fayo from Mexico Reply
hi im fayo wel im going to visit poland in a month i would like to lern som polish befor jaja con you helpme? my skype is fayo.marquez my msn fayo_2111@hotmail.com
Sandra from Mexico Reply
Learn Polish its really difficult if you´re spanish speaker cause the sounds are very different in the two languages. But its so funny learn Polish everydoby helps you!
Logger Dave from Canada Reply
Polish is easy if your travel buddy is fluent. Otherwise, pay attention and be prepared to get for some concerned looks and lots of laughs. Polish people are the best!
Krystyna from Canada Reply
mieszkajac w Polsce do 24 roku zycia nigdy nie myslalam o jezyku polskim jako trudnym. Obecnie od 20 lat mieszkam w Kanadzie i kiedy pomagam corce i synowi odrabiac lekcje z j.polskiego to dopiero teraz dostrzegam to ze jednak nie jest on taki latwy ale... jak ktos bardzo chce to moze sie go nauczyc choc z poczatku moze to brzemiec smiesznie.
Jaroslaw from United States Reply
My grandfather always said Polish is very simple to learn. It is so easy, he said, even babies learn it!!!! :)
Monika from Poland Reply
Hi, I am polish girl, and If somebody want to learn polish I will be happy to help him. You can write mail to me (aubergine@o2.pl) or on skype aubergine-monique, I'll be happy :) Good luck!!
rebecca from United States Reply
hi I need some help. i want to learn how to speack polish because my great grand father[iggy]died and he was polish.thanks bye-bye
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