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

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Liz
Philippines

I need to know my English to polish

Reply Mar 15th, 2019
Liz
Philippines

I need to know my English to polish

Reply Mar 15th, 2019
Alexa
Canada

What is "I am from Canada" in polish? Thanks!

Reply Jul 30th, 2017
shannon
United States

How is "family is strength" translated to polish?

Reply Oct 25th, 2015
Editor
Poland

Rodzina to siła

Reply Oct 26th, 2015
Taryn
Australia

I need the spelling for love hope faith and strength in polish pretty please

Reply Oct 4th, 2015
Editor
Poland

Here U go: hope: nadzieja faith: wiara strength: siła Hope this helps!:)

Reply Oct 4th, 2015
Nicole smoczynska
Poland

Will you go out with me in polish: Pójdziesz ze mną?

Reply Dec 30th, 2014
Nicole Smoczynska
Poland

Bardzo pszydatne

Reply Dec 30th, 2014
Guest
United Kingdom

How can you say send me your pictures in polish?

Reply Dec 25th, 2014
Guest
United Kingdom

Please can someone help me? What's home sweet home in Polish? Thanks x

Reply Nov 19th, 2014
Linda Brzezinski Willhoff
United States

I would like to know what Witamy w Polskim Klubie mean.

Reply Jul 30th, 2014
Editor
Poland

"Welcome to Polish club":)

Reply Jul 30th, 2014
Linda
United States

How do you say "witamy w rodzinie?"

Reply Dec 31st, 2013
monika
Poland

welcome to the family

Reply Aug 24th, 2015
Piotrek
Poland

Hey, I could help you to learn Polish if you want. You could help me to learn your language, especially Spanish, French or Russian. petrus.klimiuk@gmail.com

Reply Sep 11th, 2013
Stuart
United Kingdom

I love poles

Reply Jun 17th, 2013
Shanta
United States

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.

Reply Aug 6th, 2012
Bernard Darnley
United Kingdom

Fantastyczny strona. Mam yedno pytanie dla Agnieska! Czy ty mnie kochasz tak yak ya ciebie?

Reply Aug 24th, 2011
Bernard Darnley
United Kingdom

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

Reply Aug 10th, 2011
Irek
Poland

If you need help with polish, I can help you for your english.

Reply Jun 7th, 2011
Sara
United States

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!

Reply May 31st, 2011
Ernest Barteldes
United States

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

Reply May 6th, 2011
Staci
United States

How do you spell the word love in Polish? Anyone?

Reply Oct 6th, 2010
Bobby Rosenberg
United States

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.

Reply Sep 12th, 2010
Bobby
United States

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.

Reply Sep 12th, 2010
Polish tuition
Poland

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

Reply Sep 9th, 2010
Research
Germany

I forgot to mention I need that person to be a private tutor not from a tutor from a company. Thank you.

Reply Sep 7th, 2010
Research
Germany

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.

Reply Sep 7th, 2010
Laura
Aruba

heyyy my good friend is polish and i just wanted to write on this comment box!

Reply Sep 2nd, 2010
Bernard Darnley
United Kingdom

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

Reply Aug 9th, 2010
Bernard Darnley
United Kingdom

Imani/US

Reply Aug 9th, 2010
Imani Fox
United States

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!

Reply Jul 25th, 2010
Bernard Darnley
United Kingdom

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

Reply May 17th, 2010
Cami
United States

berry cantika. In Polish, "I miss you" are "Bardzo za tob± têskniê." The "i love too" are "Te¿ ciê kocham." I hope I helped.

Reply May 8th, 2010
berry cantika
Indonesia

hi there.. help me to translate " i love you too" and " i miss you much ", thanks

Reply Apr 26th, 2010
Jorien
Belgium

i love polish language

Reply Apr 16th, 2010
aby
United States

i can speak fluent polish hahah

Reply Mar 30th, 2010
aneta
Poland

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

Reply Mar 28th, 2010
Monika
United States

How do you write a thank you for card for someone who threw you a baby shower? in Polish.Please help :)

Reply Mar 20th, 2010
im romanian (:
United States

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 (:

Reply Mar 19th, 2010
Alexandru Magda
United States

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.

Reply Mar 19th, 2010
iis rosanti
Indonesia

Need to display the written text instead the voice only

Reply Feb 25th, 2010
ASIRI
Sri Lanka

Its great.... But i want to learn polish

Reply Feb 22nd, 2010
Answer for Jon
United States

Your grandmother was probably saying 'Ja Cie Kocham' which means 'I love you' :)

Reply Feb 15th, 2010
jon
United States

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

Reply Feb 14th, 2010
jon
United States

Great site

Reply Feb 14th, 2010
goober
United States

Whats with the stamp thing? Is it common to collect stamps in poland?

Reply Jan 22nd, 2010
tessa
United States

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.

Reply Jan 13th, 2010
L0v3rJ081eS
Canada

I suck at polish (for a school project)!!!!!

Reply Jan 12th, 2010
K
Poland

Hi there Donald - 'welcome to the family' would be 'witamy w rodzinie' (said like: vee-TAH-mih vroh-GEE-njeh)

Reply Nov 16th, 2009
Donald Bajzat
United States

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!!!

Reply Nov 16th, 2009
Donald Bajzat
United States

I need halp!!

Reply Nov 16th, 2009
briustia
Poland

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

Reply Oct 12th, 2009
Shoreline
Poland

"You look great" = "¦wietnie wygl±dasz"

Reply Oct 9th, 2009
Iain
Canada

How do you say. You look great in Polish?

Reply Oct 8th, 2009
Ears
United Kingdom

i love you = kocham cie :) also... i didnt mean to put my below comment lol... i thought it was the sign up bit :S.. :)

Reply Sep 22nd, 2009
Ears
United Kingdom

Tak, Dobrze... thus far

Reply Sep 22nd, 2009
LIKA
Japan

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.

Reply Sep 11th, 2009
Janusz
United States

could someone please tell me how to say I love you in polish with how to pronounce it, thanks

Reply Sep 2nd, 2009
ManchesterChav
United Kingdom

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:):):):)

Reply Aug 29th, 2009
antidote
Turkey

polish is very difficult i think. i hope i'll find people who can speak english :)

Reply Jul 24th, 2009
Jean
France

Polish is a very difficult language! But it's also very beautiful. It's worth the effort to learn the basics even.

Reply Jun 28th, 2009
elias
Turkey

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

Reply Jun 26th, 2009
LIKA
Japan

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.

Reply May 20th, 2009
Nadin
Ukraine

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 !

Reply May 15th, 2009
Ewa
Canada

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 :)

Reply May 13th, 2009
Sylwia
France

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.

Reply May 13th, 2009
KUBA
United Kingdom

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.

Reply May 6th, 2009
Anka
United Kingdom

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.

Reply Mar 23rd, 2009
Jim Goldman
United States

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

Reply Mar 22nd, 2009
ida
United States

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...)

Reply Feb 26th, 2009
K
United States

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.

Reply Feb 19th, 2009
Jonathan
United States

dude i need help in my project with polish words plz help .........thank you

Reply Feb 11th, 2009
PR.
Algeria

I think the language of Poland is beautiful and women very very beautiful.

Reply Jan 21st, 2009
Kyuno Tsukiyama
United Kingdom

If U want to learn polish just write to me :))) My e-mail : wege4animals@op.pl Msn: fufek_lj@hotmail.com

Reply Dec 20th, 2008
kasia
Poland

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

Reply Dec 14th, 2008
kriminal
United States

accented syllables would be PRO-sheh BAR-tso, okay hope that helps

Reply Dec 10th, 2008
kriminal
United States

hi Judy - " you're welcome " is " prosze bardzo " or pronounced something like 'pro-sheh bar-tso'

Reply Dec 10th, 2008
Judy
United States

How do you say 'You're Welcome'? Judy

Reply Dec 10th, 2008
kriminal
United States

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 :)

Reply Dec 9th, 2008
nick bewen
United States

how do you say will you go out with me

Reply Dec 5th, 2008
Lauren
United States

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!

Reply Nov 12th, 2008
Florin
Romania

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..

Reply Oct 26th, 2008
Lynn
United States

Thanks, Ania.

Reply Oct 14th, 2008
Ania
Poland

Lynn, it's "Witamy w naszym domu" - pronounced vit-ami v nash-im domoo

Reply Oct 13th, 2008
Lynn
United States

How do you say "Welcome to our home" ?

Reply Oct 10th, 2008
crystal
Canada

My mom is from poland

Reply Oct 1st, 2008
Zosia
Sweden

Nice page =) Kocham Polske!

Reply Sep 19th, 2008
Jenny
United States

yo have a great teacher but you should say them slower.

Reply Sep 16th, 2008
MEG
United States

You have a great teacher but you should say the words slower then say them faster.

Reply Aug 25th, 2008
Sylwia
United Kingdom

Suzy, http://www.am.lublin.pl/news_and_announcements_id_3925.html

Reply Aug 23rd, 2008
Anka
Poland

Cathy, pretty girl is "ladna dziewczyna" - pronounced wad-na dziev-chy-na

Reply Jul 25th, 2008
Cathy Kitkoski
United States

How do you say pretty girl in polish. The correct spelling and translation, how to say it Thank you!

Reply Jul 24th, 2008
agna
Poland

dla ciebie-for you dla mnie -for me:)

Reply Jul 15th, 2008
Suzy
Malaysia

Sorry.. out of topic.. just wanna ask, in Poland, which university offers medical study? Thanks in advance..

Reply Jul 14th, 2008
Warsaw Life
Poland

Elizabeth, he is saying "you're very beautiful, I like your picture"

Reply Jul 10th, 2008
Elizabeth
United States

ty jesteś bardzo piękni, podoba mi sie twoje zdjencie. What is he saying?

Reply Jul 7th, 2008
AD-VERBUM
Poland

www.cours-de-polonais.wizytowka.pl

Reply Jun 29th, 2008
Poland
Poland

Polish Government is sick=Polski rz±d jest chory/walniêty [say: polski rzond jest hory /walnienty]

Reply Jun 25th, 2008

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