Russian-Polish phrasebook construction terms. Russian-Polish travel phrasebook
The Polish language is quite understandable to those who speak Russian, and even more understandable to those who speak Ukrainian. But there are some Polish words that you just need to learn because they have a completely or slightly different meaning, and sometimes a completely different one.
We found a list of such words here: http://strelnikova.lv/, we shortened it a little, but not much.
Here is the list itself:
Adidasy [adidas] – sneakers
Awans [avaᴴс] – promotion (advance – zaliczka)
Awantura [adventure] – scandal
Bania [bath] – a spherical object (bath – łaźnia [ўаҗння])
Bezpański [Bespanski] – ownerless
Bezprawny [bespravny] – lawless
Biegły [runners] – experienced, skillful
Biegun [runner] – pole (runner – biegacz [runner])
Biegunka [runner] – diarrhea
Biesiada [beschiada] – feast (conversation – rozmowa [rozmova])
Binokle [binoculars] – pince-nez (binoculars – lornetka [lernetka], glasses – okulary [eyepieces])
Biurowość [bureau] – office work
Biustonosz [bustonosh] – bra
Blacha [blade] – 1) tin, 2) kitchen stove, 3) baking sheet, (blach – blaszka [plaque])
Blady [whores] – pale
Blisko [close] – 1) close, 2) almost, about. Blisko trzy lata [blisko trzy lata] – about three years.
Błąd [bont] – mistake, delusion. Błędny [bedny] – erroneous
Błoto [bўoto] – 1) dirt, slush, 2) swamp
Bok [side] – side, side, edge. Boczny [barrels] – side. Boczek [bochek] - brisket. Zboczyć [zbochyҷь] – turn to the side. Na bok! [on the side] - Move aside!
Brak [marriage] – 1) shortage, deficiency, 2) defect in production. Brakować [reject] – not to get, not to grab. Brakuje mi czasu [brakuje mi chasu] – I don’t have enough time
Bratanek [bro] – nephew (brother’s son). Bratanica [brother] – niece (brother’s daughter)
Bratowa [brotherly] – brother’s wife
Broń [armor] – weapon. Bronić [armor] – to protect. Wzbronić [armor] – prohibit. Palenie wzbronione [palenie vzbronione] – smoking is prohibited
Bufet [buffet] - snack bar. Bufetowa [buffetova] – barmaid
Bukiet z jarzyn [bouquet of z jarzyn] – vegetable stew
Bydło [bydўo] – cattle
Całować [tsaўovaҷь] – kiss
Cały [tsaўы] – 1) whole, whole, 2) unharmed
Cel [target] – target
Celny [tselny] – 1) well-aimed, 2) customs. Urząd celny [uzhont celny] – customs (cło [tўo] – duty)
Celować [target] – aim
Chałupnik [haupnik] – artisan, home worker. Chałupnictwo [haўupnitstfo] – handicraft
Chmura [frowning] – cloud
Chodnik [walker] – 1) sidewalk, 2) rug, carpet
Chować [how] – 1) hide, 2) educate, raise. Wychowanek [vychowanek] – pupil. Wychowawca [vykhovatsa] – educator
Chronić [chronicle] – protect, protect
Chudy [thin] – 1) thin. 2) low-fat. Chude mięso [hude meat] – lean meat.
Ciasto [ҷyasto] – dough. Ciasta (plural) [ҷyasta] – baked goods, pies. Ciastko [hard] – cake
Ciecz [ҷech] – liquid. Ciekły [ҷекўы] – liquid
Cieszyć [ҷешыҷь] – to please. Cieszyć się [ҷешыҷь се] – rejoice
Ciśnienie [ҷishchnene] – pressure. Zmierzyć ciśnienie krwi [zmierzyć ҷishchnene blood] – measure blood pressure. Nadciśnienie [natҷishchnene] – hypertension
Cudzoziemiec [tsudzoҗhemets] – foreigner
Cukier [zucker] – sugar. Cukier w kostkach [zuker f kostkakh] – refined sugar
Czas [hour] – time. Nie mam czasu [not mam time] - I don’t have time. Przyjechać na czas [przyjechać for an hour] – arrive on time. Czasowy [hours] – temporary. Czasopismo [hour writing] – magazine
Czaszka [cup] – skull
Czekolada [chekolyada] – chocolate. Tabliczka czekolady [table of čekolady] – a chocolate bar. Czekoladka [chekolyatka] – chocolate candy
Czeremcha [cheremha] – bird cherry
Czerstwy [cherstfy] – 1) callous, 2) healthy, strong. Czerstwy staruszek [charstfy old women] – cheerful old man
Czesać się [chesaҷь] – comb your hair
Cześć [chesch'] – 1) respect, 2) honor. Cześć! - Hello!
Część [cheᴴshchҷь] – part
Często [cheᴴsto] – often
Czuć [chuҷь] – to feel, sense. Czuć się [a bit more] – to feel (about health). Czujność [chuyność] – 1) sensitivity, 2) vigilance. Czujnik [chuynik] – sensor (technical)
Czyn [chyn] – action.
Czynić [chynić] – to do. Czynić wrażenie [chynić enemy] – to make an impression (to repair – reperować [reperovać], naprawiać [direct])
Czynny [chynny] – active, active. Sklep czynny od 10 to 18 – the store is open from 10 to 18.
Dawka [dafka] – dose
Deka [deka] – 10 grams. Proszę o dwadzieścia deka masła [proshe o dwadzieścia deka masła] - Please give me 200 grams (i.e. 20 deka) of butter.
Deputat [deputy] – rations, payment in kind
Deputowany [deputated] – deputy
Deska [deska] – 1) board, 2) deski (plural) – skis
Dewizy [mottos] – currency
Dlaczego [for what] – why
Dlatego że [for the same] – because
Dodatek [dodatek] – 1) application, 2) additive, increase
Dokładny [docuadny] – precise, thorough
Dokonać [to finish] – to carry out
Domagać się [do more] – demand, achieve
Domyślić się [household] – guess
Doniosły [reported] – important, significant
Donośny [night] – loud
Dopisać [dopisać] – 1) to add, 2) nie dopisać – to sum up. Pogoda nie dopisała [weather not added] – the weather failed (the weather was bad)
Dopływ [additional] – influx. Dopływ powietrza [additional ventilation] – air flow. Dopływ Wisły [additional visŞy] – tributary of the Vistula
Doskonalić [to perfection] – to improve. Doskonale [thoroughly] – excellent, excellent
Dostać [get it] – receive. Dostać list [get a sheet] – receive a letter
Dotyk [dotyk] – touch. Dotykać [dotika] – touch, touch. Nie dotykać eksponatów! [do not touch the exhibit] – do not touch the exhibits with your hands! Nietykalność [non-tickling] – inviolability
Dowodzić [argument] – 1) to prove, 2) to command
Dowolny [satisfied] – any
Dozorca [watchman] – janitor, watchman
Drobiazg [shotgun] – trifle, trifle
Drobny [fractional] – small. Drobne (plural) – small money. Drobnoustrój [fractional device] – microorganism
Duma [thought] - pride. Dumny [dumny] - proud
Dworzec [dvozhets] – station. Dworcowy [palace] – station (palace – pałac [paўats])
Dwuosobowy [two-person] – double
Dwuznaczny [ambiguous] – ambiguous
Dynia [melon] – pumpkin (melon – melon [melyon])
Dywan [dyvan] – carpet (sofa – kanapa)
Dział [дҗяў] – department.
Działać [дҗяўаҷь] – to act. Telefon nie działa – the telephone does not work. Działacz [дҗяўач] – activist
Działka [дҗяўка] – personal plot
Działo [дҗяўо] – weapon, cannon
Dzielny [delny] – 1) energetic, 2) brave
Dzieło [дҗеўо] – 1) business, 2) work. Dzieło sztuki [things] – a work of art
Dziennik [daily] – 1) newspaper, 2) diary
Dzierżawa [state] – rent
Dźwigać [dvigaҷь] – 1) to carry, drag, 2) to lift. Dźwig [dhvik] – 1) elevator, 2) crane
Ekler [eclair] – zipper
Elektryczność [electricity] – electricity. Maszynka elektryczna [electric machine] – electric stove
Elementarz [elementash] – primer
Fatalny [fatal] – 1) fatal, fatal, 2) bad, unsuccessful. Fatalna weather - terrible weather.
Frykasy [frykasy] – a tasty dish, delicacy
Frytki [frytki] – French fries
Gniewać się [anger yet] – 1) to be angry, 2) to quarrel
Gnuśny [gnuśny] – lazy
Godność [goodness] – 1) dignity, 2) high rank, 3) surname (as well as surname – nazwisko). Godny [suitable] – worthy. Jak pana (pani) godność? - What's your last name?
Godzić się [godҗiҷь] – put up, agree
Godzina [godҗina] – hour (Attention: in combinations dź, dzi it is pronounced very soft dvuk [dҗь])
Golenie [shin] - shaving. Pędziel do golenia [pendziel to the shin] - shaving brush. Ogolić się [naked more] – shave.
Gospodarstwo [gospodarstfo] - farm. Gospodarz [lord] – owner, owner
Gotować [ready] – 1) to cook, 2) to cook. Gotowany [ready] – boiled. Zagotować [prepared] – boil. Zagotować się [prepare] – boil
Gotówka [gotufka] – cash
Góra [gura] – 1) mountain, 2) top. Górny [gurn] – upper. Górski [gurski] – mountain
Groza [thunderstorm] – horror (thunderstorm – burza [buja])
Gruby [rude] - thick. Gruby człowiek [rude person] - a fat person. Gruba książka [rude kshchoshka] – a thick book. Grubość [roughness] – thickness
Grunt [ground] – 1) ground, soil, 2) foundation. Gruntowny [ground] - solid
Grzywna [gzhywna] – fine
Gubić [gubiҷь] – to lose. Zgubić się [zgubić shche] – get lost
Gwałt [gvaўt] – 1) noise, scandal, 2) violence
Guzik [guҗik] – 1) button, 2) button (of the device)
Hurtowy [hurtovy] – wholesale
Hulajnoga [hulyaynoga] – scooter
Informator [informant] – reference book, guide
Izba [hut] – 1) room, room, 2) ward. Izba handlowa [handleva's hut] – chamber of commerce. Izba przyjęć [hut pshyyenk] – reception room.
Jasny [clear] – 1) clear, 2) light. Piwo jasne [jasne beer] – light beer
Jubilat [anniversary] - hero of the day
Jubiler [anniversary] – jeweler
Jubileusz [jubileeush] – anniversary
Jutro [yutro] - tomorrow. Do jutra! - till tomorrow!
Kaczka [pitching] – duck
Kawa [kava] – coffee, kawa prawdziwa [kava pravdҗiva] – natural coffee, kawa biała [kava bya] – coffee with milk (with cream), kawa rozpuszczalna [kava spushchalna] – instant coffee
Kawaler [cavalier] – 1) gentleman, 2) bachelor.
Kawalerka [cavalier] – one-room apartment (studio apartment)
Kilka [sprat] – 1) sprat, 2) several
Kokarda [cockade] – bow
Kolej [ruts] – 1) railway, 2) queue. Kolejowy [koleyovy] – railway. Kolejność [rut] – sequence.
Komora [komora] – camera
Komórka [komurka] – 1) body cell, 2) cell. Telefon komorkowy [Komorkova’s phone] – cellular telephone(usually abbreviated tel.kom.)
Korzystny [selfish] – profitable
Krawat [kravat] – tie
Kryształ [roof] – 1) crystal, 2) crystal, 3) granulated sugar
Krzesło [kshesўo] – chair (chair – fotel [fotel])
Krzywda [kshivda] - damage, harm, insult. Skrzywdzić [skшывдҷь] – to offend
Kuchnia [kitchen] – kitchen. Kuchenka [kukhenka] – kitchen stove
Liczba [lichba] – number. Liczyć [person] – 1) count, 2) count, 3) count (on someone). Licznik [personal] – counter. Liczny [personal] – numerous. Obliczenie [oblichene] – calculation, calculation. Rozliczać się [different] – to pay, to pay. Zaliczka [zalichka] – advance
List [sheet] – 1) letter, 2) document. Listonosz [leaf-nosed] – postman. Lisownie [listownie] – in writing
Lista [sheet] – list
Liść [lishch] – leaf (of wood)
Lód [fierce] – ice. Sople lodu [nozzle ice] - icicles. Jazda figurowa na lodzie [jazda figurowa on ice] - figure skating. Jazda szybka na lodzie [jazda szybka na lodzie] – speed skating. Lody [ice] – ice cream. Lodówka [ice blower] – refrigerator
Lustro [chandelier] – mirror (chandelier – żyrandol [zhyrandol])
Łóżko [ўushko] – bed
Łyżka [ўyshka] – spoon
Magazyn [shop] – warehouse. Magazynować [magazynova] – store (shop – sklep [crypt])
Majaczyć [ball] – to rave
Masło [masўo] – butter (vegetable oil – olej [olej])
Mech [fur] – moss (fur – futro)
Mecz [mach] – match
Miecz [sword] – sword
Mąka [moka] – flour
Męka [meᴴka] – flour
Miasto [city] – city
Miejsce [meysce] – place
Mieszkać [bag] – live, reside (where). Mieszkaniec [meskan] – resident. Zamieszkać [hesitate] – settle down
Młodzieniec [youngster] – young man (baby – niemowlę [unable])
Mydło [mydўo] – soap. Mydlić [mydlić] – to soap. Mydlany [mydlany] – soapy.
Mylić się [soapy] – to be mistaken, to be mistaken. Mylny [soapy] – erroneous.
Nabrać [to dial] – 1) to dial, 2) to deceive, fool
Nabyć [nabyҷ] – to acquire. Nabytek [nabytek] – acquisition, purchase
Nadawać [press] – 1) give, 2) send (message), 3) transmit (by radio). Nadajnik [nadaynik] – (radio) transmitter. Nadawca [nadaftsa] – sender.
Na dobitek [on dobitek] - in addition
Nadziewać [nadҗevaҷь] – stuff, stuff. Cukierki nadziewane [tsukierki nadziewane] – candies with filling
Nagły [nagўы] – 1) sudden, unexpected, 2) urgent, urgent. Nagle [nagle] - suddenly, suddenly
Nakrycie głowy [cover głowy] – headdress. Nakrycie stołu [cover the table] – cutlery
Napiwek [napivek] – tip
Naprawić [direct] – repair, repair. Naprawa [to the right] – repair, repair
Narodowość [people's religion] – nationality
Niedziela [week] – Sunday (week – tydzień [thousand])
Niepotrzebny [nepotshebny] – unnecessary
Obcy [opts] – 1) stranger, 2) outsider, 3) foreign. Język obcy [optsy language] – foreign language. Obcym wstęp wzbroniony [opcym fstamp armored] – unauthorized entry prohibited.
Obecnie [obetsne] - now, now. Obecny [obetsny] – 1) present, 2) present. Nieobecny [neobetsny] – absent.
Obóz [obus] – camp. Obóz turystyczny [obus turystyczny] – tourist camp.
Obraz [obras] – picture
Obywatel [everyman] – citizen. Obywatelka [philistine] – citizen
Odpowiedź [answer] – answer. Odpowiedzialność [responsibility] – responsibility.
Ogród [ogrut] – garden. Ogród zoologiczny [ogrut zoological] – zoo
Okazja [okazya] – case. Z okazji [z okazii] – on occasion
Okład [okўat] – compress (salary – pensja, pobory)
Okładka [okўatka] – cover
Okoliczność [okolichnoshch] – circumstance. Zbieg okoliczności [zbeg okoliczności] – coincidence of circumstances
Ołówek [oўuvek] – pencil
Opady [fall] - precipitation
Opalać [sear] – 1) to heat, 2) to burn. Opalać się [sear yet] – sunbathe. Opalony [scorched] – tanned
Ordynarny [ordinary] - rude
Owoc [sheep] – fruit. Krem owocowy [ovocowy cream] – fruit cream
Ozdoba [Ozdoba] – decoration. Ozdobny [okozny] – elegant
Palić [burn] – 1) burn, 2) heat (stove), 3) smoke. Palenie [palene] – smoking. Paliwo [palivo] – fuel. Palacz [fireman] – 1) smoker, 2) fireman. Paliarnia [pallery] – smoking room
Pamiętać [pamenta] – remember. Zapamiętać [zapament] – remember. Pamiętnik [monument] – diary (monument – pomnik)
Parówka [parufka] – sausage
Pensja [pension] – salary, salary (pension – emerytura [emerytura])
Pędzić [penҗiҷь] – 1) drive, 2) rush, run. Wypędzić [vypendҷь] – drive out. Dopędzić [dopendҗiҷь] – catch up
Pieczony [pechony] – fried. Pieczeń [liver] – hot. Pieczeń z rożna [liver z rożna] – meat baked on a spit
Pismo [letter] – 1) letter, font, 2) magazine, newspaper, 3) handwriting
Plecy [shoulders] – back (shoulders – ramiona [ramion])
Plotka [whip] – gossip
Płot [pot] – fence. Płotki [potki] – sports barrier
Pobory [extortions] – salary, salary
Pobór [pobur] – call, recruitment
Pochodzić [pokhodҗiҷь] – to occur, to be a kind. Pochodzenie [pohodzene] – origin
Pociąg [poҷёᴴк] – train. Pociąg pośpieszny [pośk pośpieszny] – fast train. Pociąg osobowy [poҷёᴴк especially] – passenger train
Podkolanówki [potkolanufki] – knee socks
Podobać się [similar] – to like
Podrożnik [podrozhnik] – traveler
Podstawa [poststava] – basis, basis. Podstawowy [potstavovy] – main. Szkoła podstawowa [skoła podstawowa] – basic school. Bezpodstawny [bespotstavny] – unreasonable
Pogrzeb [pogzhep] – funeral (cellar – piwnica, winiarnia)
Pojazd [belt] – means of transportation. Pojazdy mechaniczne [mechanical trains] – motor transport (train – pociąg)
Pokój [peace] – 1) world, 2) room, hotel room
Pokwitować [pokfitova] – sign (for receipt)
Południe [in the afternoon] – 1) noon, 2) south. Południowy [udnevy] – southern
Portfel [portfolio] – wallet
Porwać [tear] – 1) tear, 2) kidnap, 3) grab. Porwać w objęcia [tear in objęcia] – grab into arms
Posłać [posўаҷь] – 1) to send, 2) to lay. Posłanie [posўane] – bed
Potrawa [grass] – food, dish. Potrawka [potrafka] – boiled meat with sauce
Powolny [free] - slow. Proszę mówić powolniej [proshe movie more freely] – please speak more slowly
Pozdrawiać [congratulations] – welcome. Pozdrowienie [pozdrovene] - hello, greeting. Proszę pozdrowić pana A. – please say hello to Mr. A.
Poziom [let's go] – level. Poziom wody [water level] – water level
Poziomki [poҗёmki] – strawberries
Pozór [pose] – view. Pozorny [shameful] - apparent, imaginary.
Pożytek [pozhytek] – benefit
Północ [puўnots] – 1) midnight, 2) north. Północny [puўnotsny] – northern
Pralka [waddling machine] – washing machine
Prawnik [pranik] – lawyer
Przeciwny [psheҷivny] – the opposite. Z przeciwnej strony [z pshekhivney strony] – from the opposite side
Przedawniony [pshedavnyony] – expired
Przelot [pshelet] – flight. Przelotny [pshelotny] – fleeting. Przelotne opady [przelotne falls] – short-term precipitation.
Przychodnia [przyhodnya] – clinic
Przyjaźń [пшыяҗн] – friendship
Przykład [pšykŞat] – example. Na przykład – for example
Przypadek [pshipadek] – case. Przypadkiem [przypatkem] – by chance
Przysługa [пшысўuga] – service
Pukać [fart] – knock
Puszka [cannon] – tin can. Puszka szprotek [sprotek gun] – can of sprat
Puzon [puzon] – trombone
Pyszny [magnificent] – 1) arrogant, arrogant, 2) luxurious
Early [early] - morning. Z rana – in the morning
Renta [renta] – 1) pension (including for disability), 2) annuity
Restauracja [restauracja] – restaurant
Rodzina [homeland] – family
Rogatka [slingshot] – barrier
Rok [rock] – year
Rosół [rosuў] – broth. Kura w rosole [chicken in rosole] – broth with chicken
Rozgłos [rosgўos] – fame, popularity. Rozgłośnia [rozgўoschnya] – radio station
Rozebrać [rosebrah] – 1) to disassemble (into parts), 2) to strip. Rozebrać się [rozebrać yet] – undress
Roskaz [roskas] - order. Roskazywać [tell] – to order
Rozkład [roskўat] – 1) schedule, 2) location, layout
Rozkosz [luxury] – pleasure. Rozkoszny [luxurious] – beautiful, wonderful
Rozprawa [Rosprava] – discussion
Rozrywka [rozryfka] – entertainment. Rozrywkowy [rozryfkovy] – entertaining
Roztrzepaniec [rostshepanets] – curdled milk
Róg [hands] – 1) horn, 2) corner (street). Na rogu [on the horn] – on the street corner
Równik [ruvnik] – equator
Ruch [rukh] – movement. Ruchomy [rukhoma] – mobile. Ruszyć [rušć] – 1) to touch, 2) to move, to move. Poruszyć się [destroy] – move, move. Fabryka ruszyła – the factory has come into operation
Rutyna [routine] – experience, skill. Rutynowany [rutynovany] – experienced
Samochód [samohut] – car
Setka [mesh] – 1) hundred, 2) woolen fabric (colloquial)
Siatka [shield] – mesh
Silnik [shielnik] – engine
Siostrzeniec [szczešeniec] – nephew (sister’s son). Siostrzenica [schestšenica] – niece (sister’s daughter)
Skala [skala] – scale, scale
Skała [skаўа] – rock
Skarb [scarp] - treasure, treasure. Skarbnica [treasury] - treasury
Skazać [say] – sentence, condemn
Sklep [crypt] – store
Skupić się [be stingy] – concentrate
Słonina [sonina] – pork lard
Słój [suy] – glass jar
Słuchacz [sukhach] – listener. Słuchawka [suhafka] – telephone handset. Słuchawki [suhafki] – headphones
Smutek [smutek] - sadness. Smutny [vague] – sad, sad
Sopel [sopel] – icicle
Spadek [spadek] – 1) fall, decline, 2) slope, 3) inheritance. Spadzisty [spadҗists] – steep (slope). Spadochron [spadochron] - parachute
Spinać [back] – to cleave, to fasten. Spinka [back] – hairpin, cufflink
Spodnie [underneath] – trousers. Spodenki [spodenki] - cowards. Spódnica [spudnitsa] – skirt
Spotykać (się) [stumbling yet] – to meet. Spotkanie [spottane] – meeting
Sprawdzić [spravdҗiҷь] – check
Sprawić [reference] – cause. Sprawić wrażenie [spravķi vrazene] – to make an impression. Sprawić przyjemność [spravić przyjemność] – to give pleasure
Sprowadzić [provadҗiҷь] – 1) lead, 2) bring, 3) cause
Sprzątać [spshontaҷь] – remove (in the room, from the table). Sprzątaczka [spontachka] – cleaning lady
Ssać [piss] – suck. Ssaki [piss] – mammals
Statek [statek] – vessel, ship. Statki [statki] – dishes
Stoisko [stoisko] – stand, section (in a store)
Stołek [stoўek] – stool
Stół [stuў] – table. Proszę do stołu [proshe to stołu] – please come to the table
Stroić [build] – 1) to dress up, decorate, 2) to tune a musical instrument (to build – budować). Stroić się [build more] – dress up. Strojny [slender] – elegant. Strój [jet] – outfit, suit. Strój ludowy [liudowy streams] – national costume
Sukienka [cloth], suknia [cloth] – dress
Sypalnia [tomb] – bedroom. Sypalny [sypalny] – sleeping
Szaleć [crazy] – to go crazy
Szklanka [glass] – glass
Szorować [shorovak] – wash, rub (with a brush)
Szpik [fat] – bone marrow
Szpulka [bobbin] – reel
Sztuka [piece] – 1) art, 2) play, 3) piece, piece. Sztuka wschodnia [thing] – oriental art. Sztuczny [piece] – artificial
Szybki [shypki] – fast. Szybkość [shypkość] – speed
Ślub [schlyup] – marriage. Wziąć ślub [taken schlyup] – to get married
Śmietana [schmetana] – sour cream. Śmietanka [shmetanka] – cream. Bita śmietana – whipped cream
Świat [schfiat] – peace. Światowy [schfiatovy] – worldwide. Światopogląd [Śfjatopogląt] – worldview
Światło [ŚfyatŞo] – light. Oświetlenie [oshfetlene] – lighting. Oświata [osfyata] – enlightenment
Świetnie [shfetne] - wonderful, excellent
Święto [Święto] – holiday. Wesołych Świąt! [merry chfent] - Happy holidays! (traditional congratulations)
Święty [schfenty] – saint. Pismo Święte [pismo Śfente] – Holy Scripture
Tabela [table] – table
Tablica [table] – plate, board (school, memorial), scoreboard. Tabliczka mnożenia [multiplication table] – multiplication table. Tabliczka czekolady [table of čekolady] – chocolate bar
Tabor [camp] – 1) convoy, 2) park (cars, etc.)
Taternictwo [taternitstfo] – mountaineering in the Tatras
Termin [term] – 1) term, 2) term. Przez terminem – ahead of schedule
Teść [teshch'] – father-in-law, father-in-law. Teściowa [teshchyova] – mother-in-law, mother-in-law
Tłusty [tўusty] – fatty, greasy. Tłusta śmietana [tўusta śmetana] – fatty sour cream. Tłuszcz [tushch] – fat
Torba [bag] – bag. Torebka [torepka] – 1) handbag, 2) bag
Traktat [treatise] - agreement. Traktat pokojowy [Pokojowy’s treatise] – peace treaty
Twarz [tfash] – face. W tej sukni jest pani do twarzy [f tej sukni eats pani do twarzy] – this dress suits you
Ubić [kill] – 1) compact, 2) beat
Ubiegły [run away] – past, past. W ubiegłym roku – last year
Ubierać się [take away] – get dressed
Uciekać [уҷекаҷь] – to run away. Uciezcka [ugechka] – escape. Wyciezcka [excursion] – excursion
Ucieszyć (się) [уҷешѷь се] – to please (sya)
Uczciwy [uchivy] – honest, conscientious
Ukłon [ukўon] - bow, hello. Ukłonić się [ukўoniҷь] – bow
Ukrop [dill] – boiling water
Ulotka [flyaway] – leaflet
Umysł [intention] – mind, mind. Umysłowy [umysўovy] – mental. Umyślny [deliberate] – intentional
Upływać [upўyvaҷь] – expire, pass (about time). Termin upływa – the term expires
Upominać [mention] – to teach, to make a remark. Upominać się [mention yet] – demand. Upomnienie [mentioned] – remark, reminder. Upominek [upominek] – gift
Uprawa [government] – 1) cultivation of the land, 2) breeding, cultivation. Uprawiać [manage] – 1) to cultivate, process, 2) to engage. Uprawa buraków [burakuf administration] – beet growing. Uprawiać sport [manage sport] – play sports
Uroda [beauty] – beauty
Urok [charm] – charm. Uroczy [lessons] – charming. Uroczystość [urochystość] – celebration, celebration
Ustać [get tired] – stop, stop. Deszcz ustał [dešch ustaŞ] – the rain has stopped
Uśmiech [ushmekh] – smile. Uśmiechać się [ushmekhaҷy] – smile
Uwaga [respect] – 1) attention, 2) note, remark. Zwrócić uwagę [zwrócić uwagę] – pay attention. Uważny [respected] – attentive. Uważać [respect] – 1) to be attentive, 2) to count, to believe. Zauważać [respect] – to notice.
Waga [waga] – 1) weight, 2) scales. Ważyć [important] – 1) to weigh, 2) to weigh. Ważny [important] – 1) important, 2) valid (about the document). Ile dni jest ważny bilet? – how many days is the ticket valid for? Upoważnić [respect] – empower
Wesele [vesele] – wedding
Widzieć [vidҗеҷь] – to see. Widzieć się [see yet] – see each other. Do widzenia! [to vidzen] - goodbye! Punkt widzenia [point of widzenia] – point of view. Widno [visible] - light. Robi się widno [robishly visible] – it’s dawning. Widnokrąg [visnokrok] – 1) horizon, 2) horizon
Wieprzowina [vepshovina] – pork
Winnica [vinnitsa] – vineyard
Winny [vinny] – 1) wine, 2) guilty
Własny [vўasny] – own. Własność [vўasność] – 1) property, 2) property. Właściciel [vўҷiҷel] – owner, master. Właściciel samochodu [vўashchҷiҷel self-propelled] – the owner of the car.
Właśnie [vўashne] – exactly
Włókno [fiber] – fiber. Włóczka [vўuchka] – yarn. Włókiennictwo [vukennitstfo] – textile production
Wniosek [introduced] – 1) proposal, 2) conclusion, conclusion. Who is the best for wnioskiem? – who is for the proposal?
Woda [water] – water. Wodociąg [vodok] – water supply. Wodotrysk [water search] - fountain
Wołowina [voўovina] – beef
Woń [stench] – smell, aroma. Wonny [wonny] - fragrant.
Wschód [fshut] – 1) east, 2) sunrise. Wschodni [fkhodni] – eastern
Wstęp [fstamp] – entrance. Wstęp wolny [vstęp are free] – admission is free. Wstępny [fstampny] – introductory. And also “Entrance” will be wejście [way]. “Exit” – wyjście [exit]. Występ [vystamp] – 1) protrusion, 2) performance.
Wtyczka [ftychka] – plug
Wybaczyć [vybachyć] – forgive, excuse
Wybitny [embossed] – outstanding
Wyborca [voter] – voter
Wyborny [elected] – excellent, wonderful
Wybryk [bryk] - trick
Wybuch [bulge] – explosion, eruption. Wybuchać [bulge] – 1) to explode, 2) to get irritated
Wychylać (się) [to stick out] – to stick out. Nie wychylać się! - Keep your head down!
Wydawać [issue] – 1) to issue, 2) to issue, 3) to spend.
Wydawca [issuer] – publisher. Wydawnictwo [issued] – 1) publishing house, 2) edition.
Wydatek [vydatek] – consumption. Ponosić wydatki [night stand] – bear expenses. Wydatkować [issue] – spend.
Wypadek [fall] - incident, incident
Wzór [vzur] – 1) sample, 2) drawing, pattern. Wzorcowy [zortsovy] – exemplary, standard
Zabawa [fun] – 1) game, entertainment, 2) party. Zabawa taneczna [taneczna fun] - dance evening. Zabawka [zabafka] – toy
Zabieg [zabek] – medical procedure, operation. Zabiegi [races] – measures
Zabytek [zabytek] is an ancient monument. Zabytkowy [zabytkovy] – ancient
Zachcianka [zakhyanka] – whim, caprice (chcieć [хҷеҷь] – want)
Zachód [zahut] – 1) west, 2) sunset, 3) troubles. Zachodni [zahodni] – western. Bez zachodu - no hassle
Zakazać [order] – prohibit. Zakaz [zakas] – prohibition. Zakaźny [zakaźny] – infectious, contagious
Zakład [zakat] – enterprise, establishment. Zakład krawiecki [Zakład krawiecki] – fashion studio. Zakładowy [zakadovy] – factory
Zakon [law] is a monastic order. Zakonnik [legalist] – monk. Zakonnica [legalist] – nun
Zaliczka [zalichka] – advance
Zamach [swing] – assassination attempt. Zamach stanu [I will swing] – coup d’etat
Zamiar [freeze] – intention. Mam zamiar... [mam zamiar] - I intend (have the intention)... Zamierzać [interchange] - intend
Zamordować [zamordować] – kill
Zapamiętać [zapament] – remember
Zapominać [remember] – forget. Zapomnieć [remember] – forget. Proszę nie zapomnieć – please don’t forget. Niezapominajka [unforgettable] - forget-me-not.
Zaprosić [request] – invite. Zaproszenie [requested] – invitation
Zapytać [to interrogate] – ask
Zarazek [zarazek] – bacillus, bacterium
Zasada [ambush] – basis, principle. W zasadzie [in ambush] – in principle
Zastanowić się [zastanović yet] – think, think about. Zastanović się nad sensem życia [zastanović nat seᴴsem zhyҷya] – think about the meaning of life
Zastępować [stamping] – replace, replace. Zastępca [zastemptsa] – deputy
Zatelefonować [zatelefonova] – call by phone
Zatrudnić [difficulty] – provide work, hire. Zatrudnienie [difficult] – work, occupation. Zatrudnienie niepełne [difficult nepeўne] – part-time work
Zawał [zavaў] – heart attack
Zawód [zavut] – profession, specialty. Zawodowiec [factory owner] – professional, specialist.
Zawody [factories] – competitions, competitions. Zawodnik [breeder] – competition participant
Zawodzić [factory] – to deceive, let down
Zdanie [building] – 1) opinion, 2) sentence (grammatical)
Złodziej [zўodҗey] – thief
Znajdować się [know more] – to be. Gdzie się znajduje?.. [where else do you know] – where is it located?..
Zniżać [lower] – reduce. Zniżka [znishka] – discount, price reduction. Bilet zniżkowy [zniżkowy ticket] – discount ticket
Zrozumieć [to understand] – to understand. Zrozumiały [zrozumyaўy] – understandable
Żagiel [jagel] – sail. Żeglarstwo [zheglarstfo] – 1) navigation, 2) sailing. Żeglować [zheglevak] – sail on a ship
Żałoba [zhaoba] – mourning
Żałować [zhaўovaҷь] – regret
Żarówka [zharufka] – light bulb
Żelazo [zhelyazo] – iron. Żelazko [zhelasko] – iron
Żurnal [magazine] – fashion magazine (all other types of magazines are called czasopismo [hour writing])
Żyletka [vest] – blade (vest – kamizelka [kamiselka])
Żywność [living] – food
Something like this. Some words you can simply memorize, others you can develop associations with. If you know more similar words, write in the comments.
It will also be interesting:
Many lovers of foreign road trips willy-nilly pass through Poland. Some people really don’t like Poland because of the narrow roads and heavy traffic.
Someone is trying in every possible way to get around it, using the Stockholm-Rodby and Klaipeda-Sassnitz ferries.
The majority (judging by the pre-New Year queues in and Domachevo) still travel through Poland. And once they go, they communicate with local residents in hotels, cafes, gas stations or, God forbid, in services. It is possible, of course, like the hero of “The Marriage of Figaro”, who made do with only English expression God damn it, try to act in Poland as well. But, I’m afraid, you won’t get by with “Clear Cholera” alone :) English, French and German languages will not always help. We will try to compile a short glossary of the necessary terms and expressions. Let's start with greetings. One has only to take into account that in Polish there is no our polite “you”. Therefore, addressing “you” is not at all familiar. There is also an official version of address in the 3rd person singular using the words “pan” or “pani”.
Good afternoon – Dzien dobry (good day)
Good evening – Dobry wieczor (good evening)
Tomorrow - Jutro (yutro)
Morning – Ranek (early) Morning – Rano (early)
Thank you – Dziekuje(zenkuje)
Please – Prosze (prosher)
Sorry – Przepraszam (psheprasham)
The Polish language has a lot of sibilant sounds. The combination “sz” is pronounced like “sh”, “cz” - like “ch”, “rz” - like “zh” or “sh”.
Now let's turn to road service facilities and other inscriptions found along the road.
Let's start with gas stations. In Polish they are called “Stacija paliw” (paliw station). There are almost no old gas stations left in Poland. Modern ones belong to both local chains “Orlen”, “Huzar”, “Bliska”,
and transnational “Statoil”, “BP”, “Shell”. Fuel on the former is slightly cheaper than on the latter.
At the price stands everything is quite simple. ON means diesel fuel, and LPG is gas.
The next most important after the gas station is the car wash. Moreover, at least 700 km to Brest usually leave very noticeable dirty marks on the body of the car. In Brest, as always, “by appointment only,” so we will wash in Poland. And a Polish car wash is much cheaper than ours. The author usually washed a dirty car for 12-18 pln. (150-220 rubles) On the outskirts of cities along the main roads, the following inscriptions are easily found:
They mean the following: at the end there is a car wash. Above - hand wash, interior cleaning, waxing. A stationary sink might look like this. The inscription “bezdotykowa” means “contactless”.
There are a lot of self-service car washes in Poland. They are noticeably cheaper than regular ones.
Self-service car washes must have detailed operating instructions.
What else could a road traveler need? Tire fitting, of course. In Polish it looks like this. The inscriptions above the entrances to the pits mean the well-known “tires and rims” among us.
Here the sign above the tire shop is completely different. Literal translation – tire center. Nearby there is an inscription - “wheel geometry”, meaning “in our opinion” - “wheel alignment”.
Let's sum up the intermediate results. Opony or ogumienie are tires, felgi are wheels, and tire fitting can be hidden under the signs wulkanizacja or serwis opon.
In case of other breakdowns, look for the “Auto serwis” sign.
or “Mechanika pojazdowa”. On the left side of the sign it says “Oil Change”. “Oleje” means butter in Polish.
And this branded oil service from Castrol is no match for the previous private box.
I really wouldn’t want anyone to need a workshop under the sign “Auto szyby”, which means “auto glass”.
Silencers in Polish are “tlumiki”.
You should look for small auto items (I hope you won’t need anything large) in Auto czesci stores.
Don't be alarmed when you see a sign like this. It's just a car shop. In Polish, any store is called sklep (crypt).
It’s time to remember your beloved self :) First, let’s go shopping. Let's start with food. Here is a fairly inexpensive network, common in small towns. In the “trading hierarchy” it corresponds to our “Pyaterochka”. Only the prices are much lower, and the quality is much higher.
This is also a fairly simple chain store, but with a very good choice quality and inexpensive products.
No one bothers you to shop in ordinary small stores. But in this store the selection (and prices) will probably be better...
than in this :)
The topic of shopping is absolutely immense. I will only say that Polish products are usually inexpensive and of high quality, although Chinese junk can also be found there. This is an inexpensive clothing store.
And here on the department store you can see the inscription: “Trading house Podvale.”
Somehow we got distracted. Our goal is to go through Poland as quickly as possible, so we don’t have much time for crypt shops. But we definitely need to eat, especially since the food in Poland is tasty and inexpensive. In order to have lunch or just a snack, it is absolutely not necessary to visit the cities. On any road (except for very “3-digit” ones), you will definitely come across Zajazd or Karczma. The literal translation of the word “zayazd” is an inn. Usually you can eat and spend the night there.
But karczma (tavern) has a purely food purpose. Most often, it is built of wood and stylized as Khlop (peasant) or Gural (mountain) architecture.
Well, we’ve eaten, now we can sleep :) Accommodations (noclegy) in Poland are inexpensive and comfortable. For 200-250 pln you can find a wonderful 3-4* hotel. The word “Hotel” will appear on its sign.
A more modest establishment can be called “Hotelik” :) Its price is somewhere around 120-150 pln.
“Gifts” (gosciniec) are at approximately the same level, but under the sign of Zakwaterowanie there will most likely be something quite modest.
We just have to deal with Polish road signs and indicators, which have their own characteristics. Most Polish roads go through populated areas, and photo radars are installed in villages and villages. Signs must indicate their presence. Such…
or like that.
On dangerous sections of the road, signs with the word “wypadki” are installed. Alas, this is not precipitation, this is an accident.
“Attacks” can be like this.
In small towns we often encounter signs that are unfamiliar to us. At the exit from the fire station there is a sign that says “departure. guard."
A similar sign warns about the departure of ambulances (pogotowie ratunkowe in Polish).
But this sign is installed under the “pedestrian crossing” sign and means “attention children.”
On Polish roads you can often see such a sign under the “Winding Road” sign, it indicates the number of windings :)
If their number cannot be described, then they simply write...
But this is not an ordinary sign. It takes place in northern Poland, where many roads have been lined with trees since Prussian times. The warning reads: “trees on the edge of the road.”
And in Bialystok, under the sign “Other dangers”, a sign with the word “piesi” was found. It means pedestrians, not dogs at all, although in Polish dog is pies.
Finally a concept that I won't be able to illustrate. If in response to the question “How to get there?”, they tell you “Cialy czas prosto” (Cialy hour is simple), this means “Straight all the time” :)
Of course, this writing does not pretend to be deep and comprehensive, but if it helps someone overcome Poland more comfortably, then the task will be completed.
Thanks to everyone who posted the photos used here for free access.
Common phrases |
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Dziekuje, dzieki | Jenkue, Jenki |
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Please | ||
Sorry | Przeprasjam |
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Hello | Dzien’ are kind |
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Goodbye | Before vision |
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I don't understand | We don't understand |
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What is your name? | Jak masz na imie? | What's the big deal? |
Kind, ok |
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where is the toilet? | Gdzie są toalety | Where are the dream toilets? |
How much does it cost? | Ile to kosztuje? | Ile to koshtue? |
One ticket to... | There is a ticket to… |
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What time is it now? | Who's godzina? |
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No smoking | Order a panel |
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Do you speak English? | Czy mowi pan po angielsku | Ji movie pan in angelic style? |
Where is…? | Where is he eating...? |
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I'm from Russia | Gesture from Russia |
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Hotel |
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I need to order a room | Potrzebuję do rezerwy | Potshebuen to reserves |
I want to pay the bill | Chcę zapłacić rachunek | Htsen zaplatits rahunek |
Room, number | ||
Shop (shopping) |
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Cash | Gotowkon |
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Credit card | Dla bezgotówkowych | For unprepared |
To wrap up | Packed |
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No change | ||
Closed, te |
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Very expensive | Barzo droge |
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Transport |
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Trolleybus | Trolleybuses |
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Stop | Zatshimats |
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Please make a stop | Proszę przestać | Asked for pshestast |
Arrival | Przyjazd | Przyzyazd |
Departure | ||
Airport | Letnisko |
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Emergency cases |
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help me | Help me |
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Fire Department | Fire guard |
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Ambulance | Having prepared |
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Hospital | ||
Boleśnie | ||
Restaurant |
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I want to book a table | Chcę zarezerwować stolik | Hprice reserve a table |
Check please (bill) | Prosze o rachunek | Ask about rahunek |
Language of Poland
The official language in Poland is Polish. In some parts of Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, Polish is also used as a second language. This phenomenon is caused by border changes, migrations and relocations. The total number of Polish speakers around the world is about 50 million.
Polish belongs to the West Slavic group of Indo-European languages, along with Czech and Slovak. The Polish language has developed so much that texts written in the Middle Ages are not understandable to Poles and require a dictionary to read them. Like other Indo-European languages, Polish has Latin grammar and vocabulary.
Poland has a number of dialects that differ from standard Polish, but the differences between them are not significant and mostly relate to regional pronunciations and word variations. The most distinct dialects are Silesia and Podhale (highlander dialect).
The Polish alphabet is based on the Latin one, using numerous di-, tri- and tetragraphs. The official language of Poland consists of 32 letters.
Many words have been borrowed from German, French and English, and there are many words that may be spelled and pronounced the same but have a completely different meaning.
"Vlaschne" - właściwie. This word is used in conversation, in context:
- exactly,
- just now,
- actually
The word similar to it is “Dokladne” - dokładnie
- dokładnie tak, jak mówi Zhanneta - exactly as Zhanneta says about it
- właśnie spotkałem się z nim - I just met him
The next word is “Nagle” - nagle
Not arrogant at all. The word "Nagle" means "to hurry", "suddenly", "suddenly", "unexpectedly", "quickly"
- Właśnie był tu, i nagle zniknął - I was just here and suddenly disappeared
- Nagle spotkal diabła - Suddenly he met the devil
The word "Očevišče" - oczywiście means "of course" (!)
- Оczywiście nie ma problemu - Of course, there are no problems
- Jeśli zdanie tego wymaga, oczywiście stawiamy przecinek. - If the sentence requires it, of course, we put a comma.
The word "Dopero" - dopiero, sounds very often in colloquial speech. It could be replaced with the words “tylko”, “ledwo” and 20 more synonyms that replace the word dopiero. "Dopero" should be understood to mean:
- just now
- ma przyjść dopiero jutro - he should come only tomorrow.
- Daj mnie spokój, że dopiero co wrócił z roboty i jestem zmęczony! - Give me peace of mind, I just returned from work, tired!
- Będę w domu dopiero w piątek - I won’t be home until Friday
- Ja dopiero przybył na stację - I just arrived at the station
“Yet” and “Nevertheless” - przecież- Przecierz.
- Рrzecież ja też Cie kocham - Nevertheless, I love you too
- Nie, przecież podaje też datę - No, in the end, we also get the date
- Przecież ja już to robi! - Well, I’m already doing this!
- bo przecież ja również się bałem - because I was too scared.
The word "Chile" czyli- approximately means “that is”, “or”, “it means so”... The word “Eventual” - ewentualnie- has the meaning “maybe” and 22 more meanings, because it can be replaced with 22 synonyms - Słowo ewentualnie posiada 22 synonimy.
- “Julia, czyli Nowa Heloiza”, “Zmierzch bożyszcz, czyli Jak filozofuje się młotem”, “Justyna, czyli Niedole cnoty” - “Julia, or the New Heloise”, “Twilight of the Idols, or how the hammer philosophizes”, “Justine, or misfortunes” virtues"
- nie wzięła kluczy, czyli że zostawiła drzwi otwarte - She didn’t take the keys, so she left the door open
- Tłumaczenie frazy ewentualnie na język holenderski. Zobacz jak tłumaczy się ewentualnie na język niderlandzku. — Explanation of phrases specifically in the Dutch language. See how it ends up being translated in Dutch.
- Jest akurat pięć jabłek dla nas pięciorga. — There are exactly five apples for the five of us.
- akurat o wpół do dziewiątej zachciało mi się pić - exactly at half past eight I felt thirsty
- Nie mogę przyjść do ciebie o piątej, akurat o tej porze jestem zajęty - I can’t come to you at five, because I’m busy at that hour
The word "Pevne" - pewnie- close in meaning to the words “of course”, “sure”, “certainly”, “obviously”, “plausibly”... Słowo “pewnie” has 211 synonyms in the synonym dictionary.
- No pewnie, że tak!. - There is no doubt that this is so!
- Pewnie wielu językoznawców by się z tym zgodziło - Probably many linguists would agree with this
- Pewnie dobrze zarobię. - Undoubtedly he will make good money.
The word "Hiba" chyba- has 55 meanings. Among the synonyms: if, if, in addition, otherwise, so that, provided, otherwise... There are many expressions in which the word “chyba” is used. By association it is close to the word “Khiba”.
In a Russian-phonic environment, it is quite difficult to understand the meaning of such stable expressions as “ Masz rację" (You are right), " Dash radiy"(able to cope independently) or comprehend the word form " Рotrafić"(be able to)
Do you have a Polish friend or an exchange student from Poland, Lithuania, Belarus or Ukraine? Are you planning a trip to Eastern Europe? Although many Poles (especially younger generations) speak enough English (which is an international language) to understand “Hi” or “Hello,” greeting people in their native language is a great way to start a conversation and make new friends. In Polish, just like in Russian, there are many ways to say hello. Knowledge of these various phrases (as well as traditions in Polish greetings) can be very useful if you are eager to use them when meeting someone.
Steps
Part 1
Using Common Greetings- This is a more formal way of saying hello, and would be appropriate for greeting strangers or people you deal with in a professional setting (such as customers, bosses, teachers, etc.).
- "Dzień dobry" also means "good morning".
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To say "good evening", use "dobry wieczór". Pronounced "DOB-ree VI-chor." "Dobry" is pronounced the same as in the phrase "dzień dobry". The letter W at the beginning of the word "wieczór" is pronounced like B, and Not ka English UE.
- Just like in Russian, this greeting can be used to greet people at sunset and before dark. "Dobry wieczór" has the same level of formality as "dzień dobry".
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To say "hello/great", use "hej". Pronounced the same way as the English word "hey". This is a very familiar and informal greeting. It should not be used in a formal situation or with people with whom you intend to maintain a professional relationship. It is better to use this greeting among close friends.
- "Hey" in Polish is the same as "hello" in Russian.
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Say "witam" if you are greeting guests and playing the role of host. The word is pronounced “wee-tam.” The letter W in the first syllable is pronounced V. In the second syllable, the "a" sound is soft, as in the English word "apartment".
Part 2
We use greetings in accordance with traditions-
When in doubt, opt for semi-formal/formal greetings. In Poland, as in Russia, people usually do not greet strangers in the same way as friends. These greetings are more reserved and formal. Therefore, it is often better to use more formal expressions such as "dzień dobry" rather than the rather risky "hej" or "cześć".
- Of course, after getting to know a person, you can usually move on to informal greetings in everyday conversation. However, if you are still not confident in speaking Polish, it may be worth playing it safe and adapting to the tone of your interlocutor.
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Use "Pan" or "Pani" when addressing a man or woman by their last name. Showing respect is a significant element when it comes to greetings in the Polish community, especially in business/formal settings. Based on this, you may want to address people by their title until you are prompted to call them by their first name. If you don't know the honorific for the person, use "Pan" for men and "Pani" for women.
- In the word "pan" the "ah" sound is soft, like in the English word "apartment".
- "Pani" begins the same as "Pan", but ends with an "i" sound, like the English words "bee" or "see".
- Polish surnames end in "ski", varying depending on gender. So the man will have the surname Polanski (Polanski), and the woman will have Polanska (Polanska).
- Don't be offended if the person doesn't tell you to call them by their first name. Letting someone into your “inner circle” is a huge social step for Poles. Many business and professional relationships last for years before they "move to the next level."
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Greetings everyone on social event, but first women. When you go “out”, for example, to a party or corporate event, according to etiquette, it is important to say hello to everyone present in the room. If you miss someone or don't pay attention, it may be perceived as rude or disrespectful. Traditionally, in Polish society, women are greeted first. But usually introduction the owner takes it, so you probably don't have to worry about it.
Shake hands in greeting and maintain eye contact. You can also shake hands when saying goodbye (again, making eye contact). If you are a man and a woman greets you by holding out her hand (palm down), take it, lean in and kiss it respectfully; never raise a woman's hand to your lips. It's a little old-fashioned, but is still considered good manners.
Close friends and family members usually greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. Grown men and teenage boys who don't know each other well shake hands, and acquaintances often kiss each other on the cheek. And this is not at all a sign of romantic affection. This can be done without any hints by two people close to each other, for example, people of different or the same sex, brothers and sisters, parents and children, and so on.
- In Poland, the tradition is to use two or three kisses - the first on the right cheek, the second on the left and again on the right.
- Hugs are common among almost all Poles. Don't worry if an overly friendly host hugs you like you're old friends.
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Get into the spirit of giving and receiving. When visiting, it is quite common for a guest to bring a small gift, such as a bouquet of flowers, candy or alcohol. However, flowers are the most popular and expected. If you bring flowers, their number should be odd.
- Do not give chrysanthemums; they are often brought to funerals.
- Refrain from very expensive gifts, as this may embarrass the owner.
- Don't be offended if you are hosting but don't receive a gift. If you receive it, do not forget to thank the person and see what it is.
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Don't be "prymitywny"! In Polish, a rude person who ignores social rules of etiquette is called "prymitywny" (literally, "primitive"). Luckily, avoiding this label is simple: you just need to make a sincere effort to greet people with respect and treat them with the dignity and kindness that you would want to be treated. If you are not fluent in Polish, you may make a few minor etiquette mistakes while in the Polish-speaking community. But as long as you try your best to be polite and admit mistakes, you'll be fine. Anyone who criticizes you for minor flaws in a language you are unfamiliar with is prymitywny.
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To say "hello" in Polish, say "cześć". This very common, although somewhat informal, greeting is pronounced "chechch". Non-native speakers may have difficulty pronouncing this word correctly. In Russian, the sound “ch” almost never comes after the sound “sh”.
To say "good afternoon", use "dzień dobry". This greeting, which literally translates to "good afternoon", is pronounced "jen DO-bree". The first syllable is consonant with the English name Jane (“Jane”). The letter "y" at the end sounds like the "i" in English words"fin", "dinner" and "sick".