“Cześć” is a little informal to use in serious social situations. While it’s fine for friends and family members, some etiquette-conscious Poles may be offended if you use it the very first time you meet them. [3] X Research source “Cześć” may also be used to say “bye. "
This is a more formal way to say “hello,” and is suitable for situations where you’re dealing with people that you don’t know, or that you know in a professional context (e. g. , customers, bosses, teachers, etc. ) “Dzień dobry” can also mean “good morning. "
As in English, this greeting is used when meeting people after the sun has begun to go down but before it has gotten completely dark. “Dobry wieczór” has the same level of formality as “dzień dobry. "
“Hey” in Polish works the same as saying “hey” in English.
“Witam” is not always an appropriate greeting, especially to strangers. It can subtly imply that you occupy a higher social station than the person you’re talking to. It is best reserved for when you are greeting guests to your home.
Of course, once you’ve gotten to know someone, you can usually progress to the informal greetings for casual conversations. However, unless you’re a confident Polish speaker, you may want to play things safe and follow the lead of the person you’re talking to.
“Pan” has a soft “ah” sound to it, as in “apartment. " “Pani” starts out just like “Pan,” but has a long “e” sound at the end, as in “bee” or “see. " Polish last names ending in “ski” change depending on gender. Polanski would be used for a man, while Polanska would be used for a female. Don’t be offended if you don’t get invited to address someone by his or her first name. Getting invited into this “inner circle” is a big social step to Poles. Many business and professional relationships go on for years before “making the jump. "
In Poland, it is customary to use two to three kisses: first on the right cheek, then on the left, then on the right again. Hugs are almost common among Polish people. Don’t be alarmed if an overly friendly host gives you one as though you were an old friend.
Do not bring chrysanthemums, which are often used for funerals. Skip on the very expensive gifts, as this might embarrass the host. Do not be offended if you are a host and do not receive a gift. On the other hand, if you do receive a gift, be sure to thank your guest, and to open the gift.
This word is used similarly to the way you’d use “good night” in English—you can say it to someone as you depart at night, right before you go to bed, and so on.
This is also informal, and is best used after “cześć” or “hej. " It’s not suitable after more formal greetings, such as “Dzień dobry” or “dobry wieczór. "
“Dziękuję” is pronounced like “jen-KOO-yeh. " “Proszę” (prosh-eh) means “please. " It can also mean “you’re welcome” if it follows “dziękuję. " “Dobrze” (doh-b-jeh) means “good. " “Bardzo dobrze” (bard-zoh doh-b-jeh) means “very good. "
