“Dzień dobry” or “Siema”? – Essential Polish Polite Phrases with Translations

Table of content

1. 1. Why Learn Polish Polite Phrases?

   2. Formal Polish Polite Phrases – Classic and Effective

      • Basic Formal Polite Phrases in Polish (with English translations)

      • Example Formal Dialogue – At a Café

   3. Informal Polite Phrases – Speak Polish Naturally

      • Common Informal Polish Polite Phrases (with translations)

      • Example Informal Dialogue – Between Friends

   4. Polite Phrases for Travel and Everyday Situations

      • Useful Polish Polite Travel Phrases (with translations)

      • Example Travel Dialogue – At the Station

   5. Small Talk in Polish – Street and Elevator Conversations

      • Polish Small Talk Phrases (with translations)

      • Example Small Talk Dialogue – In the Park

   6. 🎁 BONUS: Casual Polish Phrases with Humor and Attitude

   7. Summary – How Politeness Helps in Learning Polish

In Polish, formal communication is more than just etiquette — it’s a sign of respect. You’ll use it not only at work or with your boss but also in shops, cafes, or with strangers on the street. Knowing these basic polite forms allows you to speak Polish both politely and naturally.

Basic Formal Polite Phrases in Polish (with English translations)

Example Formal Dialogue – At a Café

– Dzień dobry, poproszę kawę z mlekiem.
– Good morning, I’d like a coffee with milk, please.

– Oczywiście. Czy życzy sobie Pan cukier?
– Of course. Would you like some sugar?

– Nie, dziękuję bardzo.
– No, thank you very much.

– Proszę bardzo. Smacznego.
– Here you go. Enjoy.

Not everything polite has to sound textbook-perfect. In everyday conversations, Poles often use casual, friendly phrases that are just as polite but more relaxed. Knowing informal Polish helps you sound less stiff and make friends faster—especially among younger people.

This is a perfect addition to your Polish learning: casual phrases from daily life, conversations, and the street.

Common Informal Polish Polite Phrases (with translations)

Example Informal Dialogue – Between Friends

– Hej, dasz radę mi pomóc z zadaniem z polskiego?
– Hey, can you help me with my Polish homework?

– Jasne, spoko. Pokaż, co tam masz.
– Sure, no problem. Show me what you’ve got.

– Dzięki, jesteś super!
– Thanks, you’re awesome!

– Luzik, zawsze możesz pytać.
– Chill, you can always ask.

1. Poland is a fascinating place to explore but can be a bit stressful if you don’t know the language. That’s why we’ve prepared practical Polish polite phrases that will help you in restaurants, shops, hotels, or on public transport. These expressions are polite yet not overly formal — perfect for everyday use. Useful Polish Polite Travel Phrases (with translations)
   

   Polish	English
   Poproszę bilet do Krakowa	I’d like a ticket to Kraków, please
   Czy mogę zapłacić kartą?	Can I pay by card?
   Przepraszam, nie mówię dobrze po polsku	Sorry, I don’t speak Polish very well
   Możesz powtórzyć wolniej?	Can you repeat more slowly?
   Gdzie jest toaleta?	Where is the toilet?
   Jaka jest cena?	What is the price?
   Potrzebuję pomocy	I need help
   Zgubiłem się	I’m lost

   Example Travel Dialogue – At the Station

   – Dzień dobry, poproszę bilet do Gdańska.
   – Good morning, I’d like a ticket to Gdańsk, please.

   – Czy będzie Pan płacił gotówką czy kartą?
   – Will you be paying in cash or by card?

   – Kartą, proszę.
   – By card, please.

   – Proszę bardzo. Peron numer 3.
   – Here you are. Platform number 3.

Although Poles aren’t known for starting conversations with strangers often, a little polite small talk isn’t unusual — especially in smaller towns. It’s helpful to know some basic phrases to start or respond without stress.

Polish Small Talk Phrases (with translations)

Example Small Talk Dialogue – In the Park

– Ale dziś piękna pogoda, prawda?
– Beautiful weather today, right?

– Tak, w końcu nie pada!
– Yes, finally no rain!

– Miłego spaceru!
– Enjoy your walk!

– Dziękuję, wzajemnie!
– Thank you, you too!

To really sound “Polish,” learn some informal, humorous expressions that make conversations relaxed and friendly. While not suitable for all situations, they’re great for engaging and fun Polish learning.

Casual Polish Expressions

No matter if you say “dzień dobry” in a store, “hej” to a friend, or respond with “nie ma sprawy” when someone thanks you — popular Polish polite phrases, basic Polish dialogues, and essential expressions in Polish truly come in handy. Politeness and casual communication not only help you in everyday contacts but also speed up your language learning and make building relationships easier.

In real-life situations, it’s good to know basic greetings, thanks, requests, and questions that help you navigate conversations and leave a good impression. These phrases will help you feel confident in shops, streets, or offices — wherever language becomes a bridge, not a barrier.

We hope this article will be a helpful guide in your daily Polish learning. If you want to take the next step, we warmly invite you to join courses at VARIA Polish Language Center — where we teach effectively, with humor, and focus on practical communication.

👉 Need a quick, intensive start? Check out our 3-week Polish course here: https://varia-course.com/kursy-w-szkole/intensive-polish-course/

The author of the article is Katarzyna Hoffmann, co-owner of the Polish Language Center Varia in Kraków. She graduated in German Philology from the Jagiellonian University in Kraków.