Today we will learn how to say “hello” and other greetings used in everyday Polish language.
Let’s get it started! 🙂
Słowniczek – Glossary:
Cześć = Hi/hello
Hej = Hi
Witam/Witaj = Welcome
Dzień dobry = Good morning/ good afternoon
Dobry wieczór = Good evening
Dobranoc = Goodnight
Do widzenia = Goodbye
Do zobaczenia = See you
Do jutra = See you tomorrow
Pa pa = Bye bye
In Poland we are distinguishing formal and unformal language. Formal language is to be used with strangers, our supervisors and elder people. On the other hand, unformal will be used talking with your family, friends or ocassionaly with peers (f.e. if they are not your supervisors/bosses).
That language rule can be broken only if a person would ask you to be called by their name:
“Proszę, mów mi Anna…” – Please, call me Anna…”.
“Cześć”, “Hej” and “Pa pa” – are typical for unformal language, we won’t use them in formal conversation.
In formal convesation we would use “Witam”, “Dzień dobry”, “Dobry wieczór”, “Do widzenia”.
Of course, it is not a crime to use “Witaj!” with your friends but it might cause a smile on their faces. That rule is more about putting in life good education and manners. A child wouldn’t say “Cześć” to a teacher beacause it is simply inappropiate 🙂
How would you say “Cześć” in your language?
Comment below! 🙂
MyPolish4U 