Basic Words

1. Tak

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Nie

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Proszę

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

4. Dziękuję

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

5. Przepraszam

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

6. Przykro mi

   Sorry

   Usage

   Expresses regret or sympathy — "Przykro mi, ale…" softens a refusal, and it is what you say when you feel sorry for someone. To apologise for bumping into someone or making a mistake, use "Przepraszam"

   Grammar Note

   An impersonal construction with the dative "mi", so it does not change with the speaker's gender. Note it is not a verb of apology as such

7. Wszystko w porządku

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. Nie rozumiem

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Rozumiem

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Gotowe

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

11. Proszę zaczekać

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

12. Chwileczkę

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Jeden dorosły, proszę

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. Nie mam rezerwacji

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

15. Mam rezerwację

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Proszę mi pomóc

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

17. Jeszcze raz, proszę

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Proszę mówić wolniej

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Mówię trochę

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

20. Czy mówi pan po angielsku?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    "pan" addresses a man politely; for a woman say "Czy mówi pani po angielsku?".

21. To

    This

    Usage

    Point at something near you and show this; "I'll take this" is "Poproszę to"

22. Tamto

    That (one over there)

    Usage

    Point at something away from you and show this

    Grammar Note

    Polish has a two-way distinction only — "to" (this) and "tamto" (that) — so it does not separate Japanese "sore" from "are"

23. Tutaj

    Here

    Usage

    Show this while pointing at a place, including a spot on a map; the short form is "tu"

24. Tam

    There

    Usage

    Show this while pointing at a place away from you

    Grammar Note

    Polish distinguishes only "tu(taj)" and "tam", so it does not separate Japanese "soko" from "asoko"

25. Ja

    I / me

    Usage

    Point at yourself and show this; e.g. to say you are paying, show this and then gesture at the bill

26. Pan / Pani

    You (polite)

    Usage

    Point at the other person and show this; "Pan" for a man, "Pani" for a woman

    Grammar Note

    The pronoun "ty" is for friends and children; using it with staff or a strange adult is rude, so travellers should stick to "Pan / Pani"

27. Razem

    Together

    Usage

    Show this to indicate you are with someone, or that seats or the bill should be combined

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