Question Words

1. Co?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

2. Gdzie?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. Kiedy?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Kto?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Dlaczego?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. Jak?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Ile?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

8. Ile to kosztuje?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Który?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

10. Co to jest?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

11. Gdzie jest toaleta?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

12. Która godzina?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Czy jest?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

14. Czy można?

    Is it possible?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

15. Czy to płatne?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. Czy to bezpłatne?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. Czy to dobrze?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Checks whether something is fine or right as it is; pair it with pointing (for permission, use "Czy można?")

18. Nie można?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being turned down

19. Czy wszystko w porządku?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing — a different role from "Czy to dobrze?" (asking permission)

20. Naprawdę?

    Really?

    Usage

    A short reaction confirming something surprising

21. Jest Pan/Pani pewien/pewna?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Presses for confirmation of a fact — more formal than "Naprawdę?"

    Grammar Note

    Choose "pewien" or "pewna" to match the formal address "Pan" (to a man) or "Pani" (to a woman)

22. Skąd Pan/Pani jest?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

23. Jak Pan/Pani ma na imię?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

    Grammar Note

    Uses the polite "Pan/Pani"; with friends say "Jak masz na imię?"

24. Ile Pan/Pani ma lat?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age at a first meeting can come across as intrusive; better saved until you know them a little

25. Czy możemy zrobić zdjęcie razem?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Asks for permission to take a photo together

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