What are some basic Polish phrases useful at work?
Whether you're working with Polish colleagues, traveling for business, or collaborating with clients in Poland, learning a few key Polish phrases can make a big difference. Even a basic effort to speak someone's native language shows respect, builds rapport, and improves communication. Below is a list of common Polish phrases and expressions that are especially helpful in a professional or office environment.
Greetings and Introductions
Start your day and conversations the right way with these polite phrases:
- Dzień dobry – Good morning / Good afternoon
- Dobry wieczór – Good evening
- Cześć – Hi / Hello (informal)
- Do widzenia – Goodbye
- Do zobaczenia – See you
- Jak się masz? – How are you? (informal)
- Jak się Pan/Pani ma? – How are you? (formal)
- Nazywam się... – My name is...
- Miło mi Pana/Panią poznać – Nice to meet you (formal)
- Miło mi cię poznać – Nice to meet you (informal)
Office Basics
Useful for everyday communication in a workplace setting:
- Dziękuję – Thank you
- Dziękuję bardzo – Thank you very much
- Proszę – Please / You’re welcome / Here you go
- Przepraszam – Sorry / Excuse me
- Nie ma problemu – No problem
- Nie rozumiem – I don’t understand
- Czy możesz powtórzyć? – Can you repeat that? (informal)
- Czy może Pan/Pani powtórzyć? – Can you repeat that? (formal)
- Zaraz wracam – I’ll be right back
- Już to zrobiłem/zrobiłam – I’ve already done it
- Zaraz się tym zajmę – I’ll take care of it shortly
Meetings and Collaboration
These phrases are ideal for team discussions and meetings:
- Mamy spotkanie o... – We have a meeting at...
- Czy mogę coś dodać? – Can I add something?
- Masz rację – You are right
- Zgadzam się – I agree
- Nie zgadzam się – I disagree
- To dobry pomysł – That’s a good idea
- Musimy to omówić – We need to discuss this
- Czy wszystko jest jasne? – Is everything clear?
- Potrzebuję więcej informacji – I need more information
Time and Scheduling
Being able to talk about time is essential for planning and productivity:
- O której godzinie? – At what time?
- Dzisiaj – Today
- Jutro – Tomorrow
- W przyszłym tygodniu – Next week
- Za chwilę – In a moment
- Na czas – On time
- Jestem spóźniony/spóźniona – I’m late
- Muszę iść – I have to go
Email and Communication
If you're writing emails or chatting with colleagues:
- Szanowny Panie / Szanowna Pani – Dear Sir / Dear Madam (formal greeting)
- Z poważaniem – Yours sincerely
- Pozdrawiam – Kind regards
- W załączniku przesyłam... – I’m sending... as an attachment
- Proszę o informację zwrotną – Please send feedback
- Dziękuję za wiadomość – Thank you for your message
Final Thoughts
Learning a few Polish phrases for the workplace doesn't require fluency, but it shows initiative and can go a long way in building professional relationships. Start with the basics, practice daily, and soon enough, you'll feel more comfortable navigating Polish-speaking work environments.
If you work with Polish colleagues or clients regularly, consider creating a small phrasebook or language cheat sheet for quick reference. You might be surprised how much it improves your communication and collaboration.
