Essential Polish Phrases for Tourists
Last Updated: October 30, 2025 | Category: Language & Culture
While many people in Zakopane's tourist areas speak English, learning a few basic Polish phrases will make your trip smoother and is always appreciated by locals. This simple guide covers the most important words and sentences for your visit.
Basic Greetings & Courtesies
| English Phrase |
Polish Phrase (with pronunciation) |
| Hello / Good day | Dzień dobry (jen dob-ri) |
| Goodbye | Do widzenia (doh vee-dzen-ya) |
| Yes | Tak (tahk) |
| No | Nie (ñyeh) |
| Please | Proszę (pro-sheh) |
| Thank you | Dziękuję (jen-koo-yeh) |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Przepraszam (psheh-pra-sham) |
| Do you speak English? | Czy mówisz po angielsku? (chi moo-vish po an-gyel-skoo?) |
Dining & Ordering Food
These phrases are crucial for ensuring your meal is halal and for navigating restaurants.
| English Phrase |
Polish Phrase (with pronunciation) |
| The bill, please | Poproszę o rachunek (po-pro-sheh o ra-hoo-nek) |
| Water | Woda (vo-da) |
| Tea / Coffee | Herbata / Kawa (her-ba-ta / ka-va) |
| Is this halal? | Czy to jest halal? (chi to yest halal?) |
| Without pork | Bez wieprzowiny (bez vyep-sho-vee-ny) |
| Without alcohol | Bez alkoholu (bez al-ko-ho-loo) |
| Is there gelatin? | Czy jest żelatyna? (chi yest zhe-la-ti-na?) |
| It's delicious! | To jest pyszne! (to yest pish-neh!) |
Shopping & Asking for Prices
| English Phrase |
Polish Phrase (with pronunciation) |
| How much is this? | Ile to kosztuje? (ee-leh to kosh-too-yeh?) |
| I'll take it | Poproszę to (po-pro-sheh to) |
| Can I pay by card? | Czy mogę zapłacić kartą? (chi mo-geh za-pwa-cheech kar-ton?) |
Directions & Getting Around
| English Phrase |
Polish Phrase (with pronunciation) |
| Where is...? | Gdzie jest...? (g'jeh yest...?) |
| ...the bus station? | ...dworzec autobusowy? (...dvo-zhets auto-bu-so-vi?) |
| ...the toilet? | ...toaleta? (...toa-le-ta?) |
| Left / Right / Straight | Lewo / Prawo / Prosto (leh-vo / pra-vo / pros-to) |
Even a small effort to speak the local language can open doors and lead to warmer interactions. Don't be afraid to try – Polish people are generally very friendly and encouraging to foreigners. Powodzenia! (Good luck!)