What does it mean word for word?
The word Czy at the beginning of the sentence functions as a question particle, similar to how English uses auxiliary verbs to start a question. The phrase po polsku means "in Polish".
Which one should you use?
While Czy mówisz po polsku? is used for people of a similar age or social level, you should use the formal versions when addressing someone more formally. To say "I speak Polish" as a response, you would change the verb from the second-person mówisz to the first-person mówię in the phrase Mówię po polsku.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form uses the second-person singular mówisz. To be polite or formal when addressing a man, replace mówisz with mówi pan to say Czy mówi pan po polsku?
When do people say it?
A standard affirmative response to this question is Tak (Yes), and a standard negative response is Nie (No).
Did you know?
- In Polish culture, switching from the formal mówi pan to the informal mówisz is a social milestone that often requires a specific ritual or mutual agreement called 'przejście na ty'.
- Because Polish has a complex system of formal address, the word pan in Czy mówi pan po polsku? functions more like a pronoun meaning 'you' than a title meaning 'sir'.
- While po polsku means 'in Polish', the word polsku is not a noun but an adverb, meaning the phrase literally asks if someone speaks in a 'Polish manner'.
Examples in context
- Przepraszam, czy mówisz po polsku?Excuse me, do you speak Polish?
Example conversation
Two people meet for the first time at a party.
- KrzysztofCześć, jestem Krzysztof. Czy mówisz po polsku?Hi, I am Krzysztof. Do you speak Polish?
- AgnieszkaTak, mówię po polsku. Jestem Agnieszka.Yes, I speak Polish. I am Agnieszka.
- KrzysztofMiło cię poznać, Agnieszko.Nice to meet you, Agnieszka.
- AgnieszkaMnie również, Krzysztofie.Me too, Krzysztof.
