Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cześć | /ˈt͡ʂɛɕt͡ɕ/ /ˈt͡ʂɛɕ/ |
informal |
| witajcie | /viˈtaj.t͡ɕɛ/ | |
| siema | /ˈɕɛ.ma/ | informal |
| czołem | /ˈt͡ʂɔ.wɛm/ | |
| halo | /ˈxa.lɔ/ | |
| serwus | /ˈsɛr.vus/ | colloquial |
| cześka | colloquial | |
| siemanero | colloquial | |
| hej | /ˈxɛj/ | |
| elo | /ˈɛ.lɔ/ |
The various forms of hello in Polish range from standard greetings to specific functional uses. While many are used to greet people, halo is used specifically when answering the telephone or calling out to see if someone is present rather than as a social greeting. Some forms like siema function as casual, slang-like greetings.
What does it mean word for word?
The word czołem literally translates to 'with the forehead', which refers to a salute.
Which one should you use?
Cześć is a versatile word that functions as both 'hello' and 'goodbye' in informal settings. Siema and its variation siemano are highly informal greetings used primarily among friends and young people. Witajcie is used specifically when greeting a group of people. Halo differs from social greetings as it is used for telephonic or presence-checking contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, you should use Dzień dobry (good day) or Dobry wieczór (good evening). When addressing people formally, use Pan for a man and Pani for a woman. In informal settings, cześć is a common informal way to say hello. Slang and colloquial options like siema, serwus, cześka, siemanero and hej are reserved for casual contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
Witajcie is the plural imperative form of the verb 'witać' (to welcome), used when addressing more than one person.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʂɛɕtɕ/
Did you know?
- The informal greeting cześć also means 'honor' or 'glory' in Polish.
- The greeting serwus is a loanword from Latin servus, meaning 'servant' or 'slave'.
- The slang variant siemanero adds a Spanish-sounding flair to the standard 'siema', though it is purely a playful Polish creation.
Examples in context
- Cześć, jak się masz?Hello, how are you?This example shows how to use cześć in a greeting.Tatoeba #349418 by zipangu, translation #138868 by CK
- Cześć, to jest Mike.Hello, this is Mike.This example shows how to use cześć to introduce someone.Tatoeba #349419 by zipangu, translation #30980 by CN
- Halo, jest tam ktoś?Hello, is anyone there?This example shows the use of halo when checking for someone's presence.Tatoeba #11731000 by mojeanin, translation #12084124 by sundown
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Katarzyna and Paweł meet at a cafe.
- KatarzynaCześć, Paweł!Hello, Paweł!
- PawełCześć, Kasia! Co słychać?Hello, Kasia! What's up?
- KatarzynaWszystko dobrze, a u ciebie?Everything is good, and with you?
- PawełTeż super, dzięki.Also great, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries cześć, witajcie, siema, czołem, halo, serwus, hej, elo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
