pan
/ˈpan/masculine
The Polish word for "mister" is pan.
pan is the most common way to say "Mister" in Polish. It is used for both married and unmarried men. When addressing a man formally by his surname, you use the word pan followed by the surname, for example, Pan Kowalski.
Meaning: title of adult male (noun)
Which one should you use?
The feminine counterpart to pan is pani, which is used when addressing or referring to an adult woman.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpan/
Did you know?
- In the Polish language, addressing someone as pan requires the verb to be in the third person singular, even though you are speaking directly to them.
- The word pan has a surprising connection to the word 'cow' through ancient Indo-European roots.
- The word pan can be used sarcastically to refer to someone who is acting overly proud or bossy, similar to calling someone 'Mr. Big Shot'.
Examples in context
- Pan KowalskiMr. Kowalski
- Panie NowakMr. Nowak
- Panie DoktorzeMr. Doctor
- Szanowny Panie Kowalski, czy możemy porozmawiać?Dear Mr. Kowalski, can we talk?
- Witaj, Panie KowalskiHello, Mister Kowalski
- Czy ten pan jest lekarzem?Is this gentleman a doctor?
- Ten pan jest bardzo miły.This gentleman is very kind.
- Nie znam tego pana.I do not know this gentleman.
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Krzysztof are at a social event.
- MałgorzataCzy ten pan to Twój brat?Is this gentleman your brother?
- KrzysztofNie, to tylko mój sąsiad.No, he is just my neighbor.
- MałgorzataCzy pan Kowalski tam stoi?Is Mr. Kowalski standing there?
- KrzysztofTak, to właśnie on.Yes, that is him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mister” translations and entries pan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
