pani
/ˈpa.ɲi/
In Polish, the English phrase 'Ms.' is expressed as pani.
Pani is the most common formal term used to address a woman, functioning much like 'Ms.' or 'Mrs.' in English. It is used as a formal title before a woman's surname, such as Pani [Surname]. In many social situations, it is also common and polite to use pani followed by a woman's first name, for example Pani [First Name].
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine counterpart to the title pani is pan. When using Pani as a formal title in a sentence or an address, it must be capitalized.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of pani is /ˈpa.ɲi/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When writing, remember that Pani must be capitalized when used as a formal title in a sentence or address.
Did you know?
- The word pani shares an ancient linguistic ancestor with the English word 'cow', tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to protect' or 'to feed'.
- When using pani as 'you', the accompanying verb must be conjugated in the third person singular instead of the second person.
- In historical Polish, the word pani was used to denote a high-ranking lady or mistress of a household, carrying a much heavier weight of social status than the modern usage.
Examples in context
- Pani Nowak, czy mogę zadać pytanie?Ms. Nowak, may I ask a question?
- Pani Kowalska, czy mogę prosić o kawę?Ms. Kowalska, may I have a coffee, please?
- Panno Nowak, czy widziałaś moje klucze?Miss Nowak, have you seen my keys?
- Dzień dobry, pani Kowalska.Good morning, Ms. Kowalska.
- Czy pani Nowak jest tutaj?Is Ms. Nowak here?
- To jest pani Wiśniewska.This is Ms. Wiśniewska.
Example conversation
Agnieszka introduces her colleague to Paweł at a conference.
- AgnieszkaPaweł, poznaj panią Zielińską.Paweł, meet Ms. Zielińska.
- PawełMiło mi panią poznać.It is nice to meet you, Ms.
- AgnieszkaPani Zielińska jest ekspertką od marketingu.Ms. Zielińska is a marketing expert.
- PawełTo brzmi bardzo interesująco.That sounds very interesting.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pani, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pani, CC BY-SA 4.0.
