proszę pana
/ˈprɔ.ʂɛ ˈpa.na/word by word
The English phrase 'sir' is translated into Polish as proszę pana.
proszę pana is the standard polite way to get a stranger's attention or address them mid-sentence, especially if his name or proper address is unknown. While pan is the most common way to say sir in Polish to address any adult male, proszę pana is a specific polite formula used in direct address.
Meaning: address to any male, especially if his name or proper address is unknown (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the verb proszę (I beg/request/please) and pana (the accusative form of pan, meaning gentleman/sir).
Which one should you use?
To address a woman instead of a man, use proszę pani.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word pana is the accusative form of pan, used here because it is the object of the verb proszę.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈprɔ.ʂɛ ˈpa.na/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to use the nominative pan (e.g., Proszę pan), but in this specific polite formula, the accusative pana is required.
Did you know?
- In Polish, pan can be used as a pronoun to address someone in the second person, meaning you say 'sir does' instead of 'you do'.
- While pan translates as 'sir' or 'gentleman', it historically meant 'lord' or 'master'.
- In some formal contexts, pan is combined with a professional title, such as pan dyrektor for 'Mr. Director'.
Examples in context
- Proszę pana, uwaga, ślisko!Careful, sir – it's slippery.This is useful for giving a warning to a man.Tatoeba #354086 by zipangu, translation #8533252 by sundown
- Takiej rzeczy jak duch nie ma, proszę pana.There is no such thing, sir, as a ghost.This shows how the phrase can be used to conclude a statement.Tatoeba #5454986 by Annika, translation #5420450 by Hybrid
- Proszę pana, zostawił pan zapalniczkę na stole!Sir, you have left your lighter on the table.This demonstrates how to use the phrase when alerting someone to a forgotten item.Tatoeba #348660 by zipangu, translation #64667 by CK
- Proszę PanaExcuse me, sir.
- Dziękuję PanuThank you, sir
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata is trying to get the attention of a man in a café.
- MałgorzataProszę pana, czy to miejsce jest wolne?Excuse me sir, is this seat free?
- PawełTak, proszę siadać.Yes, please have a seat.
- MałgorzataDziękuję bardzo, proszę pana.Thank you very much, sir.
- PawełNie ma za co.You are welcome.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (proszę, pana) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
