Whether you plan to travel to Poland, have Polish friends, or simply want to expand your language skills, knowing how to say “what” in Polish is essential. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express this common question. From formal to informal scenarios, we’ll cover useful phrases, regional variations if necessary, and provide numerous tips and examples.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What” in Polish
When it comes to addressing someone formally, be it a stranger, an older person, or someone in a professional setting, use the following phrases:
- Co – This is the most common and standard way to say “what” in Polish. For instance, when asking “What is your name?” in a formal setting, you would say “Co to jest twoje imię?“
- Jakie – Another formal option, commonly used to ask about a particular quality or characteristic. For example, “Jakie są twoje zainteresowania?” means “What are your interests?”
When using formal language, it’s important to remember to address people using the appropriate titles and pronouns, such as “Pan” for Mr. and “Pani” for Mrs./Ms.
Informal Ways to Say “What” in Polish
In more casual and friendly situations, you can opt for these informal expressions:
- Czego – This is a relaxed way to say “what,” often used in everyday conversations with friends or peers. For instance, “Czego szukasz?” means “What are you looking for?”
- Czym – Used when asking about specific means or tools. For example, “Czym to otworzyć?” means “What should I use to open this?”
- Jak – Frequently used to ask “how” but can also serve as a versatile informal option for “what.” For instance, “Jak to jest?” means “What is that like?”
In informal settings, you can use first names or nicknames when addressing someone.
Tips and Examples
Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal ways to say “what” in Polish, let’s delve into some useful tips and examples:
TIP: When using the word “what” in Polish, pay attention to the noun’s gender and its inflections. Polish nouns have different endings depending on their grammatical case, so adapting the word “what” accordingly is crucial. For instance, when asking “What did you buy?” if the noun is masculine, you would say “Co kupiłeś?” while for a feminine noun, it changes to “Co kupiłaś?“
Here are a few more examples to illustrate different scenarios:
- Scenario 1: You want to ask your Polish friend what they are cooking. In an informal context, you can say “Czego gotujesz?“
- Scenario 2: In a formal setting, you meet a Polish businessman and wish to ask what he does for a living. Using formal language, you would say “Co pan robi zawodowo?“
- Scenario 3: You are visiting a Polish restaurant and would like to know what the day’s special is. You can ask the waiter informally, saying “Czym jest dzisiejsza specjalność?“
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be afraid to engage in conversations or try out new phrases when learning Polish.
Conclusion
Mastering the various ways to say “what” in Polish is a valuable skill that helps you navigate everyday interactions, whether formal or informal. Understanding the nuances of language, adapting to the setting, and paying attention to noun inflections are vital components of effective communication in Polish. With this guide and plenty of practice, you are well on your way to confidently using the word “what” in Polish in any situation.
