When you meet somebody during the day, we usually use the greeting : Dzień dobry -litterally ‘good day’.
In English we can say ‘Good morning’ and ‘Good afternoon’ but in Polish we don’t make this distinction. There is not really an equivalent to the English “Good afternoon”, we use the same ‘Dzień dobry’
This is a rather formal form, but when you meet someone who is your friend or a colleague you’d rather say Cześć (Hi/Hello). Cześć actually is even more practical – it also means bye/good bye – and can be used in any informal context.
Another way, although more formal one of saying Hello is Witam which means Welcome.
After sunset you can say Dobry wieczór (Good evening). However, often people still say Dzień dobry even when it’s dark.
If you want to ask somebody How are you?, you can start with Co słychać?, Jak się masz?, Jak leci?
Co słychać?
Jak się masz?
Jak leci?
When you want to wish somebody a good day you just say: Dobrego dnia
Finally, if you have to leave, you can say Do widzenia, or a bit less formal Do zobaczenia!
Summary
Dzień dobry – Good morning/ Good afternoon
Cześć – Hi/ Hello but also bye/ good bye
Witam – Welcome
Dobry wieczór – Good evening
Co słychać? Jak się masz? Jak leci? – How are you?
Dobrego dnia – Have a good day
Do widzenia/ Do zobaczenia – Goodbye
That’s it about the greetings. If you have any questions please leave a comment!
