Polish Introductions
Making introductions in Polish (język polski) is your gateway to better connections, whether you’re on a short trip, studying abroad, or making friends in Poland. By learning how to say your name and politely ask for someone else’s, you’ll be off to a great start in everyday interactions. In this lesson, we’ll show you both informal and formal ways to do it—just like how you’d greet someone in different scenarios.
As with greetings in Polish, introductions vary depending on how well you know the person, their age, or the context (formal vs. informal).
- Informal: Jak masz na imię? → What’s your (first) name?
- Formal: Jak Pan/Pani się nazywa? → What’s your name? (addressing Mr./Ms.)
Quick Tip
When in doubt, use the formal “Pan/Pani” (Mr./Ms.) for adults you don’t know well. Refer back to our Polish greetings lesson for more context on formality.
Informal and Formal Introductions
Below are quick examples of how a Polish introduction might go in casual vs. formal settings:
Informal Introduction:
A: Cześć, jestem Kasia, jak masz na imię? → Hi, I’m Kasia, what’s your name?
B: Mam na imię Tomek, miło mi. A Ty? → My name is Tomek, nice to meet you. And you?
Formal Introduction:
A: Dzień dobry, Panie Kowalski. Jak Pan się nazywa? → Good day, Mr. Kowalski. What’s your name?
B: Dzień dobry! Nazywam się Robert Kowalski, a Pani? → Good day! My name is Robert Kowalski, and yours?
A: Jestem Anna Nowak. → I’m Anna Nowak.
B: Miło mi Panią poznać. → Nice to meet you (ma’am).
A: Wzajemnie. → Likewise.
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Key Phrases for Polish Introductions
Jak masz na imię? → What’s your first name? (informal)
Jak Pan/Pani się nazywa? → What’s your name? (formal)
Mam na imię… → My name is… (literally “I have the name…”)
Nazywam się… → My name is… (can be first + last name)
Jestem… → I am…
Miło mi (cię poznać). → Nice to meet you. (informal)
Miło mi Panią / Pana poznać. → Nice to meet you (ma’am / sir). (formal)
Imię → first name
Nazwisko → surname
Wzajemnie. → Likewise.
Introducing Yourself: More Examples
Formal:
A: Dzień dobry, jak Pan się nazywa?
B: Nazywam się Piotr Walczak, a Pani? → My name is Piotr Walczak, and yours?
A: Jestem Marta Nowicka. → I’m Marta Nowicka.
B: Miło mi Panią poznać. → Pleasure to meet you.
A: Dziękuję, wzajemnie. → Thanks, likewise.
Learning these simple phrases will help you feel at home in Poland or any Polish-speaking community. Don’t be shy—introductions can be your gateway to new friendships and a deeper understanding of Polish culture.