How to Use Basic Greetings - Lesson Focus

Learn the key pattern to use basic greetings

Vocabulary (Review)

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Lesson Transcript

Let’s take a closer look at each of these expressions.

In the first conversation, do you remember how Mark says,

"Good morning, Ms. Zając."

Dzień dobry, pani Zając.

First is Dzień dobry, "good morning," in this context. Dzień dobry. Dzień dobry.

Note, Dzień dobry is a useful greeting that can be used to mean “good morning,” “good afternoon,” or even just “hello.” You can use it all day until the evening.

Next is pani, "Ms." Pani. Pani. This is a formal way to address a woman.

Finally, the teacher’s family name, Zając. Zając. Zając.. Zając.

Together, pani Zając. "Ms. Zając." Pani Zając.

All together, Dzień dobry, pani Zając. "Good morning, Ms. Zając."

Dzień dobry, pani Zając.

When including a person’s name in a greeting, it’s more common to say the person’s name after the greeting.

Note: using a person’s family name in a greeting may come across as more formal.

Do you remember the teacher's response,

"Good morning, Mr. Lee."

Dzień dobry, panie Lee.

First is Dzień dobry, "Good morning." Dzień dobry.

Next, panie "Mr." Panie. Panie. This is a formal way to address a man.

Finally, Mark’s family name, Lee, pronounced in Polish. Lee. Lee. "Lee."

All together, it’s Dzień dobry, panie Lee. "Good morning, Mr. Lee."

Dzień dobry, panie Lee.

Note, this exchange is formal.

In the second conversation, which takes place at noon, do you remember how Karen says,

"Good afternoon."

Hint: It’s the same greeting as the one used in the morning.

Dzień dobry.

Note that Karen’s greeting is slightly less formal, as she doesn’t say the teacher’s name.

Dzień dobry. "Good afternoon." Dzień dobry.

The teacher's response is the same,

Dzień dobry.

This can translate as “Hello,” or “Good afternoon.”

Dzień dobry is a common way to greet people during the day. You can use it in formal and less formal situations.

In the third conversation, which takes place in the evening at 6pm, do you remember how Ben says,

"Good evening."

Dobry wieczór.

Dobry wieczór. Literally, "Good evening." Dobry wieczór.

Dobry wieczór.

Dobry wieczór is a common way to greet people during the evening and at night, in both formal and less formal situations.

Do you remember the teacher's response,

"Good evening, Ben."

Dobry wieczór, Ben.

Dobry wieczór. "Good evening." Dobry wieczór.

Next is Ben’s name pronounced in Polish. Ben. Ben. Ben.

Together, it's Dobry wieczór, Ben. "Good evening, Ben."

Dobry wieczór, Ben.

Note that the teacher addresses Ben by his first name, as he’s younger. This makes the greeting sound more informal.