In this beginner Polish lesson, you will learn short, natural phrases for introducing yourself and asking another person's first name. You will also practice a simple dialogue and listen to the phrases so you can repeat them aloud.
Objectives
- Say your own name in Polish using Jestem Ana or Mam na imię Ana.
- Ask someone their first name with Jak masz na imię?
- Respond politely with Miło mi and keep the exchange going with A ty?
Phrases
I am Ana.
A short, natural way to introduce yourself.My name is Ana.
Literally 'I have for name Ana'; very common when giving your first name.What is your first name?
Informal question used with friends, classmates, and people your own age.Nice to meet you.
A polite response after an introduction.And you?
Used to return a question to the other person.Explanations
Saying who you are
Use Jestem Ana to say 'I am Ana.' Jestem means 'I am.' You can also say Mam na imię Ana, which means 'My name is Ana' and literally 'I have for name Ana.' Both are natural. Jestem is shorter, while Mam na imię is very common when you give your first name.
Asking for a first name
To ask someone's first name, say Jak masz na imię? This is an informal question. The phrase A ty? means 'And you?' and is used to return a question to the other person. Miło mi means 'Nice to meet you.'
Listening and repeating
Listen to the recording and repeat each phrase, copying the speaker's rhythm and sounds. In Jak masz na imię? the ę is a nasal vowel; imitate the recording rather than guessing. Practice the dialogue aloud, taking both roles.
Dialogue
Hi! I am Ana.
Hi! My name is Tomek. What is your first name?
My name is Ana. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you. And you?
Pronunciation
Listen to the recording and repeat each phrase, copying the speaker's rhythm and sounds. In Jak masz na imię? the ę is a nasal vowel; imitate the recording rather than guessing. Practice the dialogue aloud, taking both roles.
Common mistake
Saying Jestem Warszawa to mean 'I am from Warsaw.'
Use Jestem z Warszawy. The phrase z Warszawy means 'from Warsaw.'
Practice
Say aloud in Polish: 'I am Ana.'
Use the phrase that begins with Jestem.
Show answer
Jestem Ana.Jestem Ana means 'I am Ana.' Jestem means 'I am.'
You meet a new person. Say aloud in Polish: 'My name is Ana.'
Use the phrase that begins with Mam na imię.
Show answer
Mam na imię Ana.Mam na imię Ana means 'My name is Ana.' It is a very common way to give your first name.
Ask a new friend their first name in Polish.
Use the informal question that begins with Jak.
Show answer
Jak masz na imię?Jak masz na imię? means 'What is your first name?' It is informal and natural with a new friend.
You can now introduce yourself in Polish with Jestem Ana or Mam na imię Ana, ask someone's first name with Jak masz na imię?, and respond with Miło mi and A ty?
Practice with Yapr
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Practice on Yapr