Polish · Real conversations

Changing plans: useful Polish phrases

Explain a change and offer a clear next step.

Start with the essentials

Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.

Late
późno
Late
On time
na czas
On time
Don't worry
nie martw się
Don't worry
See you later
do zobaczenia później
See you later

Make the conversation more specific

Useful Polish expressions for changing plans
What you want to say	Polish
Late	późno Late
On time	na czas On time
Don't worry	nie martw się Don't worry
See you later	do zobaczenia później See you later
I'm running ten minutes late.	Spóźnię się dziesięć minut. Show English translation I'm running ten minutes late.
Can we move it to ...?	Czy możemy to przełożyć na …? Show English translation Can we move it to …?
Something has come up.	Coś mi wypadło. Show English translation Something has come up.
I'm afraid I can't make it.	Niestety nie mogę przyjść. Show English translation I'm afraid I can't make it.
I'll let you know.	Dam ci znać. Show English translation I'll let you know.

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
Już jestem w kawiarni. Jesteś blisko?
I'm already at the café. Are you nearly here?
You
Spóźnię się dziesięć minut.
I'm running ten minutes late.
Partner
Dziękuję za wiadomość. Możemy też wybrać inny dzień.
Thanks for telling me. We could also choose another day.
You
Czy możemy to przełożyć na sobotę?
Can we move it to Saturday?

Changing plans in other languages

A note on speaking Polish

Polish distinguishes familiar ty from polite pan and pani. Choose pan when addressing a man and pani when addressing a woman formally; the paired forms shown in examples are alternatives, so say one. A formal question usually uses a third-person verb, such as Czy może pan …? First-person past and conditional forms can change with the speaker’s gender.

Keep letters such as ą, ę, ł, ń, ó, ś, ź, and ż. Noun and adjective endings can change with their role in the sentence. Learn the complete expression before replacing a name, object, or time.