Polish · Real conversations
Expressing preferences: useful Polish phrases
Explain what you would enjoy and make a joint choice.
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.
- I like it
podoba mi się
I like it
- I don't like it
nie podoba mi się
I don't like it
- I love it!
uwielbiam to
I love it!
- What do you recommend?
co pan/pani poleca?
What do you recommend?
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Polish |
|---|---|
| I like it | podoba mi się I like it |
| I don't like it | nie podoba mi się I don't like it |
| I love it! | uwielbiam to I love it! |
| What do you recommend? | co pan/pani poleca? What do you recommend? |
| I'd rather ... | Wolałbym / wolałabym … Show English translationI'd rather … |
| I'm in the mood for ... | Mam ochotę na … Show English translationI'm in the mood for … |
| Either is fine with me. | Obie opcje mi pasują. Show English translationEither is fine with me. |
| I'm not very keen on ... | Nie przepadam za … Show English translationI'm not very keen on … |
| What do you like about ...? | Co ci się podoba w …? Show English translationWhat do you like about …? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Masz ochotę pójść gdzie indziej?
Would you like to go somewhere else?
You
Wolałbym/Wolałabym zostać tutaj.
I'd rather stay here.
Partner
To zostańmy. Czego się napijesz?
Let's stay, then. What would you like to drink?
You
Mam ochotę na kawę.
I'm in the mood for coffee.
Expressing preferences 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.
