Lesson 30 – Travel

Welcome back! In this lesson, we’re focusing on essential travel phrases in Polish. Whether you’re at the train station, checking into a hotel, or ordering food at a restaurant, these phrases will help you navigate your journey smoothly. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to confidently handle common travel situations in Polish. Let’s get started!

Why Learn Travel Phrases?

Travel phrases are essential for:

• Navigating transportation and accommodations.
• Ordering food and drinks.
• Asking for help or directions.
• Making your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.

At the Train Station or Airport

Here are some key phrases for transportation:

Example Dialogue:

• Ty: Chciałbym kupić bilet do Krakowa.
  (I would like to buy a ticket to Kraków.)
• Pracownik: Oczywiście. W jedną stronę czy w obie strony?
  (Of course. One way or round trip?)
• Ty: W obie strony, proszę.
  (Round trip, please.)

At a Hotel

Here are some key phrases for checking into a hotel:

Example Dialogue:

• Ty: Czy są wolne pokoje?
  (Are there available rooms?)
• Recepcjonista: Tak, mamy wolne pokoje.
  (Yes, we have available rooms.)
• Ty: Poproszę pokój na dwie noce.
  (I’d like a room for two nights, please.)

At a Restaurant or Café

Here are some key phrases for dining out:

Example Dialogue:

• Kelner: Co państwo zamówią?
  (What would you like to order?)
• Ty: Poproszę pierogi i herbatę.
  (I’d like pierogi and tea, please.)
• Kelner: Oczywiście, zaraz przyniosę.
  (Of course, I’ll bring it right away.)

Grammar Notes

1. Polite Requests:
   • Use Poproszę… (I’d like…) or Mogę prosić…? (May I have…?) to make polite requests.
2. Gender Agreement:
   • Adjectives and verbs must agree with the gender of the speaker. For example:
     • Chciałbym… (I would like… – male speaker).
     • Chciałabym… (I would like… – female speaker).

Practice Tasks

1. Fill in the Blanks:
   Complete the sentences with the correct travel phrase:
   • ___ (I would like) kupić bilet do Warszawy.
   • ___ (Where is) odprawa bagażowa?
   • ___ (I’d like) klucz do pokoju numer 5.
   • ___ (May I have) menu?
2. Translate These Sentences:
   • What time does the train leave?
   • Is breakfast included in the price?
   • I’d like to order pierogi. (female speaker)
   • Where is the toilet?
3. Create Your Own Dialogues:
   Write and practice a dialogue for:
   • Buying a train ticket.
   • Checking into a hotel.
   • Ordering food at a restaurant.

Cultural Tip: Polish Hospitality

In Poland, hospitality is highly valued. When dining out or staying at a hotel, it’s common to greet staff with Dzień dobry (Good day) and thank them with Dziękuję (Thank you). Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants.

Homework

1. Write 10 sentences using travel phrases. Include examples for transportation, hotels, and restaurants.
2. Practice saying these phrases out loud. Focus on pronunciation and fluency.
3. Bonus: Look up 5 new travel-related words and practice using them in sentences.

That’s it for Lesson 30! You’ve now mastered essential travel phrases in Polish. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be navigating your travels like a pro. Do zobaczenia! 😊