Lesson 20 – Dialogues

Welcome back! In this lesson, we’re expanding your conversational skills by focusing on real-life dialogues in Polish. Whether you’re ordering at a restaurant, shopping for groceries, or asking for directions, these dialogues will help you navigate everyday situations with confidence. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to handle common interactions like a pro. Let’s dive in!

Why Learn Real-Life Dialogues?

Dialogues are the heart of real-world communication. Learning how to use Polish in practical scenarios will help you:

• Feel more confident in everyday interactions.
• Build fluency and natural speaking skills.
• Connect with Polish speakers in meaningful ways.

1. Ordering at a Restaurant (W Restauracji)

Here are some useful phrases for dining out:

Example Dialogue:

• Kelner: Dzień dobry! Co państwo zamówią?
  (Good day! What would you like to order?)
• Ty: Dzień dobry! Poproszę zupę pomidorową i kurczaka z ziemniakami.
  (Good day! I’d like tomato soup and chicken with potatoes.)
• Kelner: Czy coś do picia?
  (Anything to drink?)
• Ty: Tak, poproszę herbatę.
  (Yes, I’d like tea, please.)
• Kelner: Oczywiście. Zaraz przyniosę.
  (Of course. I’ll bring it right away.)

2. Shopping for Groceries (W Sklepie)

Here are some useful phrases for grocery shopping:

Example Dialogue:

• Ty: Dzień dobry! Gdzie jest dział z warzywami?
  (Good day! Where is the vegetable section?)
• Pracownik sklepu: Tam, na końcu alejki.
  (Over there, at the end of the aisle.)
• Ty: Dziękuję. Ile kosztują ziemniaki?
  (Thank you. How much do the potatoes cost?)
• Pracownik sklepu: 3 złote za kilogram.
  (3 złoty per kilogram.)
• Ty: Poproszę dwa kilogramy.
  (I’d like two kilograms, please.)

3. Asking for Directions (Pytanie o Drogę)

Here are some useful phrases for asking for directions:

Example Dialogue:

• Ty: Przepraszam, gdzie jest dworzec kolejowy?
  (Excuse me, where is the train station?)
• Przechodzień: Idź prosto, a potem skręć w prawo.
  (Go straight, then turn right.)
• Ty: Czy to daleko?
  (Is it far?)
• Przechodzień: Nie, to tylko pięć minut spacerem.
  (No, it’s just a five-minute walk.)
• Ty: Dziękuję bardzo!
  (Thank you very much!)

4. Making Small Talk (Rozmowa Towarzyska)

Here are some useful phrases for making small talk:

Example Dialogue:

• Ty: Cześć! Jak się masz?
  (Hi! How are you?)
• Znajomy: Cześć! Wszystko dobrze, a u ciebie?
  (Hi! Everything’s good, and you?)
• Ty: U mnie też dobrze. Co u ciebie słychać?
  (I’m good too. What’s new with you?)
• Znajomy: Nic specjalnego. Pracuję i uczę się polskiego.
  (Nothing special. I’m working and learning Polish.)
• Ty: Super! Miło cię widzieć.
  (Great! Nice to see you.)

Practice Tasks

1. Roleplay Dialogues:
   Practice the dialogues above with a friend or record yourself. Focus on pronunciation and fluency.
2. Translate These Sentences:
   • Excuse me, where is the nearest pharmacy?
   • I’d like to order a pizza and a salad.
   • How much does this cost?
   • Can I pay by card?
3. Create Your Own Dialogues:
   Write and practice your own dialogues for:
   • Ordering at a café.
   • Shopping for clothes.
   • Asking for directions to a museum.

Cultural Tip: Polish Politeness

In Poland, politeness is key in conversations. Always use proszę (please) and dziękuję (thank you), and address people formally (pan/pani) unless you’re speaking to friends or family.

Homework

1. Write 3 dialogues for different real-life scenarios (e.g., ordering food, shopping, asking for directions).
2. Practice saying these dialogues out loud. Focus on natural intonation and pronunciation.
3. Bonus: Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

That’s it for Lesson 20! You’ve now mastered real-life dialogues in Polish. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be navigating everyday situations like a native speaker. Do zobaczenia! 😊