Lesson 36 – Dialogues II

Welcome back! In this lesson, we’re focusing on essential phrases for visiting a doctor in Poland. Whether you’re explaining symptoms, answering questions, or understanding instructions, these phrases will help you communicate effectively during a medical visit. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to confidently navigate a doctor’s appointment in Polish. Let’s get started!

Why Learn Doctor’s Visit Phrases?

Knowing how to communicate with a doctor is essential for:

• Describing symptoms and health concerns.
• Understanding medical advice and instructions.
• Ensuring you receive the care you need.

Explaining Symptoms

Here are some key phrases for describing how you feel:

Examples:

• Boli mnie głowa. – My head hurts.
• Mam ból brzucha. – I have a stomachache.
• Mam gorączkę i kaszlę. – I have a fever and I’m coughing.

Doctor’s Questions & Instructions

Here are some common questions and instructions you might hear from a doctor:

Examples:

• Lekarz: Co Pani dolega?
  (Doctor: What’s wrong?)
• Ty: Boli mnie gardło i mam gorączkę.
  (I have a sore throat and a fever.)
• Lekarz: Proszę oddychać głęboko.
  (Doctor: Please breathe deeply.)

Grammar Notes

1. Formal vs. Informal Language:
   • Use Pan (for men) or Pani (for women) when speaking formally to a doctor.
   • For example: Co Pani dolega? (What’s wrong? – to a woman).
2. Expressing Pain:
   • Use Boli mnie… (… hurts) to describe pain.
     • Boli mnie brzuch. – My stomach hurts.
3. Polite Requests:
   • Use Proszę… (Please…) to make polite requests.
     • Proszę oddychać głęboko. – Please breathe deeply.

Practice Tasks

1. Fill in the Blanks:
   Complete the sentences with the correct phrase:
   • ___ (I don’t feel well).
   • ___ (My head hurts).
   • ___ (I have a fever).
   • ___ (Please breathe deeply).
2. Translate These Sentences:
   • What’s wrong? (to a man)
   • Do you have any allergies? (to a woman)
   • I’m allergic to nuts.
   • You need to rest.
3. Create Your Own Dialogues:
   Write and practice a dialogue between you and a doctor. For example:
   • Lekarz: Co Pani dolega?
     (Doctor: What’s wrong?)
   • Ty: Boli mnie gardło i mam gorączkę.
     (I have a sore throat and a fever.)
   • Lekarz: Proszę oddychać głęboko.
     (Doctor: Please breathe deeply.)

Cultural Tip: Visiting a Doctor in Poland

In Poland, healthcare is generally accessible, but it’s important to:

• Be polite and use formal language when speaking to a doctor.
• Bring your ID and insurance information to the appointment.
• Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully, especially regarding rest and medication.

Homework

1. Write 10 sentences about symptoms or doctor’s instructions. Include examples of formal language.
2. Practice saying these sentences out loud. Focus on pronunciation and fluency.
3. Bonus: Look up 5 new medical terms and practice using them in sentences.

That’s it for Lesson 36! You’ve now mastered essential phrases for visiting a doctor in Polish. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be navigating medical appointments like a pro. Do zobaczenia! 😊