While most young Krakovians speak English, attempting Polish earns instant warmth and better service. Start with "dzien dobry" (jen DOH-bri) for "good day" — the universal greeting. "Dziekuje" (jen-KOO-yeh) means "thank you" and will be your most-used word.
At restaurants: "Poprosze..." (po-PRO-sheh) means "I'd like..." — point at the menu and say it. "Rachunek poprosze" gets you the bill. "Na zdrowie!" (na ZDRO-vyeh) is "cheers!" for those vodka toasts. "Smacznego!" (smatch-NEH-go) means "bon appetit" — say it before eating.
For emergencies: "Przepraszam" (psheh-PRAH-shahm) is "excuse me/I'm sorry." "Ile to kosztuje?" (EE-leh to kosh-TOO-yeh) means "how much does this cost?" And if you're lost: "Gdzie jest...?" (GJEH yest) means "where is...?" — fill in Rynek (Main Square), dworzec (train station), or apteka (pharmacy).
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