Basic Vocabulary in Polish

If you want to learn Polish, the first step is building a solid basic vocabulary. Just like in any language, this forms the foundation for everyday communication. But what exactly counts as basic vocabulary in Polish? Which words are truly important?

Alphabet

Numbers

Colours

Days of the week, months and seasons

Countries and Continents

Family

Food

Travel

What Is Basic Vocabulary?

The basic vocabulary (słownictwo podstawowe in Polish) includes the most common and essential words you need to communicate in everyday situations. These include:

• Numbers, days of the week, months

• Colors, shapes

• Common verbs (go, have, be, etc.)

• Useful nouns (e.g., “house,” “car,” “bread”)

• Polite expressions and phrases

• Question words and simple conjunctions

Why Is Basic Vocabulary Especially Important in Polish?

Polish is considered one of the more challenging European languages, mainly because of its:

• Complex grammar (cases, conjugations, verb aspects)

• Unfamiliar pronunciation (e.g., “szcz,” “cz,” “rz”)

• Unique word formations

That’s why it’s especially helpful to build a passive vocabulary first before diving into grammar details.