Counting in Polish can initially seem challenging due to its unique pronunciation and grammatical rules. However, once you get the hang of it, counting becomes straightforward. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to count from 1 to 50 in Polish, along with tips on pronunciation and usage in everyday conversation.

The Basics: Numbers 1 to 10

Let’s start with the basics. Here are the numbers from 1 to 10 in Polish:

1. Jeden (YEH-den)

2. Dwa (DVAH)

3. Trzy (TSHIH)

4. Cztery (CHTEH-reh)

5. Pięć (PYENCH)

6. Sześć (SHEHSHCH)

7. Siedem (SHYEH-dem)

8. Osiem (OH-shem)

9. Dziewięć (JYEH-vyench)

10. Dziesięć (JYEH-shench)

These numbers form the foundation of counting in Polish. Notice that some numbers have unique pronunciations that might be unfamiliar, but with practice, they become easier to remember.

Numbers 11 to 20

Once you know the numbers from 1 to 10, learning the next set becomes relatively easier. Here are the numbers from 11 to 20 in Polish:

11. Jedenaście (yeh-deh-NASH-cheh)

12. Dwanaście (dva-NASH-cheh)

13. Trzynaście (tshi-NAH-shcheh)

14. Czternaście (chtehr-NAH-shcheh)

15. Piętnaście (pyent-NAH-shcheh)

16. Szesnaście (shes-NAH-shcheh)

17. Siedemnaście (shyed-em-NAH-shcheh)

18. Osiemnaście (oh-shem-NAH-shcheh)

19. Dziewiętnaście (jyeh-vyent-NAH-shcheh)

20. Dwadzieścia (dva-DJESH-chah)

These numbers follow a pattern where the suffix “-naście” is added to the base numbers 1-9.

Counting by Tens: 30, 40, and 50

Now let’s move on to the tens. Here are the Polish words for 30, 40, and 50:

30. Trzydzieści (tshi-DJESH-chah)

40. Czterdzieści (chtehr-DJESH-chah)

50. Pięćdziesiąt (pyench-DJESH-ont)

Notice the common suffix “-dzieści” used in 30 and 40, and “-dziesiąt” in 50. Understanding these suffixes will help you easily form the intermediate numbers.

Numbers 21 to 29

With the knowledge of how tens and basic numbers work, constructing the numbers between 21 and 29 becomes simple. Here are those numbers in Polish:

21. Dwadziescia jeden (dva-DJESH-chah YEH-den)

22. Dwadziescia dwa (dva-DJESH-chah DVAH)

23. Dwadziescia trzy (dva-DJESH-chah TSHIH)

24. Dwadziescia cztery (dva-DJESH-chah CHTEH-reh)

25. Dwadziescia pięć (dva-DJESH-chah PYENCH)

26. Dwadziescia sześć (dva-DJESH-chah SHEHSHCH)

27. Dwadziescia siedem (dva-DJESH-chah SHYEH-dem)

28. Dwadziescia osiem (dva-DJESH-chah OH-shem)

29. Dwadziescia dziewięć (dva-DJESH-chah JYEH-vyench)

The pattern here is to say “Dwadziescia” followed by the numbers 1-9.

Numbers 31 to 39

Similarly, for the numbers 31 to 39, you just need to combine “Trzydzieści” with the numbers 1-9:

31. Trzydzieści jeden (tshi-DJESH-chah YEH-den)

32. Trzydzieści dwa (tshi-DJESH-chah DVAH)

33. Trzydzieści trzy (tshi-DJESH-chah TSHIH)

34. Trzydzieści cztery (tshi-DJESH-chah CHTEH-reh)

35. Trzydzieści pięć (tshi-DJESH-chah PYENCH)

36. Trzydzieści sześć (tshi-DJESH-chah SHEHSHCH)

37. Trzydzieści siedem (tshi-DJESH-chah SHYEH-dem)

38. Trzydzieści osiem (tshi-DJESH-chah OH-shem)

39. Trzydzieści dziewięć (tshi-DJESH-chah JYEH-vyench)

Numbers 41 to 49

For the numbers 41 to 49, follow the same logic by combining “Czterdzieści” with the numbers 1-9:

41. Czterdzieści jeden (chtehr-DJESH-chah YEH-den)

42. Czterdzieści dwa (chtehr-DJESH-chah DVAH)

43. Czterdzieści trzy (chtehr-DJESH-chah TSHIH)

44. Czterdzieści cztery (chtehr-DJESH-chah CHTEH-reh)

45. Czterdzieści pięć (chtehr-DJESH-chah PYENCH)

46. Czterdzieści sześć (chtehr-DJESH-chah SHEHSHCH)

47. Czterdzieści siedem (chtehr-DJESH-chah SHYEH-dem)

48. Czterdzieści osiem (chtehr-DJESH-chah OH-shem)

49. Czterdzieści dziewięć (chtehr-DJESH-chah JYEH-vyench)

Number 50

Finally, the number 50 in Polish is:

50. Pięćdziesiąt (pyench-DJESH-ont)

Tips for Pronunciation

Pronunciation is crucial when learning Polish numbers. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Stress the right syllable: In Polish, the stress is usually on the second-to-last syllable. For instance, in “czterdzieści,” stress the “dzie” part.

2. Practice common sounds: Polish has unique sounds like “sz,” “cz,” and “dz.” Practice these sounds separately to get comfortable.

3. Listen to native speakers: Listening to Polish speakers can help you understand the natural rhythm and pronunciation.

Using Numbers in Context

Understanding how to count is one thing, but using numbers in context is equally important. Here are some common scenarios:

1. Telling time: “Jest godzina ósma” means “It is 8 o’clock.”

2. Shopping: “To kosztuje dwadzieścia złotych” means “This costs 20 zloty.”

3. Age: “Mam trzydzieści lat” means “I am 30 years old.”

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your learning, try these exercises:

1. Count objects: Pick objects around you and count them in Polish.

2. Write numbers: Write down the numbers 1-50 in Polish and practice pronouncing them.

3. Use flashcards: Create flashcards with numbers and their Polish names to test your memory.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes learners make and how to avoid them:

1. Mispronunciation: Ensure you stress the correct syllable and practice Polish sounds.

2. Forgetting suffixes: Numbers 11-19 all have the “-naście” suffix. Don’t forget it!

3. Mixing up numbers: Double-check if you’re combining the right tens with units.

Advanced Counting: Beyond 50

Once you’re comfortable with counting to 50, you can start learning higher numbers. Here are a few more for practice:

60. Sześćdziesiąt (shehsh-DJESH-ont)

70. Siedemdziesiąt (shyed-em-DJESH-ont)

80. Osiemdziesiąt (oh-shem-DJESH-ont)

90. Dziewięćdziesiąt (jyeh-vyen-DJESH-ont)

100. Sto (stoh)

Conclusion

Learning to count from 1 to 50 in Polish is an achievable goal with practice and dedication. By understanding the basic numbers, the patterns in tens, and practicing pronunciation, you can master Polish numbers. Use this guide as a reference, and don’t forget to engage in practical exercises to reinforce your learning. Happy counting!