Witaj

Witaj is a Polish greeting used as an interjection or imperative, roughly translating to “hello” or “welcome.” It is derived from the verb witać (to greet or welcome) and appears in direct address, typically toward a single person. When addressing several people, the corresponding plural form is Witajcie.

In usage, Witaj can function as a standalone greeting at the start of a conversation, a salutation in letters or speeches, and, in literary or ceremonial contexts, as a warm or formal welcome. In everyday spoken Polish, more common greetings include cześć, dzień dobry, or hej, with Witaj retaining a somewhat traditional or emphatic nuance.

Pronunciation is roughly as it appears in spelling: Witaj is pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable, approximately as “VEE-tie,” with the final j representing the Polish y sound. Variants include Witajcie for addressing multiple people, while the verb form witać underlies both the imperative Witaj and other related expressions.

Witaj also appears in cultural and historical texts, where it may be used to convey cordial or ceremonial welcome. It can be found in older or more formal writing, as well as in folk or religious literature, contributing to its preserved place in Polish linguistic heritage.

See also: cześć, dzień dobry, witac (to greet), witać (to greet/welcome), witanie (the act of greeting).