szanowna

Szanowna is the feminine form of the Polish adjective szanowny, meaning esteemed or honorable. In formal Polish, it is used as part of direct address in written communication to a woman, similar to saying “Dear Madam” in English. It signals respect and maintains a formal tone in correspondence.

In practice, szanowna most often appears in phrases such as Szanowna Pani followed by a name or professional title, for example Szanowna Pani Profesor Kowalska or Szanowna Pani Doktor Kowalska. The corresponding masculine and plural forms are Szanowny Panie (Dear Sir) and Szanowni Państwo (Dear Ladies and Gentlemen). The word itself is an adjective that agrees with the gender and number of the addressee.

Usage and etiquette: Szanowna is typically used at the beginning of a formal letter or email. It conveys a high level of courtesy and is common in professional, administrative, or official contexts. In less formal interactions, speakers may opt for simpler salutations such as Droga Pani or simply Pani with a name, depending on the relationship and the desired tone.

Etymology and semantics: The term derives from the Polish verb szanować, meaning to respect. As an etiquette marker, it reinforces respect for the addressee and frames the communication within a formal register.

Szanowna is not a proper noun or place name; it functions linguistically as a feminine adjective used in address. Its use is intentional and context-dependent, primarily confined to polite, formal writing and speech.