How to Pronounce Polish Names Correctly

The spelling of Polish names can make correct pronunciation difficult for those who don't know the language. Even people of Polish descent can have trouble with the family names of their own ancestors. However, learning a few things about the Polish alphabet can help considerably in pronouncing Polish names correctly.

Instructions

1. Use a short sound for all vowels, except the letter "i" which makes the "ee" sound. The letter "a" is "ah," the letter "e" is "eh," and the letter "o" sounds like the word "got."

2. Look for an "a" or "e" with a tail. If either has a tail ("ogonek," which is Polish for "tail"), pronounce the short form along with either "n" or "m" before some consonants but just as a nasalized short form in front of other letters. For instance, an "a" with a tail may be pronounced "ahn" or "ahm" or just "ah." You will have to try it in the name to see which is best; if the "n" or "m" sound is awkward, drop it.

3. Check for accent marks. An "o" with an accent mark is pronounced "oo," and a "u" is pronounced the same way. This sound can either be long as in "boot" or short as in "book." An "n" with an accent mark is pronounced like the first "n" in "onion."

4. Substitute sounds. A "y" is pronounced like the short form of the English "i," as in "fit." A "j" is pronounced like a "y" in English, and a "w" is pronounced like a "v" in English. An "l" with a slash through it is pronounced like a "w" in English.

5. Watch the "c". A "c" is pronounced "ts." If it has an accent mark, it's pronounced "ch." The combination of "c" and "z" is also pronounced "ch."

6. Combine consonants. The combination of "d" and "z" is pronounced like in "suds." If the "z" has an accent mark, or if the "d" and "z" are followed by an "i," pronounced it like the "d" and "g" in the English "fudgy." The combination "p," "r" and "z" is pronounced "psh." "S" and "z" are pronounced "sh" and "s," "z," "c," and "z" are pronounced "shch" like in "fresh chicken."

7. Pronounce the letter "z" like "zh" when there's an accent mark or dot above it. It also makes this sound when preceded by the letter "r" or followed by the letter "i."

Tips & Warnings

• Always place the accent on the second to last syllable when pronouncing Polish names even if there is an accent mark in the name.

• Try writing the Polish name as it would be spelled in English if pronounced correctly.

• Polish consonants change their sound when they appear at the end of the word; the voice box is not used to say the consonant, and instead, a similar consonant that doesn't require the voice box is substituted. For instance, "b" changes to "p" and "d" to "t."

Resources

• JewishGen can provide more help with pronouncing Polish words.