Love / Addressing your Polish in-laws or boy/girlfriend's parents? [49]


As said above, you should use "Pan/pani" alone (just think of it as a equivalent of "sir").
It's common and universal way to talk to anyone (except children) - useful as you may not know the name of person.

Using Pan/Pani+last name is the most formal way possible. It's used only in offices, business contacts and similar situations.

Love / Addressing your Polish in-laws or boy/girlfriend's parents? [49]

@smurf:
Original question was about polish common tradition. I don't think your enlightened ideas will help him get accepted by his future in-laws. It's always better to start formally and be sooner or later asked for informal way of addressing.

@bug080:
You should still use Pan/Pani to them. That's to show respect to people older than you. If you're relatively young (up to twenties), they may choose to address you by name, but it does not mean you can do the same (until they ask for it). If you're older, they should use Pan/Pani when talking to you as well.

Love / Addressing your Polish in-laws or boy/girlfriend's parents? [49]

You'll be disappointed, but It's traditional in Poland to call them mom/dad (mama/tata) too. But only after the marriage.