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Polonês vs. polaco

Word practice demo
In Portuguese, both polonês and polaco refer to things, people, or the language from Poland. The primary difference is geographical: polonês is the standard in Brazil, while polaco is the standard in Portugal. Additionally, there is a crucial social distinction, as one term can be considered offensive in specific contexts.

Polonês

A1
This is the standard, neutral term in Brazilian Portuguese to refer to the Polish nationality, language, or culture. In Portugal, polonês is understood but is recognized specifically as a Brazilian way of speaking. It is the safest choice to use in Brazil to avoid any ambiguity.
O meu avô era polonês e veio para o Brasil em 1930.
(My grandfather was Polish and came to Brazil in 1930.)
Ela está estudando polonês na universidade.
(She is studying Polish at the university.)
Precisamos traduzir este documento do polonês para o português.
(We need to translate this document from Polish to Portuguese.)
O pianista polonês tocou Chopin maravilhosamente.
(The Polish pianist played Chopin wonderfully.)

Polaco

A1
This is the correct and standard term in European Portuguese (Portugal). However, in Brazil, polaco often carries a derogatory or pejorative historical connotation, or is used as slang for a fair-skinned person. While some communities in Southern Brazil use it neutrally, it is generally safer for a learner to avoid polaco when in Brazil to prevent accidental offense.
O governo polaco anunciou novas medidas econômicas.
(The Polish government announced new economic measures.)
A culinária polaca inclui muitos pratos com batata.
(Polish cuisine includes many dishes with potatoes.)
Eles visitaram a embaixada polaca em Lisboa.
(They visited the Polish embassy in Lisbon.)
Este filme polaco ganhou vários prêmios internacionais.
(This Polish film won several international awards.)

Summary

The choice depends on where you are. If you are speaking European Portuguese, use polaco. If you are speaking Brazilian Portuguese, always use polonês, as polaco can be interpreted as rude or politically incorrect in Brazil.