jak
/ˈjak/
The Polish word for "how" is jak.
The word jak is used to ask in what manner something is done.
Meaning: in what manner (adv)
Which one should you use?
While jak is the standard way to ask "how", it can also mean "like" when used for comparison. If you wish to be more formal or elaborate, you may use the phrase w jaki sposób. Additionally, the form jakże is a formal or literary version used to add emphasis to a question.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, such as southern Poland, the phrase Jak się macie? is used as an informal way to ask "how are you all?" to a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈjak/
Did you know?
- The word jak is often used as a filler word in colloquial speech, similar to how English speakers might use 'like'.
- The word jak can be used in the phrase jak tam, which is a common, ultra-short way of asking 'how is it going' or 'what is up'.
- The word 'jak' is related to the Proto-Slavic root *jь, which connects it to a vast family of Indo-European languages.
Examples in context
- Jak to się je?How do you eat this?This example shows how to use jak to ask about the manner of eating something.Tatoeba #4940289 by aleksandraeska, translation #4922067 by gustonrankin
- No i jak poszło?How did things turn out?This example uses jak to ask about the outcome of an event.Tatoeba #960994 by zipangu, translation #953326 by CK
- Jak dojść do NHK?How do I get to NHK?This example uses jak to ask for directions or a method of reaching a destination.Tatoeba #363524 by zipangu, translation #1547415 by CM
- Jak się masz?How are you?
- Jak dojechać na lotnisko?How to get to the airport?
- W jaki sposób mogę złożyć skargę?In what way can I file a complaint?
- Jakim sposobem można zwiększyć wydajność?How can one increase efficiency?
- Cześć Janusz, jak się masz?Hey Janusz, how are you?
- Grzegorz, dawno się nie widzieliśmy! Jak tam w pracy?Grzegorz, we haven't seen each other in a while! How's work going?
- Dzień dobry wszystkim, jak się macie?Good day everyone, how are you all?
- 1011 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Paweł are talking about a new recipe.
- MałgorzataJak to zrobić?How to do this?
- PawełNajpierw musisz wszystko wymieszać.First you have to mix everything.
- MałgorzataA jak to podać?And how to serve it?
- PawełMożesz podać to na zimno.You can serve it cold.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “how” translations and entries jak, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jak, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
