як
jak[jak]
The English word 'like' is translated into Ukrainian as як (jak).
як is used to compare one person or thing with another, functioning similarly to the English words 'as' or 'like' in a comparative sense.
Which one should you use?
як is used for comparisons, serving the same comparative function as the English 'as' or 'like'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using як to mean 'like' or 'as' in a comparison, the word does not change its form based on the gender or number of the noun it is being compared to.
How do you pronounce it?
jak
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the comparative як (like/as) with the verb 'любити' (to like/love). Use як only for comparisons, not for expressing preference.
Did you know?
- The word як is surprisingly related to the Tibetan word གཡག, both stemming from distant ancestral roots.
- In Ukrainian, the word як can mean 'how' in a question, such as in the common greeting Як справи? which means 'How are things?'
- To express a feeling of 'liking' something, Ukrainians use любити, which is also the word for 'to love'.
Examples in context
- Я така як ти.I am like you.This sentence shows how to use як when comparing yourself to someone else.Tatoeba #8072137 by deniko, translation #1741264 by Amastan
- Я така як ви.I'm like you.This sentence demonstrates the use of як when comparing yourself to a group of people.Tatoeba #8072139 by deniko, translation #6873307 by CK
- Не будь як усі.Don't be like everyone else.This sentence illustrates using як to advise someone not to be like others.Tatoeba #3935652 by shanghainese, translation #3824980 by CK
- Як вам цей салат?How do you like this salad?
- Як вам оця книга?How do you like this book?
- Цей фільм мені дуже сподобався.I really liked this movie.
- Чи вам сподобалася книга?Did you like the book?
- Цей кіт мені подобається.I like this cat.
- Чи тобі подобається ця пісня?Do you like this song?
- Я люблю цей новий ресторан.I like this new restaurant.
- Чи ти любиш грати в футбол?Do you like playing soccer?
- 823 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nataliia and Andrii are talking about a new dog.
- Наталія NataliiaЦей собака такий же активний, як мій.Tsei sobaka takyi zhe aktivnyi, yak mii.This dog is just as active as mine.
- Андрій AndriiВін виглядає як маленький вовк.Vin vyhliadaie yak malenkyi vovk.He looks like a little wolf.
- Наталія NataliiaТак, він дуже схожий на вовка.Tak, vin duzhe skhozhyi na vovka.Yes, he is very similar to a wolf.
- Андрій AndriiЯ хочу такого собі, як цей.Ya khochu takoho sobi, yak tsei.I want one for myself, like this one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry як, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries як, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
