так
tak[tak]
The English phrase 'so' is translated to Russian as так (tak).
так is used to mean 'so' in the sense of 'to such an extent' or 'to such a degree' (for example, 'so much' or 'so fast'). It can also function as an adverb meaning 'in this manner' or 'this way'.
Which one should you use?
While так can act as an intensifier, it is not typically used as a conjunction meaning 'therefore' or 'consequently' in the way English speakers use 'so' to start a sentence. For a more formal and precise way to express 'so' in the sense of 'therefore', you should use Следовательно.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, так can express the manner in which something is done, meaning 'in this way' or 'in this manner'.
How do you pronounce it?
tak
Did you know?
- If you say так себе, you are not saying 'so himself' or 'so about himself', but rather 'so-so' or 'mediocre'.
- When used as a response to a question, так can mean 'yes' in certain dialects or older forms of the language, similar to how 'так' is used in Ukrainian.
- The word так is a cognate with the Yiddish word טאַקע, which also serves as an intensifier meaning 'really' or 'indeed'.
Examples in context
- Так я и думал.I thought so.This sentence shows how to use так to say 'I thought so'.Tatoeba #652794 by shanghainese, translation #3820731 by CK
- Я так и думал!I thought so!This sentence demonstrates the use of так for emphasis in 'I thought so!'Tatoeba #2724188 by marafon, translation #1176167 by paula_guisard
- Я был так зол.I was so mad.This sentence illustrates using так to mean 'so' as an intensifier for an emotion.Tatoeba #12777961 by marafon, translation #4652185 by bsc2015
- Итак, начнем наше собрание.So, let's start our meeting.
- Итак, сегодня я расскажу вам о своей поездке в Москву.So, today I will tell you about my trip to Moscow.
- Так себе.So-so.
- 7192 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ekaterina and Andrey are finishing a long phone call.
- Екатерина EkaterinaТак, мне пора идти.Tak, mne para idti.So, I have to go.
- Андрей AndreyХорошо, до завтра.Khorosho, do zavtra.Okay, see you tomorrow.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДо завтра, Андрей.Do zavtra, Andrey.See you tomorrow, Andrey.
- Андрей AndreyПока, Екатерина.Poka, Ekaterina.Bye, Ekaterina.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry так, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries так, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
