tak
/ˈtak/
The English word "yes" is translated into Polish as tak. Wiktionary also lists no and ano.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tak | /ˈtak/ | |
| no | /ˈnɔ/ | informal |
| ano | /aˈnɔ/ | informal |
The particle is used to indicate agreement or acceptance. In certain contexts, tak can also serve as an interjection to express pleasure, joy or great excitement, similar to "yay" or "whoo" in English.
Which one should you use?
While tak is the standard form, no and ano are also used to mean "yes" in informal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
no and ano are informal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Silesia, the informal word jo is frequently used to mean "yes".
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtak/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful with the word no. While it means "yeah" in Polish, English speakers often mistakenly interpret it as the English word "no".
Did you know?
- In Poland, it is common to respond to a negative question, such as 'You aren't coming?', with tak to mean 'Yes, I am actually coming'.
- The word tak is actually a shortened version of the phrase tak jest, which means 'it is so'.
- The informal no can be dragged out into a long 'nooo' to express skepticism or hesitation, even though the word itself means 'yes'.
Examples in context
- Czy to tak czy nie?Is that a yes or a no?This sentence shows how to use tak in a choice between yes and no.Tatoeba #9815326 by angloland, translation #3413254 by CK
- Tak, to mój słownik.Yes, that's my dictionary.This sentence demonstrates using tak to confirm possession of an object.Tatoeba #1846109 by zipangu, translation #8742401 by deniko
- Tak, zaraz tam będę.Yes, I'll be right there.This sentence shows using tak to confirm a future action.Tatoeba #3038433 by jeedrek, translation #29207 by shanghainese
- Tak, jestem zainteresowany/na propozycją współpracy.Yes, I am interested in the cooperation proposal.
- Czy chcesz dołączyć do naszej imprezy? – A, jasne, dlaczego nie?Do you want to join our party? – Yes, sure, why not?
- 101 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Krzysztof asks Małgorzata if she wants coffee.
- MałgorzataKrzysztofie, czy chcesz kawę?Krzysztof, do you want coffee?
- KrzysztofTak, poproszę.Yes, please.
- MałgorzataZ cukrem?With sugar?
- KrzysztofTak, bardzo dziękuję.Yes, thank you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries tak, no, ano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ano, no, tak, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
