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A1 adverb 8 min read

jako

Examples Notes & Tips jako in 30 Seconds
Explanation jako in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'jako' is your primary tool for intensification. You will use it to modify basic adjectives like 'dobro' (good), 'loše' (bad), 'veliko' (big), and 'malo' (small). It is essential for expressing basic needs and feelings. For example, 'Jako sam gladan' (I am very hungry) or 'Jako mi je toplo' (I am very warm). At this stage, don't worry about 'vrlo' or other formal versions; focus on placing 'jako' correctly before the adjective. You will also learn to use it with 'voljeti' (to love/like) to say 'Jako volim pizzu' (I like pizza very much). It’s a simple, unchanging word that adds immediate power to your limited vocabulary. You will encounter it in almost every introductory dialogue about weather, food, or personal well-being.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'jako' with a wider variety of verbs and adverbs. You begin to describe actions in more detail, such as 'On trči jako brzo' (He runs very fast) or 'Ona pjeva jako lijepo' (She sings very beautifully). You also learn the difference between 'jako' and 'puno' (a lot/much), especially that 'jako' is used for intensity while 'puno' is used for quantity. You might start noticing that 'jako' can appear at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, like 'Jako je važno da dođeš' (It is very important that you come). You are moving beyond just basic feelings to describing the world around you with more nuance and strength.
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By B1, you are expected to use 'jako' naturally in conversation and begin to distinguish between it and 'vrlo' in writing. You will use 'jako' to express stronger emotions and opinions in debates or discussions. You'll also encounter more complex sentence structures where 'jako' interacts with reflexive verbs and clitics, such as 'Jako mi se sviđa ovaj grad' (I like this city very much). You should also be aware of the adjective 'jak' (strong) and ensure you aren't confusing the two. At this level, you start to explore synonyms like 'baš' for informal emphasis and 'prilično' for 'quite' or 'fairly', allowing you to scale your intensity more accurately.
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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'jako' in various registers but knowing when to switch to more sophisticated intensifiers like 'iznimno', 'naročito', or 'znatno'. You will use 'jako' to describe abstract concepts and professional situations, like 'Jako je teško procijeniti rizik' (It is very difficult to assess the risk). You also understand how 'jako' can be used ironically or for understatement in certain cultural contexts. Your word order should be flawless, and you should be able to use 'jako' in complex subordinate clauses without hesitation. You are now refining your 'intensity' vocabulary to sound more like a native speaker who has a range of tools at their disposal.
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At the C1 level, 'jako' is just one of many intensifiers in your arsenal. You understand the stylistic choice between 'jako' and 'vrlo' perfectly and use them to set the tone of your speech or writing. You can use 'jako' to create rhetorical effects or to emphasize a point in a sophisticated argument. You also recognize idiomatic expressions and regional variations where 'jako' might be replaced by local dialect terms or more colorful metaphors. Your usage is effortless, and you can perceive the subtle difference in 'strength' that 'jako' conveys compared to the more clinical 'vrlo'. You are also able to correct others' subtle misuses of the word in complex grammatical structures.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'jako'. You use it with precision, knowing exactly when its inherent sense of 'strength' adds the right flavor to a sentence. You can analyze its use in classical Croatian literature versus modern slang. You are aware of its etymological roots and how it has evolved in the South Slavic linguistic landscape. For a C2 speaker, 'jako' is no longer just a word for 'very'; it is a tool for nuanced expression that can be deployed with surgical precision to convey everything from raw emotion to subtle academic emphasis. You can switch between 'jako', 'vrlo', 'silno', 'strahovito', and 'nemjerljivo' depending on the exact shade of meaning you wish to convey.
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Examples Notes & Tips

jako in 30 Seconds

  • Jako is the most common Croatian word for 'very' and 'strongly'.
  • It is an adverb that never changes its form (indeclinable).
  • It usually comes before adjectives and adverbs, or after/before verbs.
  • It comes from the word for 'strong', reflecting intensity and power.
The word jako is one of the most versatile and frequently used adverbs in the Croatian language. At its core, it functions as an intensifier, similar to the English words 'very', 'strongly', or 'hard'. Derived from the adjective jak (strong), it carries an inherent sense of power and intensity that can be applied to physical actions, emotional states, weather conditions, and abstract concepts. In daily life, you will hear it used to emphasize almost any quality or action. Whether someone is describing the scorching heat of a Dalmatian summer or the depth of their feelings for a loved one, jako is the go-to word to amplify the message. It is essential for beginners because it allows for immediate expressive range without needing a vast vocabulary of specific synonyms.
Grammatical Category
Adverb (prilog). It is indeclinable, meaning it does not change its form regardless of gender, number, or case of the words it modifies.
Primary Function
Intensification of adjectives (jako velik - very big), adverbs (jako brzo - very fast), or verbs (jako voljeti - to love very much).

Vani je jako hladno, obuci kaput.

Translation: It is very cold outside, put on a coat.

On jako dobro svira klavir.

Translation: He plays the piano very well.
Contextual Flexibility
It can describe physical force (udariti jako - to hit hard) or emotional depth (jako mi nedostaješ - I miss you very much).

Sunce jako peče danas.

Translation: The sun is burning strongly today.

Moramo jako paziti na detalje.

Translation: We must pay very close attention to details.

Ovaj film je jako popularan.

Translation: This movie is very popular.
Understanding the nuance of jako involves recognizing its roots in strength. While English uses 'very' purely as a degree marker, jako still carries a whisper of the word 'strong'. This makes it particularly effective when describing things that require effort or have a powerful impact. In the following sections, we will explore how to position jako correctly to avoid common learner errors and how it compares to more sophisticated alternatives.
Using jako correctly is relatively straightforward because it follows a logical pattern similar to English. However, there are specific word order nuances that can help you sound more like a native speaker. Generally, jako precedes the adjective or adverb it modifies. When it modifies a verb, it usually follows the verb, although it can precede it for emphasis.
With Adjectives
Place 'jako' directly before the adjective: 'jako sretan' (very happy), 'jako tužan' (very sad), 'jako skup' (very expensive).

Kava je jako vruća.

The coffee is very hot.
With Adverbs
Similarly, place it before the adverb: 'jako polako' (very slowly), 'jako kasno' (very late).

On vozi jako opasno.

He drives very dangerously.
With Verbs
When modifying a verb to show intensity of action or emotion: 'Volim te jako' or 'Jako te volim' (I love you very much). The latter is more common for emphasis.

Kiša jako pada.

The rain is falling hard.

Jako si me uplašio!

You scared me very much!

Ovaj problem je jako kompliciran za objasniti.

This problem is very complicated to explain.
One interesting aspect of Croatian is the use of clitics (small unstressed words like 'me', 'te', 'je'). Jako often interacts with these. For instance, in 'Jako mi se spava' (I am very sleepy), jako takes the first position, followed by the clitics. This structure is very natural for native speakers. As you progress, you will notice that jako can also be used in comparisons, though 'puno' is often a competitor there. For example, 'jako više' is incorrect; you should use 'puno više' (much more). However, 'jako' remains the king of simple intensification. Whether you are describing a physical sensation like 'jako boli' (it hurts a lot) or a mental state like 'jako se trudim' (I am trying very hard), the placement remains intuitive.
If you walk through the streets of Zagreb, Split, or Rijeka, jako will be one of the most common sounds hitting your ears. It is ubiquitous in everyday conversation, television dramas, sports broadcasts, and pop music. In the hospitality industry, you'll hear it from waiters describing dishes: 'Ovo je jako ukusno' (This is very tasty). In the realm of weather, which Croatians love to discuss, jako is indispensable. 'Jako puše' (It's blowing hard) is a standard phrase during the Bura wind in Dalmatia.
In Relationships
Croatians use it to express deep affection or strong dislike. 'Jako mi je stalo do tebe' (I care about you very much) is a profound expression of commitment.

Navijači su jako glasni na stadionu.

The fans are very loud at the stadium.
In the Workplace
It is used to emphasize urgency or quality. 'Ovo je jako bitan projekt' (This is a very important project).

Šef je jako zadovoljan tvojim radom.

The boss is very satisfied with your work.

Moramo jako brzo reagirati na tržište.

We must react very quickly to the market.
In digital spaces, like WhatsApp or Facebook, you'll see jako used with multiple vowels for emphasis: 'jaaaaako'. This mimics the spoken elongation used to show extreme intensity. It's also a staple in children's speech, as it is one of the first abstract modifiers they learn. A child might say 'Jako sam gladan!' (I'm very hungry!) with more drama than an adult. Interestingly, jako is also used in health contexts. A doctor might ask 'Boli li vas jako?' (Does it hurt a lot/strongly?). Here, the physical 'strength' aspect of the word's origin is most apparent. From the kitchen to the boardroom, jako provides the necessary 'volume' to Croatian communication.
While jako is a friendly word for learners, there are a few pitfalls to avoid. The most common mistake is confusing it with its adjective counterpart jak or other intensifiers like puno and vrlo.
Mistake 1: Adjective vs. Adverb
Using 'jako' to describe a noun directly. Incorrect: 'On je jako čovjek.' Correct: 'On je jak čovjek' (He is a strong man). Remember, 'jako' modifies verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, not nouns.

Pogrešno: On je jako vjetar. Točno: On je jak vjetar.

Explanation: You need the adjective 'jak' for the noun 'vjetar'.
Mistake 2: 'Jako' vs. 'Puno' in Comparisons
In English, we say 'much better'. In Croatian, you should use 'puno bolje', not 'jako bolje'. While 'jako' is 'very', 'puno' is 'much' or 'a lot'.

Pogrešno: Osjećam se jako bolje. Točno: Osjećam se puno bolje.

I feel much better.
Mistake 3: Overuse in Formal Writing
While not grammatically wrong, using 'jako' too much in an academic paper or a formal letter can seem repetitive and informal. Use 'vrlo', 'iznimno' (exceptionally), or 'znatno' (significantly) instead.

Formalno: Rezultati su vrlo značajni. Razgovorno: Rezultati su jako bitni.

The results are very significant/important.
Another subtle mistake is the placement with negation. 'Nije jako hladno' means 'It is not very cold', but 'Jako nije hladno' sounds unnatural. The negation 'ne' or 'nije' usually comes before the verb or the adverbial phrase. Lastly, remember that jako does not change for plural. 'Oni su jako dobri' (They are very good) – the 'jako' stays exactly the same even though 'oni' and 'dobri' are plural. Mastering these small distinctions will elevate your Croatian from 'tourist level' to 'fluent speaker'.
To truly master Croatian, you need to know when to stick with jako and when to swap it for a more precise alternative. Croatian is a rich language with many shades of intensity.
Vrlo vs. Jako
'Vrlo' is the direct formal equivalent of 'jako'. You will see it in books and news. In speech, 'vrlo' can sometimes sound a bit stiff or overly polite.

Ova knjiga je vrlo poučna.

This book is very educational (Formal).
Strašno / Grozno
Literally 'terribly' or 'horribly', these are used as slang intensifiers for both positive and negative things. 'Strašno dobar' means 'terribly good' (awesome).
Iznimno / Izuzetno
These mean 'exceptionally' or 'extraordinarily'. Use these when 'jako' isn't strong enough to convey the level of excellence or intensity.

Ona je iznimno talentirana sportašica.

She is an exceptionally talented athlete.

Restoran je bio baš krcat.

The restaurant was really packed (Informal).
Pre- (Prefix)
Adding the prefix 'pre-' to an adjective often replaces 'jako'. 'Prelijepa' (too beautiful/very beautiful), 'prekasno' (too late/very late).

Ovaj auto je preskup.

This car is too expensive (or very expensive, depending on context).
Comparing these, jako remains the most neutral and widely applicable. While 'strašno' is for friends and 'vrlo' is for professors, jako works for everyone. However, using 'iznimno' or 'pre-' shows a higher command of the language's expressive potential. In many cases, Croatian speakers prefer the prefix 'pre-' because it's concise and impactful, especially in social media and casual texting. By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your intensity to the specific situation.

Fun Fact

The root is shared across almost all Slavic languages (e.g., Polish 'jako', Russian 'как' - though meaning 'how' in some, the sense of 'quality/strength' remains in related forms).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈjako/
US /ˈjakoʊ/
The stress is on the first syllable: JA-ko.
Rhymes With
tako (so/like that) svako (everyone) polako (slowly) nikako (no way) onako (that way) ikako (anyway) nekako (somehow) lako (easily)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'j' like the English 'j' in 'judge'. It must be like 'y'.
  • Making the 'o' at the end too long like 'ohhh'. It should be short.
  • Stressing the second syllable (ja-KO).
  • Nasalizing the 'a'.
  • Swallowing the 'k' sound.
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Examples by Level

1

Jako sam sretan danas.

I am very happy today.

'Jako' modifies the adjective 'sretan'.

2

Kava je jako vruća.

The coffee is very hot.

'Jako' precedes the adjective.

3

Jako volim čokoladu.

I love chocolate very much.

'Jako' modifies the verb 'voljeti'.

4

Vani je jako hladno.

It is very cold outside.

Used with 'je' (is) and an adjective.

5

Ova torba je jako teška.

This bag is very heavy.

'Jako' shows intensity of weight.

6

On je jako dobar prijatelj.

He is a very good friend.

Modifies the adjective 'dobar'.

7

Jako mi je žao.

I am very sorry.

Common phrase for apologizing.

8

Film je jako dug.

The movie is very long.

Modifies the adjective 'dug'.

1

Jako brzo trčiš!

You run very fast!

Modifies the adverb 'brzo'.

2

Jako me boli glava.

My head hurts a lot.

'Jako' modifies the verb 'boli'.

3

Danas sunce jako sija.

Today the sun shines strongly.

Modifies the verb 'sija'.

4

Jako se bojim mraka.

I am very afraid of the dark.

Used with the reflexive verb 'bojati se'.

5

Oni jako lijepo pjevaju.

They sing very beautifully.

Modifies the adverb 'lijepo'.

6

Jako sam se umorio na poslu.

I got very tired at work.

Modifies the past participle 'umorio'.

7

Jako je važno učiti svaki dan.

It is very important to study every day.

Modifies the adjective 'važno'.

8

Moja sestra jako dobro kuha.

My sister cooks very well.

Modifies 'dobro' (adverb).

1

Jako mi nedostaje moja obitelj.

I miss my family very much.

Modifies the verb 'nedostaje'.

2

Ovaj projekt je jako zahtjevan.

This project is very demanding.

Modifies a more complex adjective.

3

Jako se trudim naučiti hrvatski.

I am trying very hard to learn Croatian.

Modifies the reflexive verb 'truditi se'.

4

Jako je teško naći stan u Zagrebu.

It is very difficult to find an apartment in Zagreb.

Modifies 'teško' (adverb/adjective).

5

Jako me zanima tvoje mišljenje.

I am very interested in your opinion.

Modifies the verb 'zanima'.

6

Oni su se jako promijenili.

They have changed a lot.

Modifies the verb 'promijeniti se'.

7

Jako je ljubazna prema svima.

She is very kind to everyone.

Modifies 'ljubazna'.

8

Jako sam iznenađen tvojim dolaskom.

I am very surprised by your arrival.

Modifies the participle 'iznenađen'.

1

Jako je bitno ostati smiren u krizi.

It is very important to stay calm in a crisis.

Abstract usage of 'bitno'.

2

Cijene su jako porasle ove godine.

Prices have risen sharply this year.

Modifies the verb 'porasti'.

3

Jako se ponosim tvojim uspjehom.

I am very proud of your success.

Modifies 'ponositi se'.

4

Ova odluka će jako utjecati na nas.

This decision will affect us greatly.

Modifies 'utjecati' (to influence).

5

Jako je nezgodno što kasnimo.

It is very inconvenient that we are late.

Modifies 'nezgodno'.

6

Jako cijenim vašu iskrenost.

I highly appreciate your honesty.

Formal use with 'cijeniti'.

7

Jako se radujem našem putovanju.

I am really looking forward to our trip.

Modifies 'radovati se'.

8

To je jako osjetljiva tema.

That is a very sensitive topic.

Modifies 'osjetljiva'.

1

Jako je upitno hoće li plan uspjeti.

It is highly questionable whether the plan will succeed.

Rhetorical/abstract usage.

2

Njegov rad je jako utjecao na znanost.

His work has greatly influenced science.

Modifies 'utjecao' in a formal context.

3

Jako je važno uočiti ove suptilne razlike.

It is very important to notice these subtle differences.

Precision in description.

4

Jako se osjeti nedostatak resursa.

The lack of resources is strongly felt.

Passive-like construction with 'se'.

5

Jako je teško pomiriti te dvije strane.

It is very difficult to reconcile those two sides.

Complex abstract verb 'pomiriti'.

6

Jako me pogodila ta vijest.

That news hit me very hard.

Emotional impact.

7

Jako je rizično ulagati u taj posao.

It is very risky to invest in that business.

Financial/Professional context.

8

Jako se trudimo održati standarde.

We are striving hard to maintain standards.

Professional commitment.

1

Jako je upitna moralnost takvog čina.

The morality of such an act is highly questionable.

Philosophical usage.

2

Jako se intenzivirala rasprava o klimi.

The climate debate has intensified greatly.

Modifies a sophisticated verb.

3

Njegova prisutnost se jako osjetila u sobi.

His presence was strongly felt in the room.

Atmospheric description.

4

Jako je teško proniknuti u njegove motive.

It is very difficult to fathom his motives.

Literary/psychological depth.

5

Jako se zalažemo za očuvanje tradicije.

We are strongly committed to preserving tradition.

Formal advocacy.

6

Jako je bitno dekonstruirati taj narativ.

It is very important to deconstruct that narrative.

Academic/Critical theory usage.

7

Jako se očituje razlika u pristupima.

The difference in approaches is very evident.

Formal observation.

8

Jako me raduje vaša intelektualna znatiželja.

I am greatly pleased by your intellectual curiosity.

High-register praise.

Common Collocations

jako dobro
jako puno
jako malo
jako važno
jako kasno
jako brzo
jako teško
jako lijepo
jako boli
jako voljeti

Common Phrases

Jako mi je žao.

— I am very sorry. Used to express regret or sympathy.

Jako mi je žao zbog tvog gubitka.

Jako mi je drago.

— I am very glad. Usually used when meeting someone.

Jako mi je drago što smo se upoznali.

Jako mi se spava.

— I am very sleepy. Common way to express tiredness.

Idem u krevet, jako mi se spava.

Jako mi se sviđa.

— I like it very much. Used for things or people.

Ova pjesma mi se jako sviđa.

Jako je hitno.

— It is very urgent. Used in work or emergencies.

Zovi me odmah, jako je hitno!

Jako se bojim.

— I am very afraid. Used for fear.

Jako se bojim visine.

Jako je kasno.

— It is very late. Used for time.

Moramo ići, jako je kasno.

Jako je skupo.

— It is very expensive. Used for prices.

Neću to kupiti, jako je skupo.

Jako je hladno.

— It is very cold. Used for weather.

Zatvori prozor, jako je hladno.

Jako si ljubazan.

— You are very kind. Used as a compliment.

Hvala na pomoći, jako si ljubazan.

Idioms & Expressions

"jako kao grom"

— As strong as thunder. Used to describe something very powerful.

Njegov glas je bio jako kao grom.

literary
"udariti jako"

— To hit hard. Can be literal or figurative (like a realization).

Istina me udarila jako.

neutral
"jako na riječima"

— Strong on words. Someone who talks a lot but does little.

On je samo jako na riječima, a ništa ne radi.

informal
"jako srce"

— A strong heart. Used for someone brave or physically healthy.

Ima on jako srce, preživjet će.

neutral
"jako uporište"

— A strong foothold. Used in politics or military.

Taj grad je njihovo jako uporište.

formal
"jako strujanje"

— A strong current. Literal (water) or figurative (ideas).

U moru je bilo jako strujanje.

neutral
"jako pivo"

— Strong beer. Refers to high alcohol content.

Ovo je jako pivo, pazi.

neutral
"jako sunce"

— Strong sun. Refers to high UV intensity.

Danas je jako sunce, namaži se.

neutral
"jako upaliti"

— To light up strongly/To work very well (slang).

Tvoja ideja je jako upalila!

slang
"jako držati do nečega"

— To hold something in high regard.

On jako drži do svoje časti.

neutral

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'JAK' like a 'JACKhammer'. A jackhammer is very strong and hits the ground 'JAKO' (strongly).

Visual Association

Imagine a giant muscle-bound man lifting a huge 'VERY' sign. He is 'JAK' (strong) and he lifts it 'JAKO' (strongly).

Word Web

jak jako vrlo baš snaga sila intenzivno moćno

Challenge

Try to use 'jako' in five different sentences today: one about weather, one about food, one about a friend, one about work, and one about how you feel.

Word Origin

Derived from the Proto-Slavic word *jakъ, which meant 'what kind of' or 'strong'.

Original meaning: The word originally related to the quality or 'strength' of a thing.

Indo-European > Slavic > South Slavic > Croatian.
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