Meaning
Asking for the correct word.
Cultural Background
Professor Jan Miodek, a famous linguist, hosted a show called 'Jak to się mówi' for decades, making this phrase a symbol of linguistic curiosity. In 'Polonia' communities (like in Chicago), this phrase is often used when speakers mix Polish and English, acting as a bridge between the two languages. In universities, students use this phrase to ask for the 'proper' academic term, showing respect for the hierarchy of language. In villages, the phrase often precedes folk wisdom or weather-related superstitions.
The Point-and-Ask
If you are in a shop, just point at an item and say 'Jak to się mówi?'. It's the fastest way to learn real-world vocabulary.
Don't forget the 'się'
Without 'się', the sentence is grammatically incomplete and sounds very 'Tarzan-like' to native speakers.
Meaning
Asking for the correct word.
The Point-and-Ask
If you are in a shop, just point at an item and say 'Jak to się mówi?'. It's the fastest way to learn real-world vocabulary.
Don't forget the 'się'
Without 'się', the sentence is grammatically incomplete and sounds very 'Tarzan-like' to native speakers.
Use it to stall
Native speakers use this phrase to buy time when they forget a word. It makes you sound more natural than just saying 'uhhh'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Jak to ___ mówi po polsku?
The reflexive particle 'się' is required to make the phrase impersonal.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask for a translation?
You want to know the Polish word for 'bread'.
'Jak to się mówi' followed by the English word is the standard way to ask.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are introducing a famous proverb to a friend.
The phrase is commonly used to introduce proverbs like 'what will be, will be'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Przepraszam, nie pamiętam słowa. B: Nic nie szkodzi. Point at it and ask: '___?'
This is the perfect phrase for when you forget a word.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJak to ___ mówi po polsku?
The reflexive particle 'się' is required to make the phrase impersonal.
You want to know the Polish word for 'bread'.
'Jak to się mówi' followed by the English word is the standard way to ask.
Situation: You are introducing a famous proverb to a friend.
The phrase is commonly used to introduce proverbs like 'what will be, will be'.
A: Przepraszam, nie pamiętam słowa. B: Nic nie szkodzi. Point at it and ask: '___?'
This is the perfect phrase for when you forget a word.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's better to use 'Jak to ująć?' (How to put it?) or 'Jak to nazwać?' in formal writing. 'Jak to się mówi' is primarily spoken.
In Polish, we ask 'how' a word is expressed in the language system, not 'what' the word is. It's a conceptual difference.
You can say 'Jak się mówi?', but 'Jak to się mówi?' is much more common and sounds more complete.
Usually, yes. 'Jak to się mówi' is the standard word order. 'Jak się to mówi' is also correct but less frequent.
No. For people, use 'Jak masz na imię?' or 'Jak się nazywasz?'.
Say: 'Jak to się mówi po angielsku?'.
Yes, it is universal and not tied to any specific dialect.
Just saying 'Jak...?' and pointing will usually prompt a Pole to help you, but 'Jak to się mówi' is the polite full version.
Absolutely. 'Jak to się mówi w slangu?' is a great way to learn informal Polish.
It is 3rd person singular. Even if you are asking about multiple words, we still use the singular 'mówi' in this impersonal form.
Related Phrases
Jak się mówi na...?
similarWhat is [this] called?
Jak to się pisze?
similarHow is it written?
Jak to nazwać?
synonymHow to name it?
Co to znaczy?
contrastWhat does it mean?
