Jak człowiek
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What it means
Literally “like a person / like a human being.” Means properly, decently, like a civilised person — used to urge someone to behave with basic dignity or to do something the right way.
Vocabulary
- jak — like / as
- człowiek — person / human being
Grammar note
A simple comparative phrase. Often used in imperatives: 'zachowuj się jak człowiek' (behave like a decent person).
Cultural context
Implies a baseline standard of human behaviour. Saying someone does something 'jak człowiek' is a genuine compliment in Polish.
Beginner
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