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  What it means

  Literally “like water,” this idiom describes doing something with fluid ease, smoothness, and effortlessness — as naturally as water flows. Most often used to describe language fluency: Mówi po polsku jak woda means “He speaks Polish like water,” i.e., with total fluency and naturalness. It can also describe money disappearing: Pieniądze u niego płyną jak woda — “Money flows through his hands like water.” The context tells you whether it signals praise or concern.

  Vocabulary

  • jak — like, as (comparative conjunction)
  • woda — water (feminine noun, nominative singular)
  • płynąć — to flow (imperfective verb)
  • mówić — to speak (imperfective verb)

  Grammar note

  In the comparison jak woda, the noun stays in the nominative case because it follows jak used as a comparative conjunction — not as a preposition. This is a fixed simile pattern in Polish. Note that when woda appears in other grammatical roles, it follows normal case rules (e.g., przez wodę — through the water, accusative).

  Cultural context

  Jak woda is one of the most versatile similes in Polish. Applied to language ability, it is one of the highest compliments a learner can receive — it signals completely natural, effortless fluency. Applied to money, it gently criticizes someone who spends carelessly. The expression is neutral in register and fits both formal and informal contexts equally well.

  Beginner

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