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  What it means

  Literally, “what kind of father, such a son” — meaning a son resembles his father in character, behaviour, or habits. It functions as a Polish proverb and can be used positively (praising a son who shares his father’s good traits) or critically (pointing out that a son has inherited his father’s flaws). It is said with a knowing look when the resemblance is obvious.

  Vocabulary

  • jaki — what kind of (relative/correlative adjective, masculine nominative)
  • ojciec — father (masculine noun, nominative singular; genitive: ojca)
  • taki — such, that kind of (demonstrative adjective, masculine nominative)
  • syn — son (masculine noun, nominative singular; genitive: syna)

  Grammar note

  This is a correlative construction using 'jaki… taki…' (what kind… such…). Both adjectives agree in gender and case with their respective nouns (both masculine nominative here). The copula 'jest' (is) is omitted — the sentence is elliptical: 'Jaki (jest) ojciec, taki (jest) syn.' This ellipsis is typical of proverbs and fixed expressions in Polish.

  Cultural context

  Neutral register, used across all generations and contexts. This is a true proverb that functions like an idiom in everyday speech. The closest English equivalents are 'Like father, like son' and 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.' It is especially common when commenting on family resemblance in personality or behaviour.

  Beginner

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