# Tak

/ˈtæk/ (US) · CEFR A1 · Interjection

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tak
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a short way to say thank you in some languages, or a way to say yes in others. In English, you might hear it from people who speak Scandinavian languages or Polish.

For teachers: an affirmative response or expression of gratitude depending on the linguistic context. While primarily a non-English word, it appears in English-language contexts involving Scandinavian or Polish speakers.

## Examples

- Tak, I would love some coffee.
- The traveler simply said 'tak' to the waiter to confirm his order at the local bistro.
- In multilingual households, children often substitute 'tak' for 'yes' or 'thanks' depending on which parent they are addressing at the dinner table.

## Usage notes

- Used as a loanword or code-switching element; its meaning shifts between 'yes' (Polish/Danish) and 'thanks' (Norwegian/Swedish).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.