Jakmile

Jakmie is a Polish temporal conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause of time, roughly translating to “as soon as” or “the moment when.” It signals that the action in the main clause follows immediately after the event described in the dependent clause. Jakmile is common in both written and spoken Polish and is often preferred when immediacy of the subsequent action is emphasized, especially in formal or narrative contexts.

Usage and punctuation

Jakoble is typically placed at the beginning of the sentence or directly before the clause it governs. When the subordinate clause precedes the main clause, a comma is normally used to separate the two clauses, as in: Jakmile wrócisz, zaczniemy. If the main clause precedes the subordinate clause, the same separation can occur: Zaczniemy, jak wrócisz (though more natural variants often use gdy or gdyż in the following clause). In many contexts, jakmile coexists with other temporal conjunctions like “jak tylko” (as soon as) or “kiedy” (when), with subtle differences in immediacy and formality.

Examples

- Jakże wrócisz, zaczniemy. (As soon as you return, we will begin.)

- Jakmile zakończysz ten projekt, dostaniesz wynagrodzenie. (As soon as you finish this project, you will receive payment.)

- Jakmile zobaczysz ten raport, będziesz mógł go omówić. (As soon as you see this report, you will be able to discuss it.)

Translations and relation

In English, the equivalent is typically “as soon as.” Jakmile is a standard part of Polish grammar for expressing immediate temporal succession and is used across formal and literary styles as well as everyday speech. See also: kiedy, po tym jak, gdy.