przewodniku

Przewodnik is a Polish noun with several related meanings. In everyday use it most often denotes a person who leads or accompanies others on trips—a tour guide or museum guide—or a book that provides practical information about a place, city, or subject, i.e., a guidebook or handbook (przewodnik turystyczny, przewodnik po mieście). In science and engineering, przewodnik can also mean a conductor, or more specifically a waveguide or other structure that directs the flow of electric current or electromagnetic waves (przewodnik elektryczny, przewodnik optyczny).

Etymology and grammar: the word comes from przewodzić, to lead or conduct. Przewodnik is masculine and declined like a standard masculine noun. The form przewodniku is the locative singular, used after prepositions such as w or o to indicate location or topic (for example, w przewodniku—“in the guidebook”). Singular forms include: nominative przewodnik, genitive przewodnika, dative przewodnikowi, accusative przewodnik, instrumental przewodnikiem, locative przewodniku. Plural forms include: nominative przewodniki, genitive przewodników, dative przewodnikom, accusative przewodniki, instrumental przewodnikami, locative przewodnikach.

Usage notes: przewodnik as a person emphasizes guidance and narration during travel or education, while przewodnik as a book emphasizes reference and instruction. In technical contexts, the term is common for devices or structures that channel waves or currents, such as optical or electrical guides.

See also: podręcznik (handbook), indeks przewodników (list of guides), przewodnictwo (conductivity).