studentka

Studentka is the feminine form of the noun student in Polish, used to refer to a female student, typically someone enrolled in higher education such as a university or college. The term is common in Polish-language media, education, and everyday speech, and it contrasts with the masculine form student. It identifies a person who is pursuing studies rather than having completed them.

Etymology and related forms: The word is formed from the masculine student with the feminine suffix -ka, a productive pattern in Polish for creating feminine agent nouns. Cognates exist in other Slavic languages, such as Czech studentka and Slovak študentka, with the same basic meaning. The plural form is studentki.

Usage and nuances: Studentka denotes gender and is used when the gender is female. In contexts where gender is unknown or generic, the masculine form student may be used as a standard reference. The term appears in academic contexts, biographies, news reporting, and everyday conversation. Example: Ona jest studentką prawa. (She is a law student.)

See also and related terms: Related words include student (masculine form), uczennica (female pupil or student at school), and studiować (to study). The distinction between studentka and other educational terms reflects Polish gender and education terminology.