znak

Znak is a word used in several Slavic languages that means sign, mark, or symbol. In Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Czech, and Slovak, it appears in everyday language as well as in technical, mathematical, and semiotic contexts. The term often denotes a visible indicator or a conventional symbol, such as a road sign (znak drogowy) or a written symbol in text and mathematics.

Etymologically, Znak derives from a Proto-Slavic root meaning mark or omen, and its cognates appear across many Slavic languages with similar meanings. In linguistic and semiotic discussions, the word is frequently employed to describe signs, signs systems, or signifying elements within a code or language.

As a proper noun, Znak is used as a name for various publications and organizations in Slavic-speaking regions. The Polish publishing landscape includes a notable imprint named Wydawnictwo Znak, based in Kraków, known for publishing literature, philosophy, and religious titles. Beyond publishing houses, the word Znak has been adopted for periodicals, brand names, and media projects in different countries, reflecting its concise and resonant meaning.

In everyday usage, the concept of a sign or symbol conveyed by Znak intersects with culture, science, and communications. The term also appears in discussions of typography and character sets, where it refers to individual signs or glyphs, including diacritics and other marks that modify letters.

See also: Sign, Symbol, Sign (disambiguation).