Learn Polish: Jaki odważny akrobata!

We use jaki because the exclamation centers on a noun phrase (odważny akrobata). The word jaki acts like an adjective, so it must match the noun in gender, number, and case. You would only use jak if you were modifying a standalone adjective, adverb, or verb, such as saying Jak odważnie! (How bravely!).

The word akrobata ends in '-a'. Why are we using the masculine modifiers jaki and odważny instead of the feminine jaka odważna?

Even though akrobata ends in '-a', it is a masculine noun referring to a male acrobat. Polish has several masculine nouns that end in '-a' (like mężczyzna for man, or kierowca for driver). Any adjectives or pronouns describing them must take standard masculine forms, which is why we see jaki odważny here.

How would this sentence change if we were exclaiming about a female acrobat?

A female acrobat is an akrobatka. Since that is a standard feminine noun, the modifiers must change to match it. The sentence would become Jaka odważna akrobatka!

Could I use Taki instead of Jaki in this sentence?

Yes, you can! Exclaiming Jaki odważny akrobata! (What a brave acrobat!) and Taki odważny akrobata! (Such a brave acrobat!) are used almost interchangeably in Polish to express amazement. Because both are followed by a noun phrase, they both must agree with the noun's gender.