The suffix "-ski" is a common element in Slavic surnames, particularly in languages like Polish, Russian, and Czech. It often indicates a connection to a place or a family lineage. For example, the name Kowalski suggests a person from a town or area associated with a blacksmith, as "kowal" means blacksmith in Polish. In addition to surnames, "-ski" can also be used in adjectives to denote origin or association. For instance, the term Polski means "Polish," referring to something related to Poland. This suffix helps convey cultural and geographical ties in various contexts.