Introduction
Proverbs are short, well-known sayings that reflect the values and beliefs of a culture. In Poland, proverbs are very commonly used in everyday conversations. They offer insights into how Poles think and approach life. Whether you’re just starting to learn Polish or you’re a more advanced learner, understanding these proverbs will help you connect with the language, culture and people on a deeper level. Below you will find some most popular Polish proverbs, along with their literal translations, and their English equivalents.
Most Popular Polish Proverbs
1. Jak się nie ma, co się lubi, to się lubi, co się ma.
● Literal translation: “When you don’t have what you like, you like what you have.” ● English equivalent: Beggars can't be choosers.
This proverb teaches us to make the best of what we have, even if it’s not exactly what we wanted. It serves as a reminder to appreciate what we already have.
2. Jak sobie pościelesz, tak się wyśpisz.
● Literal translation: “How you make your bed will determine how well you’ll sleep.” ● English equivalent: You’ve made your bed, now lie in it.
Imagine you’ve made your bed in a way that’s not very comfortable or inviting. If you end up with a lumpy or messy bed, you’ll have to sleep in it and deal with the discomfort because of how you prepared it. The saying reminds us that we're responsible for our own actions and choices, as they have a direct effect on our lives, and we have to face the consequences - good or bad.
3. Nieszczęścia chodzą parami.
● Literal translation: “Unhappiness walks in pairs.”
● English equivalent: Misery loves company.
This saying reflects the idea that when something bad happens, more misfortune might follow. Just like how one unhappy event can lead to another, it’s often used to recognize that difficult times tend to come in clusters, rather than one isolated issue.
4. Darowanemu koniowi w zęby się nie zagląda.
● Literal translation: “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”
● English equivalent: If someone gives you a gift, don’t question its value.
Imagine receiving a horse as a gift. Instead of examining the horse's teeth to check its age or health, which could show flaws, the saying advises to accept the gift graciously and with gratitude. It encourages us to be thankful for gifts, even if they’re not perfect. Instead of focusing on their flaws, we should appreciate them for what they are.
5. Niedaleko spada jabłko od jabłoni.
● Literal translation: “The apple falls not far from the apple tree.”
● English equivalent: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
This proverb suggests that children often inherit traits, behaviors, and even worldviews from their parents, showing how deeply family shapes a person's character over time. Just as an apple’s position is close to the tree, a child's characteristics are closely tied to their family background
6. Co dwie głowy, to nie jedna.
● Literal translation: “Two heads aren’t one.”
● English equivalent: Two heads are better than one.
This saying emphasizes the value of teamwork and shared ideas. It suggests that working together can lead to better results because different perspectives and experiences - literally
different heads - can complement each other. When people collaborate, they can solve problems more effectively and come up with more creative solutions than when working alone.
7. Co nagle, to po diable.
● Literal translation: “What (is done) suddenly, that (is done) the devil's (way)." ● English equivalent: Haste makes waste.
This refers to the idea that rushing or doing things hurriedly can lead to poor results, as if the devil himself is causing trouble. It warns that quick, careless actions are often flawed or wasteful. By taking your time and paying attention to details, you can achieve better outcomes and avoid mistakes
8. Co za dużo, to niezdrowo.
● Literal translation: “What’s too much isn’t healthy.”
● English equivalent: All things in moderation.
This saying promotes balance and moderation in life, cautioning against extremes and excess. It reminds us that too much of anything, even something positive, can lead to negative consequences. By practicing moderation, we can maintain a healthier and more stable life.
9. Mądry Polak po szkodzie.
● Literal translation: “Pole wise after harm.”
● English equivalent: It’s easy to be wise after the event.
This saying means that we often understand a situation and know how to deal with it, but only because it has already happened. If something has ended badly once, it’s easy to know what should be done next time to avoid similar mistakes.
10. Czym się strułeś, tym się lecz.
● Literal translation: “What poisoned you will cure you.”
● English equivalent: The hair of the dog that bit you.
This saying suggests that a remedy for something harmful or unpleasant can sometimes be found in the very thing that caused the problem. It often refers to the practice of consuming a
small amount of alcohol to cure a hangover, implying that a little bit of what caused the discomfort can help alleviate it. More generally, it can mean tackling a problem with a similar solution or using a related method to address the issue.
11. Pies ogrodnika – sam nie zje i drugiemu nie da.
● Literal translation: “The gardener’s dog – won’t eat it himself and won’t let others eat it.”
● English equivalent: A dog in the manger.
This proverb refers to someone who stops others from enjoying or using something they don't need or want themselves. Imagine a dog lying in a manger, which is a trough or open box in a stable where animals eat. The dog doesn’t eat the hay, but it lies in the manger to keep other animals from getting to it.
12. Gdyby kózka nie skakała, to by nóżki nie złamała.
● Literal translation: “If the goat hadn’t jumped, it wouldn’t have broken its leg.” ● English equivalent: Curiosity killed the cat.
Imagine a playful goat that jumps around too much and ends up breaking its leg. This saying means that if the goat had not been so adventurous or curious, it wouldn’t have gotten hurt. It reflects the idea that taking unnecessary risks or being overly curious can lead to problems or
misfortune. Just like the curious cat that ends up in trouble, the goat's actions led to an unfortunate outcome.
Why knowing more Polish proverbs could be beneficial for you?
Learning Polish proverbs isn’t just about learning new phrases, it’s a way to explore the culture and language in a fun and meaningful way. Here’s why it’s worth your time:
1. Cultural Insight
Understanding Polish Values: Proverbs reflect the core values and beliefs of Polish people. By learning these sayings, you gain insight into what’s important in Polish culture.
2. Language Learning
Building Vocabulary: Proverbs are a great way to learn new words and phrases that are commonly used in Polish.
Contextual Learning: Since proverbs often use simple language to express complex ideas, they help you understand words in context, which is crucial for language learning.
Engaging Discussions: Proverbs are excellent conversation starters, whether you’re talking with Poles or people from other cultures. They spark discussions about language, culture, and shared human experiences.
3. Unique Perspective
Understanding the Polish Mindset: By exploring proverbs, you get a glimpse into how Poles think and solve problems.
Appreciation for Polish Culture: Learning proverbs fosters a greater appreciation for Polish traditions and the way of life.
Cross-Cultural Comparison: Comparing Polish proverbs with those from your own culture can be a fascinating way to see both similarities and differences.
Life Lessons: Proverbs often contain practical advice that can be applied to everyday situations.
4. Entertainment Value
Humor and Wit: Polish proverbs often contain humor and clever wordplay, making them enjoyable to read and share.
Storytelling: Some proverbs come with interesting backstories or folk tales. Just like myths and legends, it can be very intriguing to learn where a particular proverb comes from - what is the original story behind the now short phrase, during what historical period was it formed in and influenced by.
Conclusion
Learning Polish proverbs is not just about expanding your vocabulary; it’s about connecting with the culture and people who speak the language. For beginners, these proverbs offer a simple and memorable way to learn new words, while advanced learners can delve into
the deeper meanings and contexts behind them. Whether you’re learning Polish for practical reasons or out of interest, proverbs provide valuable insights that can make your language journey more enjoyable and meaningful.
