Nie od razu Kraków zbudowano (Kraków was not built in a day) - this one may sound familiar to your ears. Neither Rome nor Kraków was built in a day, which can only mean that success takes both time and effort and rarely, if ever, happens overnight.
Nie ma tego złego, co by na dobre nie wyszło (There is no loss without some gain) - as a similar English saying goes, “Every cloud has a silver lining”. We need to try and make the best out of difficult or unpleasant situations in life, looking for the positive aspects of failures which may not be apparent at first glance.
Gdyby babcia miała wąsy, toby była dziadkiem (If grandma had a moustache, she would be a grandpa) - the proverb probably comes from a known Yiddish expression “If grandma had a beard, she would be a grandpa”. Both sayings suggest that there is no point in considering purely hypothetical scenarios. Apparently, Italians use another (arguably the funniest) version of this proverb: “If my grandmother had wheels she would be a bicycle”. Which one do you like best?
Śpiesz się powoli (Make haste slowly) - a literal Polish translation of the Latin oxymoron “Festina lente”. It is used to convey that you should act in a deliberate manner instead of rushing through tasks. Decisions made in haste or under pressure will often lead to mistakes.
Każdy jest kowalem swojego losu (Everyone is the smith of their own fortune) - whether you are the smith or the architect of your life, remember that it is you who needs to take action in order to achieve your goals.
Pożyjemy, zobaczymy (We will live, we will see) - a very common Polish expression used to say “time will tell how the situation plays out”. Similar to the English “wait and see”.
Jakoś to będzie (It will all work out somehow) - one of the most beloved phrases in Poland is sometimes considered to be a Polish take on “hygge”. Poles like to think that no matter what happens in the future, everything will somehow work out in the end. Maybe we will need to use our improvisation skills to get through difficult times but we will succeed eventually!
Not all Polish words can be easily translated into other languages. Read about the most "untranslatable" Polish expressions!
I am a passionate linguist and cultural enthusiast with a deep understanding of Polish language and traditions. Having extensively studied the nuances of the Polish language, idioms, and proverbs, I am well-equipped to provide insights into the rich tapestry of expressions that form an integral part of Polish culture.
The article you provided, "Nie od razu Kraków zbudowano" (Kraków was not built in a day), resonates with the universal theme that success is a gradual process requiring time and effort. This proverb draws parallels between Rome and Kraków, emphasizing the patience and perseverance needed for significant achievements. The underlying message is clear: success is a journey, not a destination.
The next saying, "Nie ma tego złego, co by na dobre nie wyszło" (There is no loss without some gain), aligns with the English proverb "Every cloud has a silver lining." Both expressions encourage individuals to find positive aspects in challenging situations and view failures as opportunities for growth.
The proverb "Gdyby babcia miała wąsy, toby była dziadkiem" (If grandma had a mustache, she would be a grandpa) highlights the futility of considering hypothetical scenarios. It echoes the sentiment of the Yiddish expression you mentioned, emphasizing the impracticality of entertaining imaginary situations. The Italian version, "If my grandmother had wheels she would be a bicycle," adds a humorous touch to this universal theme.
"Śpiesz się powoli" (Make haste slowly), a translation of the Latin oxymoron "Festina lente," advises against rushing through tasks. This proverb underscores the importance of deliberate actions, suggesting that decisions made in haste are prone to mistakes.
"Każdy jest kowalem swojego losu" (Everyone is the smith of their own fortune) emphasizes personal responsibility and agency in shaping one's destiny. Whether you see yourself as the smith or architect of your life, the message is clear: taking action is essential to achieving your goals.
"Pożyjemy, zobaczymy" (We will live, we will see) reflects a common Polish expression akin to the English "wait and see." It implies that time will reveal the outcome of a situation, encouraging a patient and observant approach to life's uncertainties.
"Jakoś to będzie" (It will all work out somehow) echoes a positive and optimistic mindset, suggesting that, despite challenges, Poles believe in the ability to navigate difficulties through improvisation and eventually achieve success.
In summary, these Polish expressions provide valuable insights into the cultural mindset, emphasizing patience, resilience, personal agency, and optimism in the face of uncertainty. Each saying reflects a universal truth, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries.
