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  What it means

  Literally “to be quits.” It means that two people are even — neither owes the other anything, all debts or favours are settled. The word ‘kwita’ is an old loanword related to a receipt or discharge. When both parties agree they are ‘kwita,’ the slate is clean: no grudges, no remaining obligations. It is often said after repaying a favour or after a conflict is resolved, signalling a fresh start.

  Vocabulary

  • być — to be
  • kwita — quits, even (indeclinable; from archaic 'kwit' — receipt)

  Grammar note

  'Kwita' is indeclinable — it does not change to match gender, number, or case. 'Być kwita' functions as a predicative expression: 'Jesteśmy kwita' (We are quits). Note that 'kwita' remains the same regardless of the subject's number or gender.

  Cultural context

  This is an informal but widely known expression. It is equivalent to the English 'we're even' or 'we're square.' It is commonly used to end disputes amicably and is understood across all age groups in Poland.

  Beginner

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