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  What it means

  Literally “black sheep,” this idiom has the same meaning as in English — it describes a person who is considered the odd one out, the disgrace, or the troublemaker in a family or group. The black sheep is someone whose behavior or values differ markedly from those of their peers or family, often causing embarrassment or concern. Poles use it just as English speakers do, and it is one of the idioms that translates almost perfectly between the two languages.

  Vocabulary

  • czarna — black (feminine form of 'czarny')
  • owca — sheep (feminine noun)
  • czarna owca — black sheep (the odd one out, the family disgrace)

  Grammar note

  The adjective 'czarna' agrees with the feminine noun 'owca' in gender, number, and case (nominative singular feminine). Polish adjective-noun agreement is a key grammatical feature: 'czarny pies' (black dog, masculine), 'czarna owca' (black sheep, feminine), 'czarne auto' (black car, neuter).

  Cultural context

  This idiom is used in both formal and informal contexts and is understood by all Polish speakers. It is a direct cultural cognate with the English 'black sheep,' sharing the same metaphorical roots in pastoral tradition. Register is neutral. You can use it in writing and speech without sounding odd.

  Beginner

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