Jak Kuba Bogu, tak Bóg Kubie
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What it means
Literally “as Kuba treats God, so God treats Kuba.” Means you get what you give — treat others badly and you’ll be treated badly in return. The Polish equivalent of “what goes around comes around.”
Vocabulary
- Kuba — Kuba (nickname for Jakub/Jacob)
- Bóg — God
Grammar note
Parallel dative constructions: 'Bogu' and 'Kubie' are both datives — 'to God' and 'to Kuba'. The symmetry of the grammar mirrors the symmetry of the moral.
Cultural context
Kuba is a common Polish nickname, making this feel very down-to-earth — even your relationship with God works on the principle of reciprocity.
Intermediate
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