Leśny dziadek
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What it means
Literally “forest grandfather.” A figure from Polish folklore — a spirit or old man of the forest who can be helpful or dangerous. Used figuratively for someone who is wild, unkempt, or out of touch with civilisation.
Vocabulary
- leśny — forest (adjective)
- dziadek — grandfather, old man
Grammar note
Nominative masculine noun phrase. 'Leśny' agrees with 'dziadek'.
Cultural context
A figure from Slavic folklore — the forest grandfather (leszy in Russian tradition) is a spirit who guards the forest and can lead travellers astray.
Intermediate
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