polski.directory

[ Learn Polish. All resources, one place. ]
  • Listen

    What it means

    Literally “the apple falls not far from the apple tree.” This proverb is used to say that children usually inherit the same character traits, talents, or flaws as their parents. It is identical in meaning and imagery to its English counterpart.

    Vocabulary

    • jabłko — apple
    • jabłoń — apple tree
    • padać — to fall / to rain

    Grammar note

    The preposition 'od' (from) requires the genitive case, so 'jabłoń' becomes 'jabłoni'.

    Cultural context

    Poland is one of the world's largest apple producers, making this fruit-based metaphor feel very "at home" in the language.

    Beginner

Noticed a typo, a wrong translation, or anything that doesn't look right? We'd love to fix it — just let us know via the contact page. Thank you!

More Polish idioms

  • Literally "one's whole life flew past before the eyes," this phrase describes the vivid, involuntary …
    Intermediate
  • Literally "for an example," na przykład is the standard Polish phrase for "for example" or "for …
    Beginner
  • Literally "in the last/recent times," ostatnimi czasy is a common temporal phrase meaning "lately," …
    Beginner
  • Literally "in the manner of Judas," this adverb describes acting in a treacherous, backstabbing way …
    Intermediate