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  What it means

  Literally meaning “May God grant you luck,” this is a traditional Polish greeting and blessing, most closely translated as “God bless you” or “Godspeed.” It is especially associated with Polish mining culture, where it serves as both a greeting and a farewell among miners. Outside of mining, it is used by religious Poles as a warm, pious expression of goodwill.

  Vocabulary

  • szczęść — may (He) grant luck/happiness (archaic imperative of 'szczęścić')
  • Boże — God (vocative case of 'Bóg')

  Grammar note

  The word 'szczęść' is an archaic third-person singular imperative of 'szczęścić' (to bless/grant luck), making this phrase a wish directed at God rather than at the person being greeted.

  Cultural context

  This greeting is deeply tied to Polish mining tradition; miners still use it underground as a daily greeting, and it features prominently in mining ceremonies and memorabilia.

  Intermediate

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