Co matka, to matka, a co macocha, to macocha
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What it means
A mother is a mother, and a stepmother is a stepmother — nothing can replace a biological mother’s love.
English equivalent
There's no substitute for a mother's love.
Vocabulary
- matka — mother
- macocha — stepmother
Grammar note
Repeated 'co … to …' structure emphasising the distinction. No verb needed — the repetition itself carries the meaning.
Cultural context
Stepmothers appear frequently as antagonists in Polish folklore and fairy tales, giving this proverb a strong cultural resonance.
Beginner
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