Do siostry w rok szósty, do brata we trzy lata
Listen
What it means
Visit your sister every six years and your brother every three. This humorous proverb suggests that family visits, especially to in-laws, need not be frequent.
Vocabulary
- siostra — sister
- brat — brother
- szósty — sixth
Grammar note
'W rok szósty' is an accusative time phrase meaning in the sixth year or every six years. Its old rhythm is typical of folk proverbs.
Cultural context
It shows folk humour about the duties and occasional burden of extended family.
Intermediate
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 proverbs
- "A stepmother, even if made of sugar, is always bitter." However kind she may be, a stepmother may …
- "For a wise head, two words are enough." A clever person needs only a short hint to understand. Long …
- "A Pole is wise after the damage is done." Poles, or people in general, often learn from mistakes …
- "The wise will accept advice; the fool will reject it with scorn." Wise people listen to advice, …