Dziś bal, jutro żal
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What it means
Today’s celebration brings tomorrow’s regret. A warning that excess or indulgence is followed by consequences.
Vocabulary
- bal — ball, party, celebration
- żal — regret, sorrow, grief
Grammar note
A minimal two-word rhyming proverb. Both 'bal' and 'żal' are masculine nouns in the nominative. The rhyme carries the whole meaning.
Cultural context
Reflects a moralistic streak in Polish folk wisdom — enjoyment is fine but one must be prepared to pay for it.
Beginner
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