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  What it means

  Literally: “To a hungry person, bread is on the mind.” The proverb means that people think most about whatever they lack or desperately need. When a basic need is unmet, it dominates a person’s thoughts and colors their every decision. Poles use it to explain why someone is preoccupied with a particular subject — usually because they are in want of it. It can also carry a gently ironic tone, noting the predictability of human desire.

  English equivalent

  A hungry man thinks only of bread.

  Vocabulary

  • głodnemu — to a hungry person (dative of głodny)
  • chleb — bread
  • na myśli — on one's mind (literally 'on the thought')
  • myśl — thought, mind

  Grammar note

  The subject is omitted — the proverb functions as an impersonal statement. 'Głodnemu' is dative singular (indirect object indicating the person affected), and 'chleb na myśli' is a nominative phrase meaning 'bread on the mind'. The structure mirrors the pattern X jest komuś na myśli (something is on someone's mind).

  Cultural context

  This is one of Poland's older folk proverbs, rooted in agrarian life when bread was the staple food and hunger a real daily concern. Today Poles use it more broadly and humorously — someone constantly talking about money, sleep, or a crush will be teased with this saying. The register is neutral and the proverb is widely known across all age groups.

  Beginner

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