Jak ty komu, tak on tobie
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What it means
As you treat others, so they will treat you. A concise statement of reciprocity and the golden rule.
English equivalent
Do as you would be done by. / What goes around comes around.
Vocabulary
- komu — to whom (dative)
- tobie — to you (dative)
Grammar note
Both 'komu' and 'tobie' are dative case. The verb is omitted — the proverb is entirely elliptical.
Cultural context
A universal principle of reciprocity expressed with characteristic Polish brevity.
Beginner
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