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  What it means

  Literally “when you come among crows, caw as they do,” this proverb advises adapting to the customs and norms of whatever group or place you find yourself in, rather than standing out by insisting on your own different ways. The crows represent the local community, and cawing like them means conforming to their habits. For example, it is used to counsel someone moving to a new city or country to embrace local culture.

  English equivalent

  When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

  Vocabulary

  • kiedy — when (temporal conjunction)
  • przyjdziesz — you will come, you will arrive (2nd person singular future of przyjść)
  • między — among, between (preposition + accusative for direction)
  • wrony — crows (accusative plural of wrona)
  • krakaj — caw! (imperative singular of krakać)
  • krakać — to caw (as a crow), to croak (imperfective)
  • one — they (feminine/non-masculine plural pronoun, referring to wrony)

  Grammar note

  The proverb contains two clauses: a temporal clause with 'kiedy' + future tense ('przyjdziesz' — 2nd person future of przyjść), and a main clause with the imperative 'krakaj.' The preposition 'między' governs the accusative 'wrony' when indicating movement toward a group (direction); it would govern the instrumental if expressing a static position among them.

  Cultural context

  This is one of the most colorful Polish proverbs, beloved for its vivid crow imagery. It is broadly known and used across all generations. It is not necessarily endorsing blind conformity — it can be offered as practical wisdom for someone navigating an unfamiliar environment. The English equivalent 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do' is a perfect match.

  Intermediate

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