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  What it means

  Literally: “When you come among crows, you must do as they do.” When you are in a new environment — a new country, city, workplace, or social group — you must adapt to the customs and behavior of those around you. Resistance to local norms makes you stand out in an unwelcome way. Poles use it to advise conformity in new situations, similar to “when in Rome.”

  English equivalent

  When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

  Vocabulary

  • przyjdziesz — you will come, you arrive (perfective future of przyjść)
  • między — among, between (preposition + accusative here)
  • wrony — crows (accusative plural of wrona)
  • musisz — you must (second person singular of musieć)
  • robić — to do, to act (imperfective infinitive)

  Grammar note

  'Między wrony' uses the accusative plural after 'między' when indicating movement towards or into a group. 'Jak i one' means 'as they do' — 'one' is the third person plural pronoun for non-masculine-personal nouns (wrony are feminine). The structure 'musisz + infinitive' expresses obligation.

  Cultural context

  This proverb is practical and non-judgmental — it is not about abandoning your values, but about social adaptability and respect for local customs. It is commonly cited in discussions of immigration, starting a new job, or moving to a new city. Register is neutral and it is well-known across Poland.

  Intermediate

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