Kiedy styczeń najostrzejszy, wtedy roczek najpłodniejszy
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What it means
When January is harshest, the year will be most fruitful. A harsh winter is seen as a sign of a good harvest.
Vocabulary
- styczeń — January
- najostrzejszy — harshest, sharpest (superlative of ostry)
- roczek — little year, the year (diminutive of rok)
- najpłodniejszy — most fruitful, most fertile (superlative of płodny)
Grammar note
Both adjectives are in the superlative degree: 'najostrzejszy' and 'najpłodniejszy'. The diminutive 'roczek' adds a folksy, affectionate tone.
Cultural context
A farming proverb: a hard frost kills pests and diseases, leading to better crops. The diminutive 'roczek' is typical of Polish folk speech.
Intermediate
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