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  What it means

  Literally: “He who likes each other, quarrels with each other.” The proverb captures the paradox that people who are close, friends, lovers, siblings, are also the ones most likely to bicker and clash. The rhyme makes it memorable and gives it a light, almost playful tone. Poles use it affectionately to excuse minor quarrels between people who genuinely care for each other, implying that the conflict is a sign of intimacy rather than hostility.

  English equivalent

  The course of true love never did run smooth.

  Vocabulary

  • kto — who / whoever
  • się lubi — likes each other / is fond of each other (reflexive form of 'lubić')
  • ten — that one / he (demonstrative pronoun, resuming the subject)
  • się czubi — quarrels / squabbles (reflexive of 'czubić się', informal verb for bickering)

  Grammar note

  The structure 'Kto … ten …' is a classic Polish proverb pattern equivalent to 'He who … (he) …', 'kto' introduces the condition and 'ten' resumes the subject for the result. Both verbs carry the reflexive 'się': 'lubić się' means to like each other (mutual), and 'czubić się' means to quarrel (also mutual/reciprocal). The rhyme between 'lubi' and 'czubi' is deliberate and aids memorability.

  Cultural context

  The verb 'czubić się' is informal and slightly humorous, which sets the tone for the whole proverb, it is used warmly rather than critically. The saying is often quoted with a smile when two people who clearly like each other are caught in a minor argument. It reflects a folk understanding that passion and conflict go hand in hand in close relationships.

  Beginner

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