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  What it means

  Literally, “You cannot buy a mother.” A mother’s love, care, and devotion cannot be bought or replaced. The proverb expresses gratitude for a mother, honours her sacrifices, and reminds people that money cannot replace real parental love.

  English equivalent

  A mother's love is worth more than gold. / There's no substitute for a mother.

  Vocabulary

  • matki — of a mother (genitive singular of matka, used after negation)
  • nie kupisz — you cannot buy (negated second-person singular of kupić)

  Grammar note

  After ''nie'', a direct object often changes from accusative to genitive in Polish. ''Kupić matkę'' becomes ''nie kupisz matki''. This proverb is a clear example of the genitive after negation.

  Cultural context

  Family is important in Polish culture, and the mother has a special cultural and religious place, especially in Catholic tradition. Sayings about mothers are common in folk wisdom. This proverb is usually sincere and may be heard on Mother's Day or when people speak about a mother's sacrifice.

  Beginner

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