Nie ten bogaty, kto ma dukaty
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What it means
“Not the one who has ducats is rich.” True wealth is not measured in money. A person can be rich in other ways ; in health, happiness, relationships, or wisdom.
English equivalent
Money isn't everything.
Vocabulary
- bogaty — rich, wealthy
- dukat — ducat (old gold coin)
- mieć — to have
Grammar note
'Kto ma dukaty' is a relative clause: 'who has ducats'. 'Dukaty' is the accusative plural of 'dukat'.
Cultural context
Ducats were gold coins used in medieval and early modern Poland, giving this proverb an old-fashioned, historical flavour.
Beginner
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