Nie wisi syn za ojca, tylko sam za siebie
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What it means
“A son is not answerable for his father, only for himself.” Each person is responsible for their own actions. You should not be judged or punished for what your parents or ancestors did.
English equivalent
The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father.
Vocabulary
- wisieć — to hang; here figuratively: to be answerable, to be liable
- syn — son
- ojciec — father
Grammar note
'Za ojca' and 'za siebie' both use the accusative after 'za' in the sense of 'for, on behalf of'. 'Sam' emphasises 'only himself'.
Cultural context
The verb 'wisieć' (to hang) carries a literal echo of hanging as punishment, giving the proverb a stark, legal flavour.
Intermediate
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