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  What it means

  Literally: “The apple does not fall far from the apple tree.” The proverb means that children resemble their parents — in character, habits, talents, or faults. It is the Polish equivalent of “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” and is used in the same contexts, both admiringly (when a child inherits a parent’s good qualities) and critically (when they inherit bad ones). Context and tone determine whether it is a compliment or a reproach.

  English equivalent

  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

  Vocabulary

  • niedaleko — not far / close by (adverb)
  • jabłko — apple (nominative singular)
  • od — from (preposition governing the genitive)
  • jabłoni — apple tree (genitive singular of 'jabłoń')
  • pada — falls (third-person singular present of 'padać', imperfective)

  Grammar note

  'Od' is a preposition that always governs the genitive case, which is why 'jabłoń' becomes 'jabłoni'. The verb 'padać' (imperfective) is used here in its general-truth sense, describing something that happens by nature rather than a single completed event. This is a hallmark of proverbs: imperfective verbs describing universal, habitual truths.

  Cultural context

  This is one of the best-known proverbs in Polish and is understood by virtually every speaker. It can be said with affection, admiration, or reproach depending on tone. In family conversations it often surfaces when a child displays a trait that reminds those present of a parent or grandparent. The image of the apple tree is deeply rooted in Polish rural tradition.

  Beginner

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