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  What it means

  Literally: “An apple doesn’t fall far from the apple tree.” The proverb means that children closely resemble their parents in personality, habits, or behavior — whether for better or worse. It is used to point out a striking similarity between a parent and child, particularly when a negative trait or talent is inherited. The observation can be warm and admiring or gently critical, depending on context.

  English equivalent

  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

  Vocabulary

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

  Grammar note

  The preposition 'od' (from) governs the genitive case: 'jabłoń' (apple tree) becomes 'jabłoni' in the genitive singular. 'Niedaleko' is an adverb of place. The verb 'padać' (to fall) is imperfective, indicating a general, habitual truth rather than a single event — apples always fall near the tree. Note the variant word order: 'Niedaleko pada jabłko od jabłoni' is equally correct.

  Cultural context

  This is one of the most universally recognized proverbs in Polish, almost identical to its English counterpart in both form and use. It is employed in family contexts, character discussions, and humorous observations about behavior. The tone shifts with context — it can be a compliment ('you're just as talented as your father!') or a subtle rebuke ('you picked up his bad habits too').

  Beginner

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