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  What it means

  Literally, “work gilds [you].” ‘Pozłacać’ means to cover something in gold, so the saying presents hard work as a path to prosperity. It is a short encouragement to be diligent and is often said by parents, teachers, or employers when urging someone to get started.

  English equivalent

  Hard work pays off / Work ennobles.

  Vocabulary

  • praca — work, labour; feminine nominative singular
  • pozłaca — gilds, enriches; 3rd person singular present of pozłacać (to gild, to cover in gold)

  Grammar note

  The subject is 'praca' (work) and the verb is 'pozłaca' (gilds). The person enriched is left unstated, which is common in compact proverbs. 'Pozłacać' is imperfective; the perfective 'pozłocić' would describe a completed act of gilding.

  Cultural context

  This is a common motivational saying. It reflects the traditional view of hard work as a route to prosperity and is often used to encourage children to study or work.

  Beginner

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