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  What it means

  Literally, “words cost nothing.” Promises, compliments, and kind remarks are easy because talk takes no money or effort. It warns against trusting words alone. People say it when promises are not kept or praise sounds empty.

  English equivalent

  Talk is cheap.

  Vocabulary

  • słowa — words (nominative plural of słowo)
  • nic — nothing
  • nie kosztują — do not cost (third person plural, present tense)

  Grammar note

  The verb kosztować (to cost) is in the third-person plural present tense: nie kosztują. Słowa is the nominative plural subject. The double negative nic nie is standard in Polish and strengthens the negation.

  Cultural context

  This very common proverb closely matches the English "talk is cheap." It has a practical, slightly sceptical tone and is used in daily talk as well as public debate.

  Beginner

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