Szlachcic na zagrodzie równy wojewodzie
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What it means
“A nobleman on his farmstead is equal to a voivode.” Even the humblest nobleman, on his own land, is the equal of the highest regional lord. Expresses the fierce pride in personal independence and equality among the Polish nobility.
English equivalent
An Englishman's home is his castle.
Vocabulary
- szlachcic — nobleman
- zagroda — farmstead, smallholding
- równy — equal
- wojewoda — voivode (regional governor)
Grammar note
'Na zagrodzie' uses the locative of 'zagroda'. 'Równy wojewodzie' uses the dative of 'wojewoda' after 'równy'.
Cultural context
Reflects the unique Polish szlachta (nobility) culture where even the poorest nobleman jealously guarded his equal legal status with the most powerful magnates.
Intermediate
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