Trzeba nieba, ale trza i chleba
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What it means
“One needs heaven, but one also needs bread.” A fuller, more balanced version of the same idea: spiritual life is important, but practical, earthly needs cannot be ignored either.
English equivalent
Man does not live by bread alone — but he does need bread.
Vocabulary
- trzeba — one needs, it is necessary
- niebo — heaven, sky
- trza — one must (dialectal/archaic form of 'trzeba')
- chleb — bread
Grammar note
The proverb uses both 'trzeba' and its dialectal variant 'trza' for rhythmic effect. Both govern the genitive: 'nieba', 'chleba'.
Cultural context
The use of 'trza' alongside 'trzeba' gives the proverb a folk, regional flavour, suggesting oral transmission across generations.
Intermediate
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