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  What it means

  Literally: “To have kolache, one must apply work.” The proverb uses kołacze — traditional sweet Polish pastries — as a symbol of reward or good things in life. It means that nothing worthwhile comes without effort. Poles use it to encourage diligence and remind others that pleasures must be earned through hard work.

  English equivalent

  No pain, no gain.

  Vocabulary

  • żeby — in order to, so that
  • kołacze — kolache (pl.) — traditional sweet filled buns; plural of kołacz
  • użyć — to use, to apply (perfective)
  • pracy — of work (genitive of praca)

  Grammar note

  The construction 'żeby + infinitive' expresses purpose — 'in order to have.' 'Pracy' is genitive, required after 'użyć' (to apply/use something demands genitive). 'Mieć' is the imperfective infinitive expressing a desired state.

  Cultural context

  Kołacze were historically a festive bread or pastry, often baked for weddings and celebrations, so they represent something precious and worth striving for. The proverb reflects the Polish cultural value of ciężka praca (hard work) and is neutral in register — used by parents, teachers, and coaches alike.

  Beginner

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