Signification
Do not criticize a gift.
Contexte culturel
In Poland, it is common to bring a small gift (like flowers or sweets) when visiting someone's home. The host will often use this proverb mentally to maintain 'gościnność' (hospitality) even if the gift isn't perfect. The English equivalent is used almost identically, but perhaps more frequently in a self-deprecating way when receiving government benefits or 'freebies'. In many Arab cultures, refusing a gift or criticizing it is a significant social taboo, making the sentiment of this proverb even stronger than in the West. The proverb's roots in Latin show that the value of horses and the etiquette of gift-giving have been linked for nearly two millennia in Western civilization.
The 'Short' Version
If you forget the whole sentence, just say 'Darowany koń...' and people will understand you perfectly.
Don't be rude
Saying this to the person who gave you the gift can be seen as a 'backhanded' compliment. Use it with friends or as a thought.
Signification
Do not criticize a gift.
The 'Short' Version
If you forget the whole sentence, just say 'Darowany koń...' and people will understand you perfectly.
Don't be rude
Saying this to the person who gave you the gift can be seen as a 'backhanded' compliment. Use it with friends or as a thought.
Grammar Hack
Remember 'koniowi' is Dative. If you use this correctly, you'll sound much more advanced than A1!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Darowanemu ________ w zęby się nie zagląda.
The word must be in the Dative case because of the verb 'zaglądać'.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Situation: You receive a free sandwich, but it has no mayo.
The proverb is used to accept a free item without complaining about small details.
Complete the dialogue.
Anna: 'Ten darmowy bilet jest na bardzo wczesną godzinę.' Tomek: 'Wiem, ale...'
Tomek is reminding Anna not to complain about a free ticket.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesDarowanemu ________ w zęby się nie zagląda.
The word must be in the Dative case because of the verb 'zaglądać'.
Situation: You receive a free sandwich, but it has no mayo.
The proverb is used to accept a free item without complaining about small details.
Anna: 'Ten darmowy bilet jest na bardzo wczesną godzinę.' Tomek: 'Wiem, ale...'
Tomek is reminding Anna not to complain about a free ticket.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes! It's very common to use it for digital goods or services that don't cost money.
It is always 'koniowi'. 'Koniu' is the Vocative case (used for calling a horse).
It is a traditional proverb, but it is used daily by people of all ages in Poland.
Technically yes, but if it's dangerous, the proverb usually doesn't apply.
The 'się' makes the sentence impersonal, meaning 'one does not look' rather than 'you do not look'.
Expressions liées
Lepszy wróbel w garści niż gołąb na dachu
similarA bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Co łaska
builds onWhatever you can afford / as much as you want to give.
Za darmo to i ocet słodki
similarWhen it's free, even vinegar is sweet.
Pańskie oko konia tuczy
contrastThe master's eye fattens the horse.
