nie odkładaj na jutro tego, co możesz zrobić dzisiaj
don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today
Signification
Do your work immediately.
Contexte culturel
In Poland, this proverb is often associated with the 'Siłaczka' or 'Organic Work' ideals—the belief that small, daily, diligent efforts are the key to national and personal success. Modern Polish startups and corporations have adopted this as a 'lean' management principle, often translating it into corporate jargon about 'efficiency' and 'sprints.' It is a standard 'grandparent' phrase. In Poland, elders use proverbs much more frequently than in English-speaking cultures to impart life lessons. There is a popular Polish meme culture that subverts this proverb to justify laziness, showing how deeply ingrained the original phrase is in the collective psyche.
The 'Tego' Bridge
Always remember the word 'tego' before 'co'. It acts as a necessary anchor for the sentence. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete to a native speaker.
Don't be too bossy
Using this proverb with a superior or a stranger can sound a bit patronizing. Save it for friends, family, or subordinates.
Signification
Do your work immediately.
The 'Tego' Bridge
Always remember the word 'tego' before 'co'. It acts as a necessary anchor for the sentence. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete to a native speaker.
Don't be too bossy
Using this proverb with a superior or a stranger can sound a bit patronizing. Save it for friends, family, or subordinates.
Shorten it for impact
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Nie odkładaj na jutro!' and people will know exactly what you mean.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Nie odkładaj na ______ tego, co możesz zrobić dzisiaj.
The proverb specifically contrasts 'dzisiaj' (today) with 'jutro' (tomorrow).
Which form of the pronoun is correct in this negative sentence?
Nie odkładaj na jutro ______, co możesz zrobić dzisiaj.
Negation in Polish requires the genitive case. 'Tego' is the genitive of 'to'.
In which situation would you most likely use this proverb?
Twoja siostra mówi, że posprząta pokój w przyszłym tygodniu, ale ma czas teraz.
This proverb is specifically about not delaying tasks.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Muszę napisać ten e-mail, ale zrobię to rano. B: Lepiej zrób to teraz. Wiesz przecież, że...
The context of delaying an email fits the anti-procrastination proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Today vs Tomorrow
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNie odkładaj na ______ tego, co możesz zrobić dzisiaj.
The proverb specifically contrasts 'dzisiaj' (today) with 'jutro' (tomorrow).
Nie odkładaj na jutro ______, co możesz zrobić dzisiaj.
Negation in Polish requires the genitive case. 'Tego' is the genitive of 'to'.
Twoja siostra mówi, że posprząta pokój w przyszłym tygodniu, ale ma czas teraz.
This proverb is specifically about not delaying tasks.
A: Muszę napisać ten e-mail, ale zrobię to rano. B: Lepiej zrób to teraz. Wiesz przecież, że...
The context of delaying an email fits the anti-procrastination proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, but often ironically or when they are genuinely stressed about exams and work. It's a staple of Polish life.
Because of the negation 'nie'. In Polish, negative verbs change the direct object from Accusative to Genitive.
It's better to use more professional language like 'Proszę o realizację tego zadania w miarę możliwości dzisiaj.'
There isn't a direct 'proverb' opposite, but 'Co nagle, to po diable' (Haste makes waste) warns against the dangers of doing things too quickly.
Expressions liées
Co masz zrobić jutro, zrób dzisiaj
synonymWhat you have to do tomorrow, do today.
Lepiej późno niż wcale
contrastBetter late than never.
Czas to pieniądz
similarTime is money.
Kuj żelazo, póki gorące
builds onStrike while the iron is hot.
