Signification
Once you make a promise, you must keep it.
Contexte culturel
Keeping one's word is a cornerstone of Polish social trust. Breaking a verbal agreement is often seen as a personal insult. The 'Szlachta' believed that their 'słowo honoru' (word of honor) was the only thing separating them from commoners. The mention of a 'kobyłka' (mare) shows the agrarian roots of Polish wisdom, where animals were the most common form of collateral. Young professionals use the shortened version to show they have 'integrity' and respect traditional values despite working in tech or finance.
Use the short version
In 90% of modern conversations, just say 'Słowo się rzekło'. It sounds more natural and less like a history book.
Don't over-promise
Poles take this phrase seriously. If you say it and fail, you might damage the relationship significantly.
Signification
Once you make a promise, you must keep it.
Use the short version
In 90% of modern conversations, just say 'Słowo się rzekło'. It sounds more natural and less like a history book.
Don't over-promise
Poles take this phrase seriously. If you say it and fail, you might damage the relationship significantly.
The 'Kobyłka' part
Use the full version 'kobyłka u płotu' when you want to be funny or extra dramatic with friends.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct archaic verb form.
Słowo się ________, kobyłka u płotu.
The idiom specifically uses 'rzekło', the archaic past tense of 'rzec'.
In which situation is 'Słowo się rzekło' most appropriate?
Situation A: You are not sure if you can come to a party. Situation B: You promised to help a friend move and now you are tired but going anyway.
The phrase is used when a commitment has been made and must be fulfilled.
Choose the best response to hold Marek to his promise.
Marek: 'Może jednak nie przyjdę jutro pomóc w ogrodzie...' Ty: '________'
This is the classic way to remind someone that their promise is binding.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesSłowo się ________, kobyłka u płotu.
The idiom specifically uses 'rzekło', the archaic past tense of 'rzec'.
Situation A: You are not sure if you can come to a party. Situation B: You promised to help a friend move and now you are tired but going anyway.
The phrase is used when a commitment has been made and must be fulfilled.
Marek: 'Może jednak nie przyjdę jutro pomóc w ogrodzie...' Ty: '________'
This is the classic way to remind someone that their promise is binding.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsRarely. You might hear 'rzekł' (he said) in old fairy tales, but in daily life, it only lives in this proverb.
Yes, it's a great way to confirm a deadline or agreement in a professional but friendly way.
No! The phrase is fixed as 'rzekło' because it refers to the 'słowo' (neuter), not the person speaking.
Not at all. It's actually quite respectful as it shows you value honor.
It's a small or young female horse (mare).
Not a direct one, but 'Słowo to słowo' is a simpler, more modern alternative.
Expressions liées
Trzymać za słowo
similarTo hold someone to their word.
Klamka zapadła
similarThe decision is final.
Obiecanki cacanki
contrastEmpty promises.
Daję słowo
builds onI give my word.
