Signification
Waiting leads to good results.
Contexte culturel
Patience is highly valued in Polish culture, often linked to the historical need to endure long periods of foreign rule. It is seen as a sign of maturity and strength. Many Slavic proverbs link patience with work (praca). The idea is that waiting alone isn't enough; you must wait while continuing to do your duty. In the post-1989 era, this proverb has been used to encourage long-term investment over 'get rich quick' schemes which were common during the transition to capitalism. Parents often use this phrase to teach children 'delayed gratification,' a concept that is central to Polish upbringing.
Use it for motivation
This is the best phrase to use when a friend is frustrated with their Polish progress. It shows you understand their struggle.
Don't say 'płaci'
Remember that 'płaci' is for money. 'Popłaca' is for results and virtues.
Signification
Waiting leads to good results.
Use it for motivation
This is the best phrase to use when a friend is frustrated with their Polish progress. It shows you understand their struggle.
Don't say 'płaci'
Remember that 'płaci' is for money. 'Popłaca' is for results and virtues.
The 'po-' prefix
The prefix 'po-' often indicates that something is 'worth it' or 'profitable' in a general sense in Polish.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
Cierpliwość ________.
The correct verb in this proverb is 'popłaca'.
In which situation is this phrase most appropriate?
Twoja siostra uczy się grać na pianinie i jest smutna, bo nie umie jeszcze zagrać trudnej piosenki.
This phrase is used to encourage someone who is struggling with a long-term skill.
Choose the best response.
A: Czekam na wyniki egzaminu już tydzień! B: Spokojnie, ________.
The context of waiting for exam results perfectly fits the proverb.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
'Cierpliwość' is the noun and 'popłaca' is the 3rd person singular verb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Patience vs. Haste
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesCierpliwość ________.
The correct verb in this proverb is 'popłaca'.
Twoja siostra uczy się grać na pianinie i jest smutna, bo nie umie jeszcze zagrać trudnej piosenki.
This phrase is used to encourage someone who is struggling with a long-term skill.
A: Czekam na wyniki egzaminu już tydzień! B: Spokojnie, ________.
The context of waiting for exam results perfectly fits the proverb.
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
'Cierpliwość' is the noun and 'popłaca' is the 3rd person singular verb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, 'opłaca się' is a very common alternative that means 'is worth it'. It's slightly more informal.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'Co nagle, to po diable' (Haste makes waste) warns against the opposite behavior.
Extremely common. You will hear it in movies, read it in news articles, and hear it in daily conversations.
It's a soft, hissed sound. Try saying 'she' and 'cheese' very quickly together.
Yes, but it might sound a bit ironic or humorous because it's a 'big' proverb for a 'small' situation.
In modern Polish, it is almost exclusively used in this proverb or very similar contexts about virtues.
'Cierpliwość' is the noun (patience), while 'cierpliwy' is the adjective (patient). The proverb says 'patience pays off,' not 'the patient person pays off.'
While patience is a Christian virtue, the proverb itself is considered secular folk wisdom in Poland.
Yes, if you are asked about your strengths, you could say 'Wierzę, że cierpliwość popłaca' (I believe that patience pays off).
Expressions liées
Nie od razu Kraków zbudowano
similarRome wasn't built in a day.
Co nagle, to po diable
contrastHaste makes waste.
Cierpliwością i pracą ludzie się bogacą
builds onThrough patience and work, people get rich.
Wszystko w swoim czasie
similarEverything in its own time.
