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  What it means

  Literally “into one’s own hands.” Written on letters and parcels to mean “personal” or “confidential” — to be opened only by the addressee. Also used figuratively for anything delivered directly and privately.

  Vocabulary

  • ręce — hands (plural of 'ręka')
  • własny — own / personal

  Grammar note

  'Rąk' is the genitive plural of 'ręka' after 'do'. 'Własnych' is the genitive plural of 'własny', agreeing with 'rąk'.

  Cultural context

  A standard phrase on Polish correspondence, equivalent to 'Personal' or 'Private' on an envelope.

  Intermediate

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