• Listen

  What it means

  “Let the left hand not know what the right hand is doing.” Do good deeds quietly, without seeking recognition or broadcasting your generosity.

  English equivalent

  Let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth.

  Vocabulary

  • lewica — left hand (here: left side)
  • prawica — right hand (here: right side)
  • czynić — to do, to act
  • niech — let (particle for third-person imperative)

  Grammar note

  'Niech nie wie' is a third-person imperative construction. 'Co czyni' is a relative clause meaning 'what it does'.

  Cultural context

  Rooted in the Gospel of Matthew (6:3), this proverb is widely known in Polish Catholic culture.

  Intermediate

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