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  What it means

  “The king is dead, long live the king.” Power and institutions continue regardless of who holds them; one leader replaces another and life goes on. Also used ironically when someone is quickly replaced.

  English equivalent

  The king is dead, long live the king.

  Vocabulary

  • umrzeć — to die
  • król — king
  • żyć — to live
  • niech — let (particle for third-person imperative)

  Grammar note

  'Umarł' is the masculine past tense of 'umrzeć'. 'Niech żyje' is the third-person imperative construction: 'niech' + present tense.

  Cultural context

  A direct translation of the French 'Le roi est mort, vive le roi', used in Polish political commentary and everyday speech.

  Intermediate

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