Sto lat - One Hundred Years

"Sto lat" (One Hundred Years) is a traditional Polish song that is sung to express good wishes, good health and long life to a person. The song's author and exact origin are unattributed. The song is sung both at informal gatherings (such as birhtdays or name days) or at formal events, such as weddings. At state events it is not unusual to hear it performed by an orchestra or a military band. It is also noted for being an integral part of Polish immigrant culture even long after assimilation.



Lyrics:

Sto lat, sto lat,

Niech żyje, żyje nam.

Sto lat, sto lat,

Niech żyje, żyje nam,

Jeszcze raz, jeszcze raz, niech żyje, żyje nam,

Niech żyje nam!

This translates roughly into English as:

A hundred years, a hundred years,

May he (she) live, live for us.

A hundred years, a hundred years,

May he live, live for us.

Once again, once again, may he live, live for us,

May he live for us!

The phrase "Sto lat!" is also often used to wish someone longevity or good fortune, or as a toast, without the song. However, the use of "Sto lat!" in this manner will often lead to the song being sung by those present. The phrase is also sometimes used to acknowledge someone's sneezing - similarly to "God bless you", though for that particular occasion a simple na zdrowie ("To your health") is more frequently used.
 
source: Wikipedia

Language explanation:

* 'niech' is an imperative form used for 3rd persons singular and plural
* 'nam' - dative form of 'my'
* sometimes you will hear 'niech żyją' (may they live) instead of 'niech żyje' (may he/she live)