Language/Hungarian/Culture/Hungarian-idioms-and-proverbs

Hungarian → Culture → Hungarian idioms and proverbs

As a Hungarian language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I believe that learning idioms and proverbs is essential for understanding the language and culture of Hungary. These expressions provide insight into the values, beliefs, and customs of Hungarian people, and also make your speech more natural and sophisticated. In this lesson, we will explore common Hungarian idioms and proverbs, their meanings, and usage in everyday communication.

Don't miss the chance to check out these pages as you wrap up this lesson: Hungarian history and folklore & Important Historical Events.

Hungarian idioms

An idiom is a phrase that has a meaning that cannot be understood from the literal definition of the individual words. Idioms are commonly used in Hungarian language, and mastering them can help you sound like a native speaker. Here are some examples:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
Ég a házunk!	[ˈeːɡ ɑ ˈhaːzhuŋk]	Our house is on fire!
Nagyot mondott!	[ˈnɑɟo̯t ˈmondo̯t]	He said something big!
Harapni lehetne a levegőt!	[ˈhɑrɑpni ˈlɛvɛɡøːt lɛhɛtːnɛ]	You could bite into the air!
Máskor lapátoljunk már!	[maːʃkor lɑpaːtoljunk maːr]	Let's shovel some other time!

• Ég a házunk! - This Hungarian idiom is often used when someone is exaggerating or overreacting. It means literally "Our house is on fire!" but in everyday speech, it implies that the situation is not as bad as the person is making it out to be.

• Nagyot mondott! - This expression is used to express surprise or approval when someone says something important, impressive or meaningful. It can be translated as "He said something big!".

• Harapni lehetne a levegőt! - This idiom is used to describe a situation of extreme hunger, emphasizing how empty one's stomach is. It can be translated as "You could bite into the air!" or "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!"

• Máskor lapátoljunk már! - This idiom is used when it's time to stop doing something and move on to a different task. It can be translated as "Let's shovel some other time!" and often implies that the current activity is tedious or boring.

Hungarian proverbs

A proverb is a short, concise saying that expresses a commonly held truth or belief. In Hungary, proverbs are often used to teach valuable lessons or life advice. Here are some examples:

• Aki korán kel, aranyat lel. - This proverb means "The early bird catches the worm". It is used to encourage people to wake up early and seize the day.

• Az idő pénz. - This proverb means "Time is money". It is often used to remind people that time is valuable and the importance of not wasting it.

• Amit a szemed nem lát, az nem fáj. - This proverb means "What the eye doesn't see doesn't hurt you". It implies that ignorance is bliss and that not knowing about certain things can be beneficial.

• Az igazság az úr! - This proverb means "Truth is king". It encourages people to always be honest and truthful, even if it's not the easiest path to take.

Usage in speech

Idioms and proverbs are commonly used in everyday Hungarian communication, and their usage can help you sound like a native speaker. When using idioms and proverbs, it is important to use the appropriate context and understand their meaning. Otherwise, it can cause confusion or misunderstanding.

Here are some examples of how to use the idioms and proverbs we've discussed:

• Én csak azt mondom, hogy ha nem vigyázol, akkor ég a házunk!

(I'm just saying, if you're not careful, our house will be on fire!)

• Nagyot mondott az a fiú, amikor azt mondta, hogy megmentette az életeket!

(That boy said something big when he claimed to have saved lives!)

• Évek óta nem ettem a kedvenc ételemet. Harapni lehetne a levegőt a vágyaktól!

(I haven't eaten my favorite food in years. I could bite into the air from desire!)

• Máskor süssek valami mást, aztán lapátoljunk már ezt a hódráma elől!

(Next time I'll make something else, then let's shovel this snow madness later!)

• Az igazság az úr. Én mindig őszinte leszek, még ha az nem is a kedvem szerint való!

(Truth is king. I'll always be honest, even if it's not what I want to say!)

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning Hungarian idioms and proverbs is a crucial aspect of understanding the language and culture. Not only does it allow you to sound more like a native speaker, but it also provides valuable insights into the customs and beliefs of the Hungarian people. By using the appropriate context and understanding the meaning of these expressions, you can become more articulate, engaging, and effective in your communication.

Sources

• Hungarian Proverbs and Sayings to Ponder Today
• The New Etymological Dictionary of Hungarian Idioms and Proverbs
• The 17 Funniest Hungarian Expressions (and How To Use Them)
• Hungarian Sayings and Traditions Relating to Autumn – Hungarian ...

Now that you've completed this lesson, don't stop learning! Check out these related topics: Social issues and activism & Hungary Timeline.

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