Dear Community,
Hungarian is full of interesting idioms and expressions that don't always translate directly into English. They often reflect the culture and mindset of the Hungarian people. In this thread, let's share some of your favorite Hungarian idioms or phrases.
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What do they mean, and how do they differ from expressions in your own language?
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Have you encountered any Hungarian idioms that confused you at first?
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Are there any Hungarian expressions that you find particularly beautiful or interesting?
Here are a few Hungarian idioms you might have heard:
"Kutyaharapást szőrivel"
Literal translation: "A dog bite with its fur"
Meaning: The best way to cure something is by using the same method that caused the problem. Similar to the English expression "Fight fire with fire."
"Nem esik messze az alma a fájától"
Literal translation: "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree"
Meaning: This is used to say that children are often similar to their parents, just like in English.
"Aki mer, az nyer"
Literal translation: "He who dares, wins"
Meaning: Similar to the English expression "Fortune favors the bold," this encourages taking risks to achieve success.
What are your favourites? Feel free to share any Hungarian idioms you've encountered, and let's dive into how these expressions add color to the language!
Ágnes, OLS Community Manager, Hungarian