Bedeutung
There is nothing in the cup.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Hospitality is paramount. An empty glass is often seen as a sign that the host is not paying enough attention. The 'glass half empty' metaphor is a common way to discuss the historical 'Pannonian melancholy' often attributed to the region. In places like Tokaj or Eger, an empty glass is an invitation to try a different vintage. In 'ruin bars', the phrase is used casually to signal the next round of drinks among friends.
The Refill Rule
In Hungary, don't wait for your glass to be completely empty to accept a refill; it's polite to accept when it's low.
Don't say 'van'
Adding 'van' (is) makes you sound like a textbook from the 1950s. Keep it simple: 'Üres a pohár.'
Bedeutung
There is nothing in the cup.
The Refill Rule
In Hungary, don't wait for your glass to be completely empty to accept a refill; it's polite to accept when it's low.
Don't say 'van'
Adding 'van' (is) makes you sound like a textbook from the 1950s. Keep it simple: 'Üres a pohár.'
Pessimism is a Topic
Hungarians often bond over shared complaints. Using 'félig üres a pohár' is a common way to start a deep conversation.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to say 'The glass is empty.'
_____ a pohár.
'Üres' is the Hungarian word for empty.
Which sentence is grammatically correct in Hungarian?
How do you say 'The glass is empty'?
Hungarian omits the verb 'to be' in this context.
Match the Hungarian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the core variations of the 'pohár' idioms.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kérsz még bort? B: Igen, köszönöm, mert már _____.
You ask for more because your glass is empty.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgaben_____ a pohár.
'Üres' is the Hungarian word for empty.
How do you say 'The glass is empty'?
Hungarian omits the verb 'to be' in this context.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
These are the core variations of the 'pohár' idioms.
A: Kérsz még bort? B: Igen, köszönöm, mert már _____.
You ask for more because your glass is empty.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenNo, it's a neutral observation. However, your tone of voice matters. A friendly smile makes it a polite request.
Yes, 'pohár' can refer to a glass or a plastic cup. For a ceramic mug, 'bögre' is better, but 'pohár' is often used generically.
The opposite is 'Tele a pohár' (The glass is full).
You say 'Üres a poharam.' Note the possessive ending '-am'.
Yes, metaphorically to mean a lack of resources or progress.
Hungarian grammar omits the 3rd person singular present tense of the verb 'to be' when using adjectives.
Yes, unless you are talking about 'an empty glass' in general. 'Üres a pohár' means 'THE glass is empty'.
Yes, you can be specific. 'Vizespohár' is a water glass, 'borospohár' is a wine glass.
Very. It's a staple of Hungarian rock and pop lyrics about heartbreak or late nights.
You would say 'Ürül a pohár.'
You might hear 'Kifogyott a nafta' (The fuel ran out) used jokingly for drinks.
No, for a bottle you would say 'Üres az üveg.'
Verwandte Redewendungen
Betelt a pohár
similarI've had enough / My patience has run out
Félig tele a pohár
contrastThe glass is half full
Fenékig!
builds onBottoms up!
Kiszáradt a torkom
similarMy throat is dry
