Bedeutung
Doing everything possible for someone.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The concept of 'lélek' (soul) is central to Hungarian identity. It is often used in idioms to describe deep emotions, whereas English might use 'heart'. In Szekler (Székely) folklore, the soul is sometimes depicted as a bird that can leave the body. This adds a literal layer to the idea of 'putting out' the soul. Hungarians value 'szorgalom' (diligence) highly. Saying someone 'kiteszi a lelkét' is one of the highest compliments a boss can give an employee. Hosts often feel a social pressure to 'put out their soul' for guests. Refusing food can sometimes be seen as rejecting that 'soulful' effort.
Use with 'ért'
Always remember to use the 'ért' postposition to specify who you are working hard for.
Don't use for machines
If a car breaks down, don't say it 'kiteszi a lelkét'. Say 'kiadta a lelkét'.
Bedeutung
Doing everything possible for someone.
Use with 'ért'
Always remember to use the 'ért' postposition to specify who you are working hard for.
Don't use for machines
If a car breaks down, don't say it 'kiteszi a lelkét'. Say 'kiadta a lelkét'.
Intensify it
Add 'szívét-lelkét' to sound more like a native speaker when describing deep devotion.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'tesz'.
Én ki_______ a lelkem érted.
The first person singular definite form is 'kiteszem'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'She does everything for her children'?
The postposition 'ért' is used to mean 'for the sake of'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Miért vagy ilyen fáradt? B: Mert a munkahelyemen _________ a lelkemet.
The idiom 'kiteszem a lelkem' fits the context of being tired from hard work.
Match the situation to the phrase.
A mother working 3 jobs to pay for university.
This situation involves extreme sacrifice for another person.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenÉn ki_______ a lelkem érted.
The first person singular definite form is 'kiteszem'.
How do you say 'She does everything for her children'?
The postposition 'ért' is used to mean 'for the sake of'.
A: Miért vagy ilyen fáradt? B: Mert a munkahelyemen _________ a lelkemet.
The idiom 'kiteszem a lelkem' fits the context of being tired from hard work.
A mother working 3 jobs to pay for university.
This situation involves extreme sacrifice for another person.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, while it uses the word 'soul', it is used by everyone regardless of religion to mean hard work.
Yes, you can say 'Kiteszem a lelkem', but it might sound a bit like you are complaining or boasting.
'Lelkét' is his/her soul; 'lelkem' is my soul. You must change the suffix based on who is working.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a polite business email to thank someone.
Yes, if you are very dedicated to it. 'Kiteszi a lelkét a festésért.'
Not directly, but you can say 'Nem teszi ki a lelkét' to mean someone is lazy.
It's stronger. 'Doing your best' is 'mindent megtesz'. This is 'doing your best plus sacrifice'.
Yes: 'Kitette a lelkét'.
Very common in emotional ballads about love or parents.
Yes, if a dog is working very hard to protect its owner, you could say it.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Szívét-lelkét beleadja
similarTo put one's heart and soul into something.
Kitesz magáért
confusingTo do oneself proud.
Mindent egy lapra tesz fel
similarTo bet everything on one card.
Megszakad a munkában
synonymTo break oneself in work.
