Significado
It is better to arrive late than not.
Contexto cultural
Hungarians often use this phrase with a self-deprecating smile. It shows that while they value rules, they also value the human connection more than strict adherence to the clock. The 'academic quarter' (15 mins) is a real thing in Hungarian universities. If a professor is late, students wait 15 minutes. If they arrive at 14:14, they might say this phrase. In villages, time is often seen as more fluid. This proverb is used frequently when neighbors visit each other without a set appointment. In the era of instant messaging, 'Jobb későn, mint soha' is the go-to phrase for 'ghosting' someone for a few days and then finally replying.
The '-n' is Key
Always remember the 'n' at the end of 'későn'. Without it, the phrase is grammatically incorrect.
Don't Overuse
If you are late every single time, this phrase will start to sound like an excuse rather than a polite proverb.
Significado
It is better to arrive late than not.
The '-n' is Key
Always remember the 'n' at the end of 'későn'. Without it, the phrase is grammatically incorrect.
Don't Overuse
If you are late every single time, this phrase will start to sound like an excuse rather than a polite proverb.
Add 'Bocsánat'
Pairing this with 'Bocsánat' (Sorry) makes you sound much more polite and native-like.
The Smile Factor
In Hungary, this phrase is almost always delivered with a friendly smile to signal that no harm was intended.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
Jobb ________, mint soha.
We need the adverbial form 'későn' to describe the timing of the implied action.
In which situation is this phrase MOST appropriate?
You are 10 minutes late for a coffee with a friend.
This is the classic social situation for using this proverb to acknowledge lateness.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Végre megérkezett a csomagod!' Speaker B: '_________________'
Speaker B is expressing relief that the late package finally arrived.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Identify the correct proverb.
A is the standard, grammatically correct form of the proverb.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Adjective vs Adverb
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosJobb ________, mint soha.
We need the adverbial form 'későn' to describe the timing of the implied action.
You are 10 minutes late for a coffee with a friend.
This is the classic social situation for using this proverb to acknowledge lateness.
Speaker A: 'Végre megérkezett a csomagod!' Speaker B: '_________________'
Speaker B is expressing relief that the late package finally arrived.
Identify the correct proverb.
A is the standard, grammatically correct form of the proverb.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, that is a common mistake. You must use the adverbial form 'későn'.
No, it can apply to late emails, late gifts, or even starting a career late in life.
It is exactly the same as 'Better late than never'.
It depends on the context. If you are 2 hours late for a wedding, it might be seen as too casual.
It's like the 'u' in 'burn' but with rounded lips. Hold it longer than a normal 'o'.
Yes, 'Inkább későn, mint soha' is a very common and correct variation.
Yes, very often, especially when a long-delayed government project is finally finished.
Hungarian proverbs often omit the verb 'van' (is) to make the phrase punchier.
You can, and people will understand, but 'soha' is the traditional and most natural choice.
Frases relacionadas
Lassan járj, tovább érsz.
similarGo slowly, you'll get further.
Soha ne mondd, hogy soha.
similarNever say never.
Az idő pénz.
contrastTime is money.
Késő bánat, ebgondolat.
contrastLate regret is a dog's thought (useless).
Minden jó, ha a vége jó.
builds onAll's well that ends well.
