Signification
When someone appears right after being mentioned.
Contexte culturel
Wolves were a genuine threat in the Carpathian Basin until the late 19th century. The idiom preserves the fear of the 'wild' entering the 'civilized' garden space. Today, the phrase is 100% ironic and social. It's often used in office environments to lighten the mood when a manager appears. In Transylvania, where wolves are still present, the phrase sometimes carries a slightly more 'magical' weight, though it's still mostly an idiom. Hungarian has many idioms based on animals (horse, dog, wolf). This reflects the nation's historical transition from nomadic horsemen to settled farmers.
Shorten it for impact
Native speakers rarely say the whole sentence. Just say 'Farkast emlegetnek...' and smile. It sounds much more natural.
Don't use for the deceased
Never use this if you are talking about someone who has died and a relative appears. It is too lighthearted for such a context.
Signification
When someone appears right after being mentioned.
Shorten it for impact
Native speakers rarely say the whole sentence. Just say 'Farkast emlegetnek...' and smile. It sounds much more natural.
Don't use for the deceased
Never use this if you are talking about someone who has died and a relative appears. It is too lighthearted for such a context.
The 'Devil' alternative
Hungarians do know the 'devil' version from movies, but they will always find the 'wolf' version more authentic.
Teste-toi
Which animal is mentioned in the Hungarian version of 'Speak of the devil'?
Farkast emlegetnek, a ____ alatt jár.
The idiom specifically uses 'farkas' (wolf).
Complete the idiom with the correct verb form.
Farkast emlegetnek, a kert alatt ____.
The verb 'jár' (to go/walk) is the standard part of this fixed expression.
In which situation would you say 'Farkast emlegetnek'?
Match the scenario:
The idiom is used for coincidences regarding someone's presence or contact.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Bárcsak itt lenne a pincér, éhes vagyok.' B: 'Nézd, már jön is!' A: '____!'
This is the natural reaction to the waiter appearing just as he was mentioned.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesFarkast emlegetnek, a ____ alatt jár.
The idiom specifically uses 'farkas' (wolf).
Farkast emlegetnek, a kert alatt ____.
The verb 'jár' (to go/walk) is the standard part of this fixed expression.
Match the scenario:
The idiom is used for coincidences regarding someone's presence or contact.
A: 'Bárcsak itt lenne a pincér, éhes vagyok.' B: 'Nézd, már jön is!' A: '____!'
This is the natural reaction to the waiter appearing just as he was mentioned.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsIn this idiom, you aren't calling the person a wolf. You are referring to the act of mentioning them. It is not an insult.
Usually no. It's for people. You wouldn't say it if you were talking about a bus and the bus arrived, though some people do it jokingly.
In old Hungarian, 'alatt' (under) often meant 'near the edge of' or 'at the foot of'. It implies the wolf is lurking just outside the fence.
Expressions liées
Emlegetett szamár
similarThe mentioned donkey.
Nem kell a falra festeni az ördögöt
builds onDon't paint the devil on the wall.
Kicsi a világ
similarIt's a small world.
Pofájába jön a farkas
specialized formThe wolf comes to his face.
