Signification
Mutual favors or cooperation.
Contexte culturel
The term 'mutyi' is often associated with this idiom. It refers to small-scale, informal, often slightly illegal deals that people make to get around bureaucracy. In many post-communist countries, 'hand-washing' was a survival mechanism when the state could not provide goods. It built strong, albeit informal, social safety nets. Networking in Hungary often relies heavily on personal trust and previous favors. A 'cold call' is much less effective than a 'Kéz kezet mos' introduction. In villages, 'kaláka' is a tradition of communal work (e.g., building a house together). While not exactly 'Kéz kezet mos,' it's the cultural foundation of this reciprocity.
Use it for small favors
It's perfect for when you and a friend trade small tasks. It makes the exchange feel balanced and friendly.
Watch the tone
If you say it with a cynical smile while talking about a politician, it implies corruption. If you say it warmly to a neighbor, it implies friendship.
Signification
Mutual favors or cooperation.
Use it for small favors
It's perfect for when you and a friend trade small tasks. It makes the exchange feel balanced and friendly.
Watch the tone
If you say it with a cynical smile while talking about a politician, it implies corruption. If you say it warmly to a neighbor, it implies friendship.
The 'Clean' part
The full version is 'Kéz kezet mos, mindkettő tiszta lesz.' This implies that by helping each other, both parties come out ahead.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Kéz _____ mos.
The object must be in the accusative case, which is 'kezet'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Kéz kezet mos'?
Select the correct scenario:
This represents a mutual exchange of favors.
Which variation is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence:
This uses the definite conjugation 'mossa' correctly with the specific object 'a másikat'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ha te vigyázol a gyerekekre, én megfőzöm a vacsorát.' B: 'Rendben, ______.'
The phrase perfectly summarizes the deal they just made.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to use it?
Home
- • Neighbors
- • Family
- • Championship
Work
- • Networking
- • Favors
- • Referrals
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKéz _____ mos.
The object must be in the accusative case, which is 'kezet'.
Select the correct scenario:
This represents a mutual exchange of favors.
Choose the correct sentence:
This uses the definite conjugation 'mossa' correctly with the specific object 'a másikat'.
A: 'Ha te vigyázol a gyerekekre, én megfőzöm a vacsorát.' B: 'Rendben, ______.'
The phrase perfectly summarizes the deal they just made.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo! It's often very positive, describing how friends and neighbors support each other. Context is everything.
Be careful. It might sound like you're suggesting an informal deal. Use it only if you have a very close, friendly relationship.
'Kéz kezet mos' is the proverb describing the action. 'Mutyi' is a slang noun for a shady deal resulting from that action.
It's grammatically correct but sounds very strange. Stick to the standard word order.
Almost never. It's 99% used figuratively for social favors.
'Kéz kezet mos' is the most direct equivalent. We don't use the 'scratching' metaphor.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends, but you'll also see it in newspapers.
You can ('Kéz kezet mosott'), but it's much more common in the present tense as a general rule.
Because the second hand is the object being washed. In Hungarian, objects get an '-et' or '-at' suffix.
You could say 'Segítsünk egymásnak' (Let's help each other), which is more direct and less idiomatic.
Expressions liées
Kölcsönkenyér visszajár
similarBorrowed bread must be returned.
Amilyen az adjonisten, olyan a fogadjisten
similarAs the 'God give you' is, so is the 'God receive you'.
Mutyi
specialized formA shady, informal deal.
Önzetlen segítség
contrastSelfless help.
