Signification
Size doesn't always reflect strength or importance.
Contexte culturel
The 'Smallest Prince' is a recurring hero who succeeds where his larger brothers fail. This idiom is the linguistic embodiment of that archetype. Hungarians use 'erős' to mean both strong and spicy. When you order 'erős pista' (a chili paste), you are literally ordering 'Strong Steve.' Hungary has a massive tradition in water polo and gymnastics, where smaller, agile athletes often dominate. This phrase is a staple of sports reporting. As a small nation, Hungarians often use this phrase to express pride in their global achievements in science and art.
The Double Meaning
Remember that 'erős' means both 'strong' and 'spicy'. This is why the pepper metaphor works so well!
Don't add 'van'
In the present tense, you don't need the word for 'is'. Saying 'Kicsi van a bors' sounds very foreign.
Signification
Size doesn't always reflect strength or importance.
The Double Meaning
Remember that 'erős' means both 'strong' and 'spicy'. This is why the pepper metaphor works so well!
Don't add 'van'
In the present tense, you don't need the word for 'is'. Saying 'Kicsi van a bors' sounds very foreign.
Use it for Kids
This is the #1 way to make a Hungarian child smile. It acknowledges their effort and makes them feel like a hero.
Teste-toi
Which word is missing from the idiom: 'Kicsi a ____, de erős.'?
Kicsi a ____, de erős.
'Bors' (pepper) is the traditional word used in this proverb.
Match the situation to the phrase.
A small child carries a heavy bag easily.
This phrase is perfect for when someone small shows surprising strength.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ez a kis gép tényleg felvágja a fát? B: Igen! Tudod, ______.
The speaker is confirming that the small machine is powerful.
Fill in the missing adjective.
Kicsi a bors, de ______.
'Erős' (strong/spicy) provides the necessary contrast to 'kicsi' (small).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKicsi a ____, de erős.
'Bors' (pepper) is the traditional word used in this proverb.
A small child carries a heavy bag easily.
This phrase is perfect for when someone small shows surprising strength.
A: Ez a kis gép tényleg felvágja a fát? B: Igen! Tudod, ______.
The speaker is confirming that the small machine is powerful.
Kicsi a bors, de ______.
'Erős' (strong/spicy) provides the necessary contrast to 'kicsi' (small).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot really. It's almost always about capability, intelligence, or physical strength. For smells, we use 'erős illat' but not this idiom.
No, because you aren't calling them a pepper; you are using a famous proverb. It's seen as a compliment.
In Hungarian grammar, you almost always put a comma before the conjunction 'de' (but).
No, that's not a phrase. Idioms are fixed. You can't flip the adjectives and expect it to make sense as a joke.
Yes, very often to describe small, agile companies that outperform larger competitors.
The closest is 'Small but mighty' or 'Good things come in small packages.'
No, 'bors' is black pepper. 'Paprika' is the word for chili or bell pepper. But the idiom uses 'bors'.
Absolutely! It's very common for small, feisty dogs like Terriers.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your toddler.
Focus on the 'ő' sound—it's like the 'u' in 'burn' but with very rounded lips.
Expressions liées
Sok kicsi sokra megy
similarMany small things add up to a lot.
Nem a méret a lényeg
synonymSize is not what matters.
Dávid és Góliát
similarDavid and Goliath.
Zseb-rakéta
specialized formPocket rocket.
