Signification
Describing high punctuality.
Contexte culturel
Punctuality is a sign of respect. Arriving 5-10 minutes early for a business meeting is standard. For social events, arriving exactly on time is preferred, though a 15-minute 'grace period' exists. Hungarians often compare their punctuality to Germans. 'Soha nem késik' is the ultimate German stereotype in the eyes of a Hungarian. In the UK, being 'on time' often means being 5 minutes early. Hungarians find this similar to their own formal expectations. Hungarians admire Japanese punctuality, especially regarding trains. The phrase is used with genuine awe when discussing the Shinkansen.
The Double Negative Rule
Always remember: Soha + Nem. If you forget the 'nem', the sentence is incomplete.
Don't use with 'van'
Never say 'Soha nem van késik'. The verb 'késik' already contains the meaning of 'to be'.
Signification
Describing high punctuality.
The Double Negative Rule
Always remember: Soha + Nem. If you forget the 'nem', the sentence is incomplete.
Don't use with 'van'
Never say 'Soha nem van késik'. The verb 'késik' already contains the meaning of 'to be'.
Irony Alert
If a Hungarian says this about the national railway (MÁV), they are probably being sarcastic!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the double negative.
Anna soha ___ késik a munkából.
In Hungarian, 'soha' must be followed by 'nem' to mean 'never'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct version:
The verb 'késik' must be conjugated for the first person singular 'Én' (I), which is 'kések'.
Match the Hungarian phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
Matching the correct verb endings to the English pronouns.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Megbízható az új kolléga? B: Igen, ...
If someone is reliable (megbízható), they are never late.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAnna soha ___ késik a munkából.
In Hungarian, 'soha' must be followed by 'nem' to mean 'never'.
Select the correct version:
The verb 'késik' must be conjugated for the first person singular 'Én' (I), which is 'kések'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Matching the correct verb endings to the English pronouns.
A: Megbízható az új kolléga? B: Igen, ...
If someone is reliable (megbízható), they are never late.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, 'sosem' is a very common contraction of 'soha sem' and means the same thing.
No, it is actually a very nice compliment about their reliability.
Yes, you can use it for buses, trains, or even your computer if it's fast.
'Késik' is a general habit or state, while 'elkésik' means to be late for a specific event (e.g., I was late for the movie).
Expressions liées
Mindig pontos
synonymAlways punctual
Késésben van
contrastTo be running late
Időben jön
similarComes in time
Elkésik
builds onTo be late for something specific
