láb 30秒で
- Láb means both leg and foot in Hungarian.
- It is a back-vowel word (lábak, lábon).
- Used for furniture legs as well as human limbs.
- Central to many common idioms about mood and status.
The Hungarian word láb is one of the most fundamental nouns in the language, primarily used to denote the lower limb of a human or animal. However, for English speakers, it presents a fascinating linguistic quirk: Hungarian often does not strictly distinguish between the 'leg' (the entire limb from hip to toe) and the 'foot' (the part below the ankle) in casual conversation. While specific terms like lábszár (shin/lower leg) and lábfej (foot) exist for anatomical precision, láb is the default umbrella term for both. This means when a Hungarian says their 'láb' hurts, they could be referring to a stubbed toe or a sore thigh, depending on the context.
- Anatomical Scope
- In everyday Hungarian, láb covers the entirety of the lower extremity. If you are at the doctor, you might use more specific terms, but in a shop or at home, láb is sufficient for everything from the hip downwards.
A kislány hintáztatja a lábát a széken.
Beyond biology, láb is used metaphorically and structurally. Just as in English, furniture has 'legs' (asztalláb, székláb). In the realm of measurements, though Hungary uses the metric system, the historical or idiomatic 'foot' still appears in specific contexts. Understanding láb requires recognizing its role as a pillar of movement and stability in the Hungarian worldview.
- Structural Usage
- Objects that stand on supports use this word. For example, a tripod is often described by its 'legs', and the base of a mountain can be called the hegy lába.
Culturally, the word appears in many folk songs and proverbs. It signifies progress, standing one's ground, or even social status (standing on one's own feet). The versatility of the word is reflected in its high frequency in both spoken and written Hungarian, making it an essential A1-level vocabulary item that continues to reveal depth as a learner progresses to C2 idiomatic mastery.
Sajnos bal lábbal keltem fel ma reggel.
- Grammatical Note
- The word follows back vowel harmony for suffixes, but because of the 'á', it is a low-vowel word. Plural: lábak. Accusative: lábat.
Using láb correctly involves mastering Hungarian's system of possessive suffixes and case endings. Unlike English, where we use possessive adjectives ('my leg'), Hungarian attaches the possessive directly to the noun: lábam (my leg), lábad (your leg), lába (his/her/its leg). This is crucial because we rarely talk about 'a leg' in the abstract; we usually talk about someone's specific limb.
- Possessive Forms
- Lábam (mine), Lábaid (yours - plural legs), Lábuk (theirs). Notice how the stem 'láb' remains stable while the endings change to indicate ownership and number.
Vizes lett a lábam az esőben.
When describing movement, láb often takes the instrumental case (-bal/-bel), meaning 'by' or 'with'. For example, lábbal means 'with the foot' (as in kicking a ball). If you are standing, you are 'on' your legs, using the superessive case: lábon. This is used in the phrase lábon áll (to stand on one's feet), which can be literal or figurative for financial independence.
- Motion and Position
- Gyalog (on foot) is a separate adverb, but saját lábán (on one's own leg) is used to describe someone who is self-sufficient.
In complex sentences, láb serves as the root for various compounds. Lábnyom (footprint), lábtörlő (doormat), and lábujj (toe - literally 'leg-finger'). Learning these compounds allows you to expand your vocabulary exponentially from a single root. When writing, remember that the plural is lábak, not lábok, due to the specific vowel harmony rules governing this word.
A kutya négy lábon jár.
- Idiomatic Sentence Structure
- In Hungarian, we say 'valakinek a lába' (someone's leg). Example: Péter lába hosszú (Peter's legs are long).
In Hungary, you will hear láb everywhere from the soccer pitch to the shoe store. At a 'cipőbolt' (shoe store), the clerk might ask about your lábméret (shoe size). If you are hiking in the High Tatras or the Bükk mountains, you'll hear people complaining about their fáradt lábak (tired legs). It is a word rooted in the physical reality of daily life.
- In Sports
- Soccer (foci) is huge in Hungary. You'll hear commentators shout about a bal láb (left foot) strike or a gyors lábú (fast-legged) winger.
Vigyázz, ráléptél a lábamra!
Public transport is another common place for this word. On a crowded 'villamos' (tram) in Budapest, you might hear the polite but firm 'Bocsánat, a lábam!' if someone stands on your toes. In medical settings, the word is indispensable. Doctors will ask you to move your láb to check reflexes or circulation. Even in fashion, the length of a 'nadrágszár' (trouser leg) is discussed in relation to the láb.
- At the Doctor
- 'Emelje fel a lábát, kérem' (Lift your leg, please). This is a standard instruction during physical examinations.
In the kitchen or dining room, 'láb' refers to furniture. If a table is wobbly, a Hungarian might say 'Rövid az egyik lába' (One of its legs is short). This crossover between human anatomy and inanimate objects is common and helps learners bridge the gap between different categories of nouns. Finally, in idioms, 'láb' is used to describe speed, laziness, or even deceit, making it a staple of expressive, colorful Hungarian speech.
Az asztal lába kitört.
The most frequent mistake for English speakers is trying to distinguish too strictly between 'leg' and 'foot'. While English has two distinct words, Hungarian uses láb for both. Beginners often search for a word for 'foot' and find lábfej, then try to use it in every sentence. However, saying 'Fáj a lábfejem' when you actually have a cramp in your calf sounds very strange. Stick to láb unless the specific anatomy of the foot is the point.
- The Foot vs. Leg Confusion
- In English: 'My leg hurts' (upper/lower limb) vs 'My foot hurts' (below ankle). In Hungarian: Fáj a lábam covers both. Don't over-complicate it!
Hibás: Fáj a lábfejem (ha a combod fáj). Helyes: Fáj a lábam.
Another error involves vowel harmony. Hungarian has 'front' and 'back' vowels. láb contains 'á', which is a back vowel. Therefore, all suffixes must be back-vowel suffixes. Learners often mistakenly use -ben (in) instead of -ban. It is lábban, not lábben. Similarly, the plural is lábak, not lábek. Getting these suffixes wrong is a tell-tale sign of a beginner, but luckily, láb is very regular.
- Vowel Harmony Slip-ups
- Always remember: Láb + -on (on), Láb + -nál (at), Láb + -hoz (to). Avoid the front-vowel versions (-en, -nél, -hez).
Finally, watch out for the phrase 'on foot'. In English, we use the word 'foot', but in Hungarian, the word is gyalog. Saying 'Lábon jöttem' (I came on leg) is technically understandable but sounds like you literally walked on your hands and feet or are using a very specific idiom about recovering from illness. To say you walked somewhere, always use gyalog.
Nem autóval, hanem gyalog jöttem.
While láb is the general term, Hungarian has a rich vocabulary for specific types of limbs and parts of the leg. Understanding these synonyms and related words will help you move from A1 to B2 and beyond. For example, animals don't always have 'láb'. A horse has a láb, but we often refer to its hooves as pata. A cat or dog has a mancs (paw). Using láb for a cat is okay, but mancs is much more descriptive.
- Anatomical Specifics
- Comb: Thigh. Use this for the upper part of the leg.
- Térd: Knee. The joint in the middle.
- Lábszár: Shin/Calf. The part between the knee and ankle.
- Lábfej: Foot. Specifically the part below the ankle.
A macska puha mancsaival lépked.
In more formal or biological contexts, you might encounter the word végtag (limb). This is a collective term for both arms and legs. An alsó végtag is the 'lower limb' (leg), and an felső végtag is the 'upper limb' (arm). This is the kind of language you would see in a medical report or a textbook. For slang or informal speech, Hungarians might use virsli (hot dog) to mock thin legs or tuskó (stump) for very thick, sturdy legs.
- Formal vs. Informal
- Formal: Alsó végtag. Informal: Futómű (literally 'landing gear', used jokingly for legs).
Finally, consider the word talp. This means the 'sole' of the foot. It is used in many idioms, such as talpra áll (to get back on one's feet / recover). While 'láb' is the limb, 'talp' is the contact point with the ground. Knowing when to switch from the general láb to the specific talp or sarok (heel) will make your Hungarian sound much more natural and precise.
Fáj a talpam a sok gyaloglástól.
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
The word 'lábas' (pot/pan) actually comes from 'láb' because traditional cooking pots had little legs to stand in the fire.
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing 'á' as a short 'a' (like 'cat'). It must be long.
- Failing to voice the 'b' at the end clearly.
- Confusing 'láb' with 'lap' (sheet/page).
レベル別の例文
Ez a lábam.
This is my leg/foot.
Possessive -am suffix.
Fáj a lábad?
Does your leg hurt?
Question with possessive -ad.
A kutya lába barna.
The dog's leg is brown.
Third person possessive -a.
Két lábam van.
I have two legs.
Number + singular noun.
Mosd meg a lábad!
Wash your feet!
Imperative mood.
Az asztalnak négy lába van.
The table has four legs.
Dative possessive structure.
Hosszú a lába.
His/her legs are long.
Adjective + noun.
A baba lába kicsi.
The baby's foot/leg is small.
Possessive construction.
Lábbal rúgta a labdát.
He kicked the ball with his foot.
Instrumental case -bal.
A lábamra lépett.
He stepped on my foot.
Sublative case -ra.
Fájnak a lábaim.
My legs hurt.
Plural possessive.
Mekkora a lábad?
What is your shoe size?
Interrogative.
A szék lába eltört.
The chair's leg broke.
Possessive.
Tedd keresztbe a lábad!
Cross your legs!
Accusative possessive.
Meleg a lábam.
My feet are warm.
Simple statement.
A lábujjamat beütöttem.
I stubbed my toe.
Compound word 'lábujj'.
Bal lábbal kelt fel ma.
He woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.
Idiomatic use of instrumental.
Már a saját lábán áll.
He is already standing on his own feet (independent).
Figurative use of superessive.
Lógatja a lábát a mólón.
He is dangling his legs on the pier.
Accusative with possessive.
Alig áll a lábán a fáradtságtól.
He can hardly stand on his feet from tiredness.
Idiomatic expression.
Lábhoz parancsolta a kutyát.
He ordered the dog to his heel.
Allative case -hoz.
Kiszaladt a lába alól a talaj.
The ground ran out from under his feet (he lost his stability).
Idiomatic expression.
Óvatosan, lábujjhegyen ment be.
He went in carefully on tiptoe.
Compound word 'lábujjhegy'.
A hegy lábánál lakunk.
We live at the foot of the mountain.
Adessive case -nál.
Lábon hordta ki az influenzát.
He carried the flu on his feet (didn't stay in bed).
Medical idiom.
Nyaka közé vette a lábát.
He took his legs between his neck (he ran away fast).
Humorous idiom.
Ez a hír lábra kapott.
This news gained legs (spread quickly).
Metaphorical use.
Lábatlankodik a konyhában.
He is being underfoot in the kitchen.
Derived verb 'lábatlankodik'.
Megáll a saját lábán.
She stands on her own two feet.
Figurative.
Nagy lábon élnek.
They live on a big foot (live a lavish lifestyle).
Idiom for wealth.
Láb alól eltesz valakit.
To put someone out from under the feet (to kill/remove).
Euphemistic idiom.
Kézzel-lábbal tiltakozott.
He protested with hands and feet (vigorously).
Idiom for intensity.
Lábát sem tette be a házba.
He didn't even set foot in the house.
Negative emphasis.
Inába szállt a bátorsága.
His courage went into his tendons (he lost his nerve).
Archaic/Idiomatic anatomical reference.
Lábbal tiporja a jogot.
He tramples the law underfoot.
Abstract metaphorical use.
Kilóg a lóláb.
The horse's leg is sticking out (the secret is revealed).
Very common idiom.
Szedd a lábad!
Pick up your legs! (Hurry up!)
Imperative idiom.
Lábát lógatja a semmibe.
Dangling his legs into nothingness.
Poetic usage.
A lába sem érte a földet.
His feet didn't even touch the ground (he was so happy/fast).
Exaggeration.
Ez az érvelés több sebből vérzik, és nincs lába.
This argument bleeds from many wounds and has no legs.
Abstract logic metaphor.
A történelem viharaiban is lábon maradtunk.
We remained on our feet even in the storms of history.
High-level historical metaphor.
Lábujjhegyen osonó árnyak.
Shadows creeping on tiptoe.
Literary imagery.
Lábad elé szórom a virágokat.
I scatter flowers before your feet.
Poetic dative of direction.
Lábbal nem mérhető távolság.
A distance not measurable by foot.
Philosophical usage.
Lábát veti a küszöbön.
He sets his foot on the threshold.
Archaic phrasing.
Lábunk alatt ropog a hó.
The snow crunches under our feet.
Sensory description.
Lábatlan embernek nincs cipőgondja.
A legless man has no shoe worries (dark humor/philosophical).
Proverbial irony.
Lábra állítja az országot.
He sets the country back on its feet.
Political metaphor.
類義語
反対語
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
慣用句と表現
— To be in a bad mood from the start of the day.
Vigyázz vele, ma bal lábbal kelt fel.
informal— The hidden motive or deceit is becoming obvious.
Próbált kedves lenni, de kilógott a lóláb.
neutral— To live a luxurious, expensive lifestyle.
Sokat keres, ezért nagy lábon él.
neutral— To start running very fast or to leave in a hurry.
Amint meglátott, a nyaka közé vette a lábát.
informal— To waste time or relax while others work.
Ne lógasd a lábad, segíts nekem!
informal— To lose one's sense of security or stability.
Amikor elvesztette a munkáját, kiszaladt a lába alól a talaj.
neutral— To get rid of someone (often implies killing).
A maffia láb alól eltette a tanút.
slang— To help someone get back on their feet (financially or health-wise).
Az orvosok gyorsan lábra állították.
neutral語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
関連
暗記しよう
記憶術
Imagine a 'Lab' (laboratory) where scientists are building a giant robotic 'Láb' (leg).
視覚的連想
Visualize a table with human 'lábak' instead of wooden ones.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to count how many 'láb' (legs) are in your room right now, including furniture!
語源
Of Finno-Ugric origin. Cognates include Mansi 'low' and Khanty 'lap'.
元の意味： Originally referred to the lower part of the limb or a support.
Uralic / Finno-Ugric.文化的な背景
No specific sensitivities, but avoid 'lábatlan' (legless) in insensitive contexts regarding disability.
English speakers must unlearn the 'foot' vs 'leg' distinction when using 'láb' generally.
Summary
The word 'láb' is a versatile term covering the entire lower limb. Example: 'Fáj a lábam' can mean your foot or your leg hurts, depending on context.
- Láb means both leg and foot in Hungarian.
- It is a back-vowel word (lábak, lábon).
- Used for furniture legs as well as human limbs.
- Central to many common idioms about mood and status.
