Meaning
Being in the same difficult situation.
Cultural Background
Hungarians often use this idiom with a sigh and a sense of 'shared burden' (sorsközösség). It's a way of bonding over negative circumstances, which is a common social lubricant in Hungary. In Hungarian offices, managers use this to prevent 'blame culture'. By saying this, they remind everyone that the department's failure is everyone's failure. The phrase gained popularity in the 19th century during the 'Reform Era' when national unity was a major theme in literature and politics. On Hungarian social media (Facebook/Reddit), you'll see this in comments sections when people discuss inflation or gas prices.
Use it for empathy
It's the best way to tell a Hungarian 'I feel your pain' without being overly dramatic.
Don't use for literal boats
If you are actually on a boat, just say 'Evezünk'. Adding 'Egy hajóban' makes it sound like you're making a joke about a crisis.
Meaning
Being in the same difficult situation.
Use it for empathy
It's the best way to tell a Hungarian 'I feel your pain' without being overly dramatic.
Don't use for literal boats
If you are actually on a boat, just say 'Evezünk'. Adding 'Egy hajóban' makes it sound like you're making a joke about a crisis.
The 'Sigh' Factor
Often preceded by 'Hát...' (Well...) to emphasize the shared resignation to a situation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Ne aggódj, mi egy _________ evezünk.
The idiom specifically uses 'hajóban' (in a boat).
Which sentence is the correct idiomatic usage?
How do you say 'We are in the same boat' in Hungarian?
The inessive case '-ban' is required for this idiom.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You and your colleague both have to work late on a Friday.
This idiom is perfect for shared work burdens.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Nagyon nehéz ez a vizsga!' B: 'Tudom, _________.'
B is showing solidarity with A's struggle.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNe aggódj, mi egy _________ evezünk.
The idiom specifically uses 'hajóban' (in a boat).
How do you say 'We are in the same boat' in Hungarian?
The inessive case '-ban' is required for this idiom.
You and your colleague both have to work late on a Friday.
This idiom is perfect for shared work burdens.
A: 'Nagyon nehéz ez a vizsga!' B: 'Tudom, _________.'
B is showing solidarity with A's struggle.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it's actually quite common and can show that you are a team player, as long as the situation is genuinely shared.
Yes, it's understood, but 'evezünk' is much more idiomatic and natural for a native speaker.
Usually yes, it implies a problem or a challenge, but it's used to create a positive sense of unity.
Related Phrases
Egy csónakban evezünk.
similarWe are in the same (small) boat.
Egy húron pendülünk.
similarWe are on the same wavelength.
Közös a sorsunk.
synonymOur fate is shared.
Egy követ fújunk.
similarWe are in cahoots.
