뜻
A large canine animal.
문화적 배경
The term is often used with a 'half-smile.' Hungarians have a complicated relationship with authority, often viewing 'big shots' as people who are clever enough to navigate the system, rather than just hard workers. In rural Transylvanian Hungarian communities, the literal meaning is still very dominant because large shepherd dogs (like the Chortai or Kuvasz) are still working animals. The figurative meaning is understood but used less frequently than in Budapest. In the modern Budapest office scene, 'nagy kutya' is being slightly replaced by English loanwords like 'senior management' or 'leadership,' but it remains the go-to phrase for informal venting among colleagues. Tabloids often use 'nagy kutya' in headlines to refer to celebrities or wealthy businessmen involved in scandals, as it grabs attention and sounds punchy.
Use it with 'igazi'
To sound more native, add 'igazi' (real). 'Ő egy igazi nagy kutya.' It adds emphasis and makes the idiom sound more natural.
Watch the plural
Remember that 'nagy kutyák' refers to the people, but 'nagy kutyái' refers to the big shots *of* something (e.g., 'a cég nagy kutyái').
뜻
A large canine animal.
Use it with 'igazi'
To sound more native, add 'igazi' (real). 'Ő egy igazi nagy kutya.' It adds emphasis and makes the idiom sound more natural.
Watch the plural
Remember that 'nagy kutyák' refers to the people, but 'nagy kutyái' refers to the big shots *of* something (e.g., 'a cég nagy kutyái').
The 'Fejes' alternative
If you feel 'nagy kutya' is too much, use 'fejes.' It's safer in a wider variety of informal situations.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'nagy kutya'.
Nem könnyű a ______ beszélni, mert nagyon elfoglaltak. (plural)
The sentence requires the instrumental plural ('with the big shots'). 'Beszélni valakivel' means 'to talk with someone'.
Which sentence uses 'nagy kutya' figuratively?
Válaszd ki a figuratív jelentést!
This sentence refers to an uncle being a 'big shot' in the oil industry, which is the figurative use.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ki az az ember abban a drága öltönyben? B: Ő a cég egyik ______.
The possessive 'nagy kutyája' (one of the company's big shots) fits the context of identifying an important person.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Mikor mondanád: 'Megjöttek a nagy kutyák'?
This phrase is used when important leaders or decision-makers arrive.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Formal vs Informal
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Nem könnyű a ______ beszélni, mert nagyon elfoglaltak. (plural)
The sentence requires the instrumental plural ('with the big shots'). 'Beszélni valakivel' means 'to talk with someone'.
Válaszd ki a figuratív jelentést!
This sentence refers to an uncle being a 'big shot' in the oil industry, which is the figurative use.
A: Ki az az ember abban a drága öltönyben? B: Ő a cég egyik ______.
The possessive 'nagy kutyája' (one of the company's big shots) fits the context of identifying an important person.
Mikor mondanád: 'Megjöttek a nagy kutyák'?
This phrase is used when important leaders or decision-makers arrive.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not inherently, but it is informal. It's like calling someone a 'big shot'—it can be a compliment, a neutral description, or a bit of a jab depending on your tone.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. A powerful woman can also be a 'nagy kutya.'
'Fejes' is slightly more focused on the 'boss' aspect, while 'nagy kutya' focuses more on 'influence and power' in general.
You would say 'kis hal' (small fish) or 'kis ponty' (small carp). There isn't really a 'kis kutya' idiom for people.
No, avoid it in formal essays or business emails. Use 'vezető' or 'befolyásos személy' instead.
99% of the time, yes. Occasionally it might refer to a massive, dominant company (e.g., 'A Google egy nagy kutya a piacon').
Because of Hungary's history as a landlocked, pastoral nation where dogs were the most visible symbols of power and protection.
Literally, yes (huge dog), but it doesn't work as an idiom for a 'big shot.' Stick to 'nagy.'
Very. You'll hear it in almost any Hungarian crime or business drama.
It is 'nagy kutyákat.' Example: 'Nem szeretem a nagy kutyákat.'
관련 표현
fejes
synonymA boss or big shot.
kis hal
contrastA 'small fish' or unimportant person.
kutyába se veszik
similarTo be treated like a dog (ignored/disrespected).
ő fújja a passzátszelet
builds onHe is the one who calls the shots (blows the trade winds).
