Meaning
Small amounts eventually add up.
Cultural Background
The 'Sok kicsi' foundation is a well-known Hungarian charity that supports children's hospitals. Their name is a direct reference to this proverb, implying that many small donations save lives. OTP Bank, the largest bank in Hungary, has used variations of this phrase in marketing for decades to encourage 'takarékosság' (thriftiness) among the working class. In Hungarian villages, it was common to collect 'apró' (small change) in a 'kakasos persely' (rooster-shaped piggy bank). The proverb was often painted on these jars. Hungarian teachers often use this to motivate students before exams, emphasizing that daily homework (even if small) is the key to a good grade.
Use it for encouragement
This is the best phrase to use when someone feels their effort is too small. It's very positive.
Singular Verb Rule
Remember: even though you mean 'many small things', the verb 'megy' is singular. Never say 'mennek'!
Meaning
Small amounts eventually add up.
Use it for encouragement
This is the best phrase to use when someone feels their effort is too small. It's very positive.
Singular Verb Rule
Remember: even though you mean 'many small things', the verb 'megy' is singular. Never say 'mennek'!
The 'Sok kicsi...' shortcut
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Sok kicsi...' and nod. Everyone will know exactly what you mean.
Financial Context
If you are opening a bank account in Hungary, you might see this on the brochures. It's the unofficial motto of Hungarian thriftiness.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
Sok kicsi _______ megy.
The correct form is 'sokra', which uses the sublative case to indicate the result.
Which sentence uses the proverb correctly in a financial context?
Pénzt akarok megtakarítani.
The proverb is used to encourage saving small amounts.
Match the Hungarian words to their English meanings in this phrase.
Match the following:
These are the literal translations of the components.
What would you say to a friend who is learning 2 words a day?
Barát: 'Csak két szót tanulok naponta. Ez nagyon kevés.' Te: '_________________'
The proverb is the perfect encouragement for small, consistent efforts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to apply this?
Finances
- • Savings
- • Interest
- • Discounts
Skills
- • Languages
- • Coding
- • Instruments
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSok kicsi _______ megy.
The correct form is 'sokra', which uses the sublative case to indicate the result.
Pénzt akarok megtakarítani.
The proverb is used to encourage saving small amounts.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the literal translations of the components.
Barát: 'Csak két szót tanulok naponta. Ez nagyon kevés.' Te: '_________________'
The proverb is the perfect encouragement for small, consistent efforts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in a business meeting or with your grandmother.
Usually no. It is almost always used for positive accumulation like money, knowledge, or progress.
The '-ra' ending (sublative case) indicates the result or the state the 'small things' are moving towards.
The closest are 'Every little helps' or 'Many a mickle makes a muckle'.
Yes, it is a very common variation. 'Viszi' means 'carries/takes'.
Yes, in this proverb, the adjective 'kicsi' (small) functions as a noun meaning 'small thing/amount'.
No, the standard form does not use a comma.
Yes, especially when talking about side hustles, crypto savings, or gym progress.
Only metaphorically. If you mean many small people can do a big task, 'Sok lúd disznót győz' is better.
It literally means 'goes', but here it functions as 'amounts to' or 'results in'.
Related Phrases
Ki a kicsit nem becsüli, a nagyot nem érdemli.
similarHe who doesn't value the small doesn't deserve the big.
Sok lúd disznót győz.
similarMany geese can defeat a pig.
Lassan járj, tovább érsz.
similarWalk slowly, you'll get further.
Ami sok, az sok.
contrastEnough is enough (Too much is too much).
