Meaning
A container or place is occupied.
Cultural Background
Hungarians value hospitality. A 'tele' plate is a sign of a good host. It is often considered rude to leave a plate empty too quickly, as the host will immediately refill it. During rush hour, 'tele van' is a constant state. There is a specific etiquette for pushing into a 'tele' tram—always say 'Bocsánat' (Sorry). The term 'Telt ház' is a point of pride. Even small town theaters strive for a 'full house,' reflecting the country's deep love for performing arts. In villages, 'tele van a padlás' (the attic is full) often refers to having plenty of smoked meats and supplies for the winter, symbolizing security.
The -val/-vel trick
Always remember to add -val/-vel to the noun if you say what it's full of. 'Tele van vízzel.'
Avoid 'Tele vagyok'
Unless you want to sound like a gas tank, use 'Jól laktam' at the dinner table.
Meaning
A container or place is occupied.
The -val/-vel trick
Always remember to add -val/-vel to the noun if you say what it's full of. 'Tele van vízzel.'
Avoid 'Tele vagyok'
Unless you want to sound like a gas tank, use 'Jól laktam' at the dinner table.
Signage
If you see a sign saying 'MEGTELT' at a hotel, don't go in; they have no rooms!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'van' or 'nincs'.
A pohár tele ____ vízzel. (The glass is full of water.)
The subject 'a pohár' is 3rd person singular, so we use 'van'.
Which sentence is correct for saying you are full after a meal?
Ebéd után mit mondasz?
Hungarians use 'Jól laktam' to express satiety after eating.
Match the Hungarian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
These are common variations and idioms using the concept of 'tele'.
Complete the dialogue at the bus stop.
A: Jön a busz! Felszállunk? B: Nem, nézd, ____.
If the bus is full, you wouldn't want to get on.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA pohár tele ____ vízzel. (The glass is full of water.)
The subject 'a pohár' is 3rd person singular, so we use 'van'.
Ebéd után mit mondasz?
Hungarians use 'Jól laktam' to express satiety after eating.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common variations and idioms using the concept of 'tele'.
A: Jön a busz! Felszállunk? B: Nem, nézd, ____.
If the bus is full, you wouldn't want to get on.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsOnly metaphorically (e.g., 'tele van energiával'). For hunger, use 'jól laktam'.
They are variations of the same word. 'Tele' is more common as a standalone adjective, while 'teli' is often used in compounds like 'telitalálat' (bullseye).
It's informal and shows frustration. It's not a swear word, but it's not polite either.
You say 'félig van'.
Related Phrases
Megtelt
similarIt has become full
Telt ház
specialized formFull house
Tele van a hócipőm
idiomI am fed up
Színültig
similarTo the brim
Üres
contrastEmpty
