Signification
Someone who thinks very quickly and smartly.
Contexte culturel
Hungarians value 'leleményesség' (resourcefulness). Being 'vág az esze' is seen as a survival trait inherited from a history of being a small nation. In Hungarian schools, teachers often use this phrase to encourage bright students, emphasizing logic over rote memorization. In a Hungarian startup environment, 'vág az esze' is a common way to describe a 'rockstar' developer or problem solver. Many Hungarian folk tales feature a 'szegénylegény' (poor lad) whose mind 'cuts' better than the king's, allowing him to win the princess.
Add 'mint a borotva'
To sound like a native, add 'mint a borotva' (like a razor) to the end for extra emphasis.
Watch the possessive!
Don't forget to change 'esze' to 'eszem' if you are talking about yourself.
Signification
Someone who thinks very quickly and smartly.
Add 'mint a borotva'
To sound like a native, add 'mint a borotva' (like a razor) to the end for extra emphasis.
Watch the possessive!
Don't forget to change 'esze' to 'eszem' if you are talking about yourself.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'ész' (mind).
Péter nagyon okos, neki tényleg vág az ____.
Since we are talking about Péter (he), we need the 3rd person singular possessive suffix '-e'.
Which sentence is a compliment for a quick-thinking person?
Melyik mondat dicséret?
'Vág az esze' means smart, while the others mean slow, stupid, or crazy.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hogy oldottad meg ezt ilyen gyorsan?' B: 'Mert ____.'
Speaker B is talking about themselves, so 'vág az eszem' (my mind cuts) is correct.
In which situation would you use 'Vág az esze'?
Melyik helyzetben használnád?
The idiom is specifically for mental speed and cleverness.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPéter nagyon okos, neki tényleg vág az ____.
Since we are talking about Péter (he), we need the 3rd person singular possessive suffix '-e'.
Melyik mondat dicséret?
'Vág az esze' means smart, while the others mean slow, stupid, or crazy.
A: 'Hogy oldottad meg ezt ilyen gyorsan?' B: 'Mert ____.'
Speaker B is talking about themselves, so 'vág az eszem' (my mind cuts) is correct.
Melyik helyzetben használnád?
The idiom is specifically for mental speed and cleverness.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes, but be careful not to sound too arrogant. Use 'Vág az eszem ehhez' (I'm sharp at this) rather than just 'Vág az eszem' (I'm smart).
No, it's a very positive compliment. Only rude if used sarcastically.
'Okos' is general intelligence; 'vág az esze' is specifically about speed and quick wit.
Expressions liées
Helyén van az esze
similarTo be sensible and smart.
Vág az agya
synonymHis brain cuts.
Lassú a felfogása
contrastSlow on the uptake.
Éles eszű
builds onSharp-minded.
