Significado
Be careful, someone might be listening.
Contexto cultural
In the 1950s, the Rákosi era was characterized by intense state surveillance. This phrase was a literal warning against the 'AVH' (secret police) who might be listening through bugs or informants. In small, tight-knit village communities, privacy is often non-existent. The phrase is used to describe how news travels faster than the wind. With the rise of open-plan offices in Budapest, this phrase has seen a resurgence as a way to mock the lack of privacy in modern workplaces. The 'gangos ház' architecture of Budapest, where windows face a common corridor, makes this phrase a physical reality for many residents.
Use it with a gesture
When saying this, Hungarians often lean in and look around conspiratorially to emphasize the warning.
Don't forget the 'is'
Without 'is', it sounds like a child's observation rather than a wise proverb.
Significado
Be careful, someone might be listening.
Use it with a gesture
When saying this, Hungarians often lean in and look around conspiratorially to emphasize the warning.
Don't forget the 'is'
Without 'is', it sounds like a child's observation rather than a wise proverb.
Perfect for office politics
It's the most polite way to tell a colleague to stop gossiping before they get in trouble.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
A falnak is ____ van.
The proverb specifically refers to 'ears' (füle).
Which sentence is the correct proverb?
Choose the standard form:
The standard form includes 'is' and uses the singular 'füle van'.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
You are in a library and your friend starts talking about a secret crush.
This phrase is used to warn someone to be quiet about secrets in public.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hallottad, mit mondott a tanár? B: Pszt! Halkabban, ____.
The context of whispering about a teacher requires a warning about eavesdropping.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosA falnak is ____ van.
The proverb specifically refers to 'ears' (füle).
Choose the standard form:
The standard form includes 'is' and uses the singular 'füle van'.
You are in a library and your friend starts talking about a secret crush.
This phrase is used to warn someone to be quiet about secrets in public.
A: Hallottad, mit mondott a tanár? B: Pszt! Halkabban, ____.
The context of whispering about a teacher requires a warning about eavesdropping.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot at all. While it's an old proverb, it is used daily in modern Hungary, especially in offices and public spaces.
Yes, if you have a friendly relationship and you are warning them about something sensitive.
No, it's metaphorical. It just means the current environment is not private.
Hungarian proverbs often use the singular to represent the general concept. 'Füle' here stands for the ability to hear.
Not really. Hungarians focus on the 'hearing' aspect. If you want to say someone is watching, you'd say 'Figyelnek minket' (They are watching us).
Yes, changing the word order is possible, but 'A falnak is füle van' is the most standard version.
No, it's usually seen as a helpful warning to protect the speaker's secrets.
There isn't a direct proverb, but you might say 'Itt biztonságban vagyunk' (We are safe here).
Metaphorically, yes. People sometimes use it when talking about privacy online or near phones.
Yes, it appears frequently in Hungarian novels, especially those set in the 20th century.
Frases relacionadas
Vigyázz, mit beszélsz!
similarWatch what you say!
Nem tartozik fűre-fára.
similarIt's not for everyone to know.
Lakat van a száján.
similarHis/her lips are sealed.
Kikiabálja a titkot.
contrastTo shout out a secret.
