Significado
A delay doesn't mean it's cancelled.
Contexto cultural
Hungarians often use proverbs to diffuse tension. Using this phrase shows you share the local 'keep calm and carry on' attitude. In the historic cafes of Budapest, time seems to slow down. This proverb is frequently heard when service is slow, reflecting a relaxed urban pace. Many Hungarian folk tales involve a hero waiting for years for a prophecy to come true. This proverb is the linguistic distillation of those stories. In Hungarian offices, this is used to manage expectations without sounding dismissive. It acknowledges the delay while promising the result.
Use it for small things
Don't save this only for big life events. It's perfectly fine to use it when someone is waiting for their turn in a game or for a waiter to bring the bill.
Don't use it for deadlines
If a legal or academic deadline has passed, this phrase won't help. It implies the thing is still possible, not that the rules don't apply.
Significado
A delay doesn't mean it's cancelled.
Use it for small things
Don't save this only for big life events. It's perfectly fine to use it when someone is waiting for their turn in a game or for a waiter to bring the bill.
Don't use it for deadlines
If a legal or academic deadline has passed, this phrase won't help. It implies the thing is still possible, not that the rules don't apply.
The 'Az' variation
Adding 'az' (Ami késik, az nem múlik) makes you sound slightly more traditional and emphatic. Try both!
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the correct verb.
Ami ______, nem múlik.
'Késik' is the correct verb form (3rd person singular) meaning 'is late'.
In which situation would you say 'Ami késik, nem múlik'?
Situation: Your friend is sad because their birthday present hasn't arrived in the mail yet.
The proverb is used to reassure someone that a delayed item or event will still arrive.
Which of these is the most common variation of the proverb?
Select the correct alternative form.
Adding the demonstrative pronoun 'az' is the most common and grammatically full variation.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Már egy órája várunk a vacsorára! B: Tudom, éhes vagyok én is, de...
This is the most appropriate response to reassure someone about a delay in progress.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosAmi ______, nem múlik.
'Késik' is the correct verb form (3rd person singular) meaning 'is late'.
Situation: Your friend is sad because their birthday present hasn't arrived in the mail yet.
The proverb is used to reassure someone that a delayed item or event will still arrive.
Select the correct alternative form.
Adding the demonstrative pronoun 'az' is the most common and grammatically full variation.
A: Már egy órája várunk a vacsorára! B: Tudom, éhes vagyok én is, de...
This is the most appropriate response to reassure someone about a delay in progress.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
5 perguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
It's better to use it to comfort *others* who are waiting. If you use it for yourself, it might sound like an excuse.
In this context, it means 'to be cancelled' or 'to cease to exist'.
Not exactly, but 'Majd meglesz' (It'll be done) is a more casual way to say something similar.
Yes, almost every Hungarian knows and uses this phrase regularly.
Frases relacionadas
Jobb későn, mint soha.
similarBetter late than never.
Lassú víz partot mos.
similarSlow water washes the shore (Slow and steady wins the race).
Türelem rózsát terem.
similarPatience produces roses.
Ami késik, az elmarad.
contrastWhat is delayed is cancelled.
