Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA |
|---|---|
| kicsi | [ˈkit͡ʃi] (narrow) |
| kis | [ˈkiʃ] (narrow) |
Both forms express the concept of something that is not large. While they share the same basic meaning, they are used in different grammatical positions and carry different nuances.
Which one should you use?
The form kis is used as an attributive adjective placed directly before a noun. In contrast, kicsi is typically used as a predicative adjective that follows a verb. Additionally, kicsi often carries a more diminutive or affectionate connotation compared to the neutral kis.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form kis is indeclinable, meaning it does not change its ending to match the noun it modifies. The form kicsi can take adjective endings to agree with the noun it describes when it follows a verb, such as in the phrase nagy kicsik for big small ones.
When do people say it?
If you want to emphasize that something is really small, you can use the word pici, which is an affectionate way of expressing smallness.
Did you know?
- The word kis is not originally Hungarian but was borrowed from Turkic languages, similar to the Turkish word küçük.
- When used as a term of affection, kicsi can function like the English word 'baby' or 'sweetie' when addressing a partner.
- Hungarian speakers often use kis as a prefix to create names for things that are not actually small, but are perceived as cute or cozy.
Examples in context
- Ez egy kis falu.This is a small village.This sentence shows how to use kis before a noun.Tatoeba #3933910 by felvideki, translation #3933907 by felvideki
- Ez a cipó kicsi.This loaf of bread is small.This sentence shows how to use kicsi after a verb to describe a noun.Tatoeba #4236086 by bandeirante, translation #1771771 by gone2bacolod
- Ez a könyv kicsi.This book is small.Tatoeba #7847783 by jegaevi, translation #56916 by CK
- A kis lakásom így is otthonos.My small apartment is still cozy.
- A pici kiskutya nagyon cuki.The tiny puppy is very cute.
- Az apró részletekre is figyelj.Pay attention to the small details too.
- 217 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tamás and Anna are looking at a puppy in a pet shop.
- TamásNézd, milyen kicsi ez a kutyuska!Look, how small this puppy is!
- AnnaIgen, nagyon édes.Yes, it is very sweet.
- TamásSzerinted lesz később nagy?Do you think it will be big later?
- AnnaNem hiszem, ez egy kicsi fajta.I don't think so, this is a small breed.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “small” translations and entries kicsi, kis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kicsi, kis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
