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érdemelni — meaning in English: to deserve

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Guess the translation for to deserve
beszélgetni
négy
nevetni
tervezni
érdemelni
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neutral common
Usage
Native Hungarian speakers commonly use 'érdemelni' in conversations about fairness or justice, particularly when discussing rewards or recognition. For instance, one might say 'Ő megérdemli a díjat' ('He deserves the award') when talking about a deserving candidate in a competitive environment.
Synonyms & nuances
'Érdemelni' is often compared to 'jogos,' which means 'justified' or 'rightful.' While both convey a sense of deserving, 'érdemelni' specifically emphasizes earned merit, often in a more personal or emotional context, whereas 'jogos' can refer to entitlement based on rights or laws.
Culture
'Érdemelni' has roots in the Hungarian word 'érdem,' which signifies merit or worthiness. This word carries significant cultural weight, especially in contexts where hard work and integrity are highly valued. Notably, during Hungary’s rich history of literature and poetry, themes of deserving recognition have often been explored, reinforcing the word’s importance in Hungarian culture.
FAQ
Q.How do you use 'érdemelni' in a sentence?
'Érdemelni' is used with an object to indicate what someone deserves. For example, 'Megérdemled a pihenést' means 'You deserve the rest.'
Q.Is 'érdemelni' used in formal contexts?
'Érdemelni' is considered neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal situations. It's appropriate to use in everyday conversations as well as in more serious discussions about justice and merit.
Q.What are common mistakes when using 'érdemelni'?
A common mistake is to confuse 'érdemelni' with 'kapni' (to receive). While 'érdemelni' emphasizes merit, 'kapni' simply means to get or receive something without the connotation of deserving it.
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Hungarian Vocabulary