Hungarian Language / Useful Words & Phrases
Hungarian is a notoriously difficult language to learn as it's not similar to any other European tongue. Listening to locals speak or looking at written notices can leave a tourist feeling helpless and baffled. Fortunately, you'll find that many young people have enthusiastically taken to learning English (as they rightly see it as the language of business or their key to a well paid job with a foreign employer). German is spoken by a significant number of older Hungarians. So chances are, you'll be able to get by without too many problems.
However, a few well-chosen words of Hungarian will endear you to local people. Indeed, you may even make a friend for life! While pronunciation is difficult, Hungarians won't worry as they'll be pleased that you made an attempt to speak their language.
Listed below are a number of key phrases and words to help you to get around. So if you're feeling brave give these a go before you resort to taking the 'easy' way out (see below).
If all else fails, remember the phrase "Beszél itt valaki angolul?". It simply means does anyone here speak English?
| Basic Expressions |
Translation |
| Good morning |
Jó reggelt |
| Good day |
Jó napot |
| Good evening |
Jó estét |
| Goodbye |
Viszontlátásra |
| Yes |
Igen |
| No |
Nem |
| Please |
Kérem |
| Thank you/No thank you |
Köszönöm/Nem Köszönöm |
| Excuse me |
Bocsánat! |
| I am Fred Smith |
Fred Smith vagyok |
| Pleased to meet you |
Orvendek |
| I understand/don't understand |
Értem/Nem értem |
| I think so |
Azt hiszem |
| |
Shopping |
| Entrance |
Bejárat |
| Exit |
Kijárat |
| Push |
Tolni |
| Pull |
Húszni |
| Open |
Nyitva |
| Closed |
Zárva |
| Cashier |
Pénztár |
| It's too expensive |
Ez túl drága |
| How much is it |
Mennyibe kerül |
| Where is the cashier/checkout |
Hol van a pénztár |
| That's all thank you |
Köszönöm, mást nem kérek |
| Back soon (hopefully!) |
Rögtön jövök |
| Closed for lunch |
Ebédszünet miatt zárva |
| |
| Shop Names |
| Patisserie |
Cukrászda |
| Cafe/Coffee House |
Kávéház |
| Restaurant |
Étterem/Vendéglő |
| Department Store |
Áruház |
| Souvenir Shop |
Ajándék Bolt |
| Chemist |
Gyógyszertár or Patika |
| Confectioners/Sweet shop |
Édességbolt |
| Wine or drinks shop |
Italbolt |
| Butchers |
Húsbolt |
| Bakers |
Pékség (uzlet) |
| Greengrocers |
Zöldséges |
| Foodshop/Supermarket |
Csemegebolt |
| Pub/Winebar |
Sorozo/Borozo |
| Opticians |
Optika |
| Post Office |
Posta |
| Laundry |
Ruhatisztító |
| Travel Agency |
Utazási iroda |
| |
| Food and Drinks |
| Menu (Food) |
Etlap |
| Menu (drinks) |
Italap |
| Breakfast |
Reggeli |
| Lunch |
Ebéd |
| Dinner |
Vacsora |
| I'm hungry/thirsty |
Éhes/Szomjas vagyok |
| Getting around |
Where is the (nearest)...
Bus stop
Railway Station |
Hol van a (legközelebbi) .....
Buszmegálló
Palyudvar |
| |
| Other useful signs |
Police
|
Rendőrség
|
| Ambulance |
Mentők |
| No entry/admittance |
Tilos a bemenet! |
| No smoking |
Dohányozni tilos |
| Ticket Office |
Jegypénztár |
|
|
But if all else fails... |
|
| Do you speak English (German / French)? |
Beszél on angolul (németül/franciául)? |
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 Your Top Choice! Budget place, great location & helpful staff! Different rooms and apartments.
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 Self catering apartments in the downtown Cheap solution for your stay.
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 Mini-hotels/bed and breakfast places. Clean rooms with bathroom, TV & minibar.
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 The cheapest way to stay in the City is in a dormitory room. If you like it go on!
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 For a more pleasant and luxury stay we also offer 3 and 4 star hotels in the capital.
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Find some hints on where to go & what to do in Budapest! 
Read the basics about Hungary & learn some Hungarian phrases!
Discover more about Hungary's culture & history!