A Traveller’s Guide to Hungarian

A Traveller’s Guide to Hungarian

Planning a trip to Hungary but a bit intimidated by the language? While Hungarian might not be the easiest European language, we’re confident you’ll pick up a few phrases from our guide.

Hungary is no stranger to foreign tourists who are unfamiliar with the language. And while bigger cities (like Budapest), have lots of people who speak English, people from smaller areas often don’t. In most cases, you won’t really need to converse with the locals much. But it’s never a bad idea to prepare yourself with a few key words and phrases. This especially comes in handy if you plan on attending any 节日, or taking any day trips. After all, part of the experience of travelling is to learn bits of other languages, right?! Being able to understand a bit or converse will bring your experiences abroad to an entirely new level. So let’s get into the infamously complex language, and learn a little bit of Hungarian!

The Basics

This section covers the basics you need in virtually any language. Locals will appreciate even the tiniest bit of effort from tourists to speak the language, even if it’s just a yes or no. From greetings, to words, and phrases, you can learn it all here!

Viszlát/Szia

Goodbye/ Hi and See you

Jó reggelt

Good morning

Jó éjszakát

Good night

Igen / Nem

Yes/ No

Köszönöm

Thank you

Később találkozunk

See you later.

Nem beszélek magyarul.

I don’t speak Hungarian.

Beszélsz angolul?

Do you speak english?

Nem értem.

I don’t understand.

Nem tudom.

I don’t know.

Travel & Directions

If you’re planning on spending any time in the countryside, or in a smaller urban area, this section will come in handy. As we mentioned earlier, many people living outside urban centres have little to no English skills, so if you’re going to visit their country, it’s not a bad idea to prepare! But even in Budapest, it’s a nice effort to use what you can, especially if you’re seeking out a great Instagram spot!

Merre van a Parlament?

Where is the Parliament?

Elvinne a Keleti pályaudvarhoz?

Would you take me to Keleti station?

Eltévedtem.

I’m lost.

Késik a vonat

The train is delayed.

A reptérre szeretnék menni

I would like to go to the airport.

Messze van?

Is it far?

Milyen lesz ma az idő?

How will be the weather today?

Food & Drink

The chances of you not drinking or eating a thing while in Hungary is pretty slim. Budapest is famous for their party scene, after all. So this is arguably one of the most important sections in our traveller’s guide to Hungarian. And if you’re vegetarian, there’s a few useful phrases here you’ll want to learn!

Egy sört kérek.

I would like a beer.

Iszol velem egy italt?

Would you drink with me?

Még egyet kérné.

One more please.

Ez az étel vegetáriánus?

Is this meal vegetarian?

Jó étvágyat.

Enjoy your meal.

Nem eszem húst.

I don’t eat meat.

Egészségedre

Cheers

Részeg vagyok.

I’m drunk.

Mit ajánl?

What do you recommend?

Kérem a számlát.

The bill please.

Fizetni szeretnék.

I would like to pay.

Cukor nélkül kérem.

Without sugar, please.

Shopping & Time

Shopping is another pretty typical part of a traveller’s itinerary, even if only for souvenirs. While employees in big box shops likely speak a bit of English, you might be hard pressed to find it at a flea market, for example. So have a look at these words and phrases and start practicing!

Mennyibe kerül?

How much does it cost?

Egy, kettő, három, négy, öt, hat, hét, nyolc, kilenc, tíz

one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten

Hétfő, Kedd, Szerda, Csütörtök, Péntek, Szombat, Vasárnap

Monday, Tuesday ,Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday , Sunday

Hány óra?

What time is it?

Ingyenes?

Is it free?

Romance

We told you our guide had tons of useful words and phrases, because we’re not going to pretend that love can’t happen while travelling! Or maybe you just need to tell someone to leave you alone; either way, this section has you covered.

Megkaphatom a telefonszámodat?

Can I get your phone number?

Szingli vagyok.

I’m single.

Házas vagyok.

I’m married.

Hagyj békén!

Leave me alone!

Szeretlek

I love you

Random, but Useful!

And here’s just a few more random phrases that might come in handy while travelling in Hungary!

Mi a wifi jelszó?

What’s the wifi password?

Fáj a fejem

I have a headache

Boldog Születésnapot

Happy Birthday

Where to Stay in Hungary

Chances are pretty high you’ll be in Budapest at one point or another, so book with the best and stay at Maverick Hostel. Located in a Hapsburg era mansion, you’ll love the vibe at Maverick’s, and will more than likely meet lots of other great travellers here! Don’t leave your booking too late as it’s quite a popular spot.

A Traveller’s Guide to Hungarian

We hope you’ve been able to pick up a few words and phrases in our Traveller’s Guide to Hungarian to help you have the best travel experience in Hungary. If you need more information to help you plan your adventure, click 这里 for a range of helpful tips, city guides, food guides, and more. For all the latest news at Famous Hostels, follow us or subscribe on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Youtube.