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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). Within our Budapest
guide books section, we've also listed a couple of language titles that might be useful
to those wishing to learn a few basic phrases, as well as anyone intending to live or work in
Hungary. In addition, useful external links include Wikipedia
and MTA Sztaki
(English/Hungarian, Hungarian/English dictionary). For details of Hungarian language
schools in Budapest see our directory
listings.
That said, if all else fails, remember the phrase "Beszél itt valaki
angolul?". It
simply means does anyone here speak English?
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Basic Expressions
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Translation
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Pronunciation
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Good morning
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Jó reggelt
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reggelt.wav
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Good day
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Jó napot
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napot.wav
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Good evening
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Jó estét
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estét.wav
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Goodbye
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Viszontlátásra
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viszont.wav
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Yes
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Igen
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No
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Nem
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Please
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Kérem
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Thank you/No thank you
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Köszönöm/Nem
Köszönöm
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köszönöm.wav
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Excuse me
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Bocsánat!
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bocsánat.wav
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I am Fred Smith
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Fred Smith vagyok
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vagyok.wav
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Pleased to meet you
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Orvendek
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orvendek.wav
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I understand/don't understand
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Értem/Nem értem
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I think so
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Azt hiszem
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hiszem.wav
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Shopping
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Entrance
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Bejárat
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Exit
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Kijárat
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Push
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Tolni
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Pull
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Húszni
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Open
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Nyitva
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Closed
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Zárva
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Cashier
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Pénztár
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It's too expensive
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Ez túl drága
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drága.wav
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How much is it
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Mennyibe kerül
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mennyibe.wav
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Where is the cashier/checkout
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Hol van a pénztár
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pénztár.wav
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That's all thank you
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Köszönöm, mást nem
kérek
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mást
nem.wav
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Back soon (hopefully!)
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Rögtön jövök
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Closed for lunch
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Ebédszünet miatt zárva
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Shop Names
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Patisserie
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Cukrászda
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Cafe/Coffee House
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Kávéház
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Restaurant
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Étterem/Vendéglő
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Department Store
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Áruház
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Souvenir Shop
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Ajándék Bolt
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Chemist
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Gyógyszertár or Patika
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Confectioners/Sweet shop
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Édességbolt
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Wine or drinks shop
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Italbolt
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Butchers
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Húsbolt
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Bakers
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Pékség (uzlet)
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Greengrocers
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Zöldséges
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Foodshop/Supermarket
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Csemegebolt
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Pub/Winebar
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Sorozo/Borozo
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Opticians
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Optika
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Post Office
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Posta
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Laundry
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Ruhatisztító
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Travel Agency
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Utazási iroda
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Food and Drinks
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Menu (Food)
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Etlap
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Menu (drinks)
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Italap
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Breakfast
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Reggeli
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Lunch
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Ebéd
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Dinner
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Vacsora
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I'm hungry/thirsty
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Éhes/Szomjas vagyok
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ehes.wav
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Getting around
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Where is the (nearest)...
Bus stop
Railway Station
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Hol van a (legközelebbi) .....
Buszmegálló
Palyudvar
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hol
van.wav
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Other useful signs:
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Police
Ambulance
No entry/admittance
No smoking
Ticket Office
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Rendőrség
Mentők
Tilos a bemenet!
Dohányozni tilos
Jegypénztár
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But if all else fails...
Do you speak English (German / French)?
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Beszél on angolul (németül/franciául)?
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beszél.wav
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