Budapest is a city where a little Hungarian goes a long way. While many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas, using even basic phrases can earn you smiles and better service. This guide covers the essentials for getting by, from greetings to ordering food.
Basic Greetings and Polite Phrases
Szia
[ˈsijɒ]“Hello / Hi”
The informal way to say 'hello' or 'hi' to one person. Use 'Sziasztok' (/ˈsiɒstok/) for multiple people.
Jó napot
[ˈjoːnɒpot]“Good day”
A formal greeting used during the day. Switch to 'Jó estét' (/joː ˈɛʃteːt/) in the evening.
Köszönöm
[ˈkøsøn]“Thank you”
The standard way to say 'thank you'. For emphasis, use 'Nagyon köszönöm' (/ˈnɒɟon ˈkøsønøm/), meaning 'Thank you very much'.
Bocsánat
[ˈbot͡ʃaːnɒt]“Sorry / Excuse me”
Use this to apologise or get someone's attention, like when squeezing past someone on a tram.
Navigating the City
Hol van a...?
/hol vɒn ɒ/“Where is the...?”
Essential for asking directions. For example, 'Hol van a Dohány utca?' means 'Where is Dohány Street?'
Mennyibe kerül?
/ˈmɛɲːibɛ ˈkɛryl/“How much does it cost?”
Useful in markets, taxis, or when buying tickets. The response might be 'Ez háromezer forint' ('This is 3000 forints').
Segítség!
/ˈʃɛɡiːt͡ʃːeːɡ/“Help!”
Hopefully you won't need this, but it's good to know in emergencies.
Dining and Drinking
Egy kávét kérek
/ɛɟ ˈkaːveːt ˈkeːrɛk/“I'd like a coffee”
Hungarians take coffee seriously. If you want it black, say 'Egy feketét kérek' (/ɛɟ ˈfɛkɛteːt ˈkeːrɛk/).
Menü
[ˈmɛny]“Menu”
Yes, it's the same word, but pronounced differently. Handy when you're hungry and can't find the menu.
Fizetni szeretnék
/ˈfizɛtni ˈsɛrɛtneːk/“I would like to pay”
When you're ready to settle the bill. In Budapest, you often need to ask for it rather than waiting for it to arrive.
Transport Phrases
Metró
[ˈmɛtroː]“Metro”
Budapest has an excellent metro system. The oldest line, M1, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Jegy
[ˈjɛɟ]“Ticket”
You'll need this word for public transport. 'Egy jegyet kérek' (/ɛɟ ˈjɛɟɛt ˈkeːrɛk/) means 'I'd like one ticket'.
Végállomás
[ˈveːɡaːlːomaːʃ]“Terminus”
Useful to know so you don't miss your stop on trams or buses.
Shopping and Markets
Mennyi?
/ˈmɛɲːi/“How much?”
The short version for asking prices. Point at what you want and say this to stallholders at the Great Market Hall.
Kérem
[ˈkeːr]“Please / Here you are”
Use when handing over money or receiving something. It's the polite thing to do.
Nem kérem
/nɛm ˈkeːrɛm/“No, thank you”
For when street vendors are a bit too enthusiastic. Pronounce it firmly but politely.
Hungarian pronunciation tip: Stress always falls on the first syllable of words. This is crucial for being understood.
Bonus Phrases for the Adventurous
Egészségedre!
/ˈɛɡeːʃːeːɡɛdrɛ/“Cheers! / To your health!”
What you say before drinking palinka (Hungarian fruit brandy). Locals will be impressed you can pronounce it.
Nagyon finom!
/ˈnɒɟon ˈfinom/“Very delicious!”
Compliment the chef after eating goulash or chimney cake. It's pronounced 'nodge-on fee-nom'.
Beszél angolul?
/ˈbɛseːl ˈɒŋɡolul/“Do you speak English?”
When your Hungarian fails you. Many younger Hungarians speak English, especially in Budapest.
For more fun with Hungarian, check out our guide to funny Hungarian phrases for social gatherings.
Remember: Hungarians appreciate any attempt at their language. Even if you butcher the pronunciation, your effort will be welcomed.
