5 sentences to learn before coming to Hungary! – Part III.

Continuing our series of articles, here are yet another five phrases that you might want to learn before you come to Hungary.

Find the first part of the series here, and the second part here!

1. Mi a neved? – What’s your name?

If the only conversation we have with other people is not merely asking where we can find this or that place, we might even get to make new friends. Ask for the other person’s name by saying:

• Mi a neved? /mi ɒ nɛvɛd?/

Hopefully, you can continue to talk in the language both of you speak well and start a beautiful friendship.

2. Honnan jöttél? – Where are you from?

This one is perfect to continue the conversation with. You might even find out that some of your ancestors are from the same country! Just ask this to inquire about the other’s country of origin:

• Honnan jöttél? – /honːɒɲːøtːeːl?/

3. Szeretnélek meghívni vacsorázni – I would like to invite you to dinner

In case you would like to spend a great time with somebody with a delicious meal, ask them out to dinner! Just say this in Hungarian:

• Szeretnélek meghívni vacsorázni. /sɛɾɛtneːlɛk mɛkhiːvni vɒʧoɾaːzni/

Hopefully, the answer will be something like “szuper!” (“cool!) or “nagyon örülnék neki!” (“I would love that!”).

4. Bocsánat! / Elnézést! – Sorry!

And now, let us learn how to apologise in case we bump into someone or step on someone’s foot – accidentally, of course. If any of that happens, just say one of these two (or both of them for more dramatic effect):

• Bocsánat! /boʧaːnɒt!/; Elnézést! /ɛlneːzeːʃt!/

Surely, they will not hold a grudge against you.

5. Nem értem. – I don’t understand.

You can use this phrase every time you do not understand something that was said to you. Just say:

• Nem értem. /nɛm eːɾtɛm/

Hopefully, they will try and explain it to you another way, or maybe in another language! You can even say “megismételnéd?” /mɛgiʃmeːtɛlneːd?/, which means “could you repeat that?”.

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