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Introductions
When you meet a local in Hungary, expect abundant questions about your name and your place of origin, and while an increasing number of people speak English at various levels in the cities, people who do not speak Hungarian can find themselves in situations when they need to find a way to overcome language barriers. To make your life easier, here are informal ways of basic introduction.
Mi a neved?
(mi aw neh-ved)
“What’s your name?” An informal way of asking about someone’s name.
A nevem…
(ah neh-vehm)
“My name is…” Then fill in the blank with your name.
Honnan jöttél?
(hon-nan yot-tel)
“Where are you coming from?” An informal way of asking about your place of origin.
Hány éves vagy?
(Hauwn eh-vehs vah-dj)
“How old are you?” Note that not everyone is keen on sharing the secret of their age with you.
Beszélsz magyarul/angolul?
(bass-ale-ss ma-ja-rule/on-goh-lool)
“Do you speak Hungarian/English?” An informal way of trying to find a common language to interconnect.
Nem beszélek magyarul/angolul.
(nem bass-ale-lack ma-ja-rule/on-goh-lool)
“I don’t speak Hungarian/English.” In this case you might want to find someone who can help with translating, or start using gestures to explain what you are up to.
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Shopping
Around the touristic hotspots and the major shopping zones there is always someone speaking English, but in smaller locales it’s easy to run into difficulties created by language barriers. Learn how to purchase a public-transport ticket, or how to say if you prefer paying by cash or card.
Szeretnék egy…
(se-ret-nayk eh-dj)
“I would like a…”. Use this expression when you want to purchase something.
Egy jegyet kérek.
(eh-dj yej-et keh-rack)
“A ticket please.” When you buy a public-transport ticket or you want to enter a museum.
Mennyibe kerül?
(men'-nyi-be ke-rewl)
“How much does it cost?”
Bankkártya
(Bahnk-kaar-tya)
“Bankcard” Most shops and restaurants accept card payment in Budapest.
Készpénz
(kes-penz)
“Cash” While most places accept bankcards or credit cards, there are still a few spots where you can only pay with cash.
Csak nézelődöm.
(chok nay-ze-lo-dom)
“I’m just looking.” If you enter a shop just to browse around.
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Bars and restaurants
Make sure to venture into the culinary adventures that Budapest has to offer, and try some of the many hip bars around town. Luckily, the staff speaks English almost everywhere – as far as downtown is concerned – but if not, or in case you want to impress someone, here are some basic guidelines:
Kérek egy pálinkát/bort/sört
(keh-rack eh-dj pah-lin-cat/bore-t/shirt)
“I would like a pálinka (Hungarian fruit brandy)/wine/beer” Certainly this will be one of your most extensively used expressions during your stay in the Hungarian capital.
Egészségedre!
(ag-eh-sheg-ad-reh)
“Cheers!” Say this when you clink your wine glasses, and don’t forget to look into the other person’s eyes. You can also use this as “bless you” if someone sneezes. No kidding!
Jó étvágyat!
(yoh eht-vah-djot)
“Enjoy your meal!” Hungarians always say 'jó étvágyat” to each other before they start devouring their meal.
A számlát kérem!
(aw sam-lat keh-rem)
“The bill, please!” Common term for getting the bill in a bar or restaurant. Don’t forget to check if the tip is included. Read our guidelines on tipping here.
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Direction
Whether you navigate Budapest on foot or by car, it’s good to know the basic directions to find your way from one point to another hassle-free. In case you try to get around by car, check out our tips and hints about the driving laws of Hungary.
Hol van a…?
(hol vahn aw)
“Where is the…?” Depending on what you are looking for, fill in the blank.
Itt/ott
(eat/oht)
“Here/there”
Balra/jobbra/egyenesen
(bawl-ra/yohb-ra/e-dye-ne-shen)
“Left/right/straight”
A sarkon
(ah shor-kon)
“At the corner”
Bejárat/Kijárat
(beh-yah-raht/kih-yah-raht)
“Entrance/Exit”
