Basic Words

1. Igen

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Nem

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Kérem

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

4. Köszönöm

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

5. Elnézést

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

6. Sajnálom

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Rendben van

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. Nem értem

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Értem

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Kész vagyok

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

11. Kérem, várjon

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    "várjon" is the third-person imperative used as the polite request form; "várj" is informal.

12. Egy pillanat

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Egy felnőtt, kérem

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. Nincs foglalásom

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

15. Van foglalásom

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Kérem, segítsen

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

17. Még egyszer, kérem

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Kérem, beszéljen lassabban

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Beszélek egy kicsit

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

20. Beszél angolul?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

21. Ez

    This

    Usage

    Point at something within reach; use it while pointing at a menu item or a product

22. Az

    That

    Usage

    Hungarian has a two-way this/that split, so both Japanese "sore" and "are" map onto this single word. Add pointing, or "az ott" (that one over there), when distance matters

23. Itt

    Here

    Usage

    Indicates where you are; also used when pointing at your current position on a map

24. Ott

    There

    Usage

    A place away from you. It pairs with "itt" in a two-way split, so it covers both Japanese "soko" and "asoko"

25. Amott

    Over there (further away)

    Usage

    Marks somewhere further off than "ott". Everyday speech overwhelmingly uses "ott"; this one sounds slightly old-fashioned, so reach for it only to stress the distance

26. Én

    I / Me

    Usage

    Refers to yourself. Hungarian verb endings already mark the subject, so this pronoun is normally dropped — show it when you need the emphasis, e.g. splitting a group or claiming a bill

27. Ön

    You (formal)

    Usage

    The polite "you" for strangers, staff, and officials. Close acquaintances get "te", but a traveller is safe defaulting to "Ön"; "maga" is a more familiar form than "Ön" and can sound impolite in some situations

28. Együtt

    Together

    Usage

    Shows that you are with someone, or that you want to pay as one; also useful for asking to be in a photo together

29. Most azonnal

    Right now

    Usage

    Conveys urgency more strongly than "most" (now) on its own; use it in a medical or accident situation to show you cannot wait

30. Egy fő

    One person

    Usage

    State a headcount at a restaurant or a counter; "fő" is the counter word for people. "I'm on my own" is "egyedül vagyok"

31. Két fő

    Two people

    Usage

    State a headcount at a restaurant or a counter. Before a noun the numeral "kettő" shortens to "két"

32. Három fő

    Three people

    Usage

    State a headcount at a restaurant or a counter; "fő" stays singular after a numeral

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