Learning a new language is always an exciting journey. Hungarian, a Uralic language spoken by around 13 million people, is no exception. While Hungarian is known for its complex grammar and unique vocabulary, starting with the basics can make the process more manageable and enjoyable. In this article, we will explore 50 essential words you need to know for Hungarian at the A1 level. These words will help you navigate everyday conversations and build a solid foundation for further learning.

1. Basic Greetings

Understanding basic greetings is crucial when learning any language. In Hungarian, these words will help you start conversations on the right foot.

1. Szia – Hi/Bye
2. Jó napot – Good day
3. Jó reggelt – Good morning
4. Jó estét – Good evening
5. Jó éjszakát – Good night

2. Common Phrases

These common phrases will help you navigate everyday situations and express basic needs.

6. Kérem – Please
7. Köszönöm – Thank you
8. Bocsánat – Sorry
9. Igen – Yes
10. Nem – No

3. Personal Pronouns

Knowing personal pronouns is essential for constructing sentences and understanding conversations.

11. Én – I
12. Te – You (singular informal)
13. Ő – He/She
14. Mi – We
15. Ti – You (plural informal)
16. Ők – They

4. Family Members

Talking about family is a common topic in conversations. Here are some basic family-related words.

17. Apa – Father
18. Anya – Mother
19. Fiú – Son
20. Lány – Daughter
21. Testvér – Sibling
22. Nagymama – Grandmother
23. Nagypapa – Grandfather

5. Numbers

Numbers are fundamental for discussing quantities, telling time, and more. Here are the basics.

24. Egy – One
25. Kettő – Two
26. Három – Three
27. Négy – Four
28. Öt – Five
29. Hat – Six
30. Hét – Seven
31. Nyolc – Eight
32. Kilenc – Nine
33. Tíz – Ten

6. Days of the Week

Knowing the days of the week is essential for making plans and understanding schedules.

34. Hétfő – Monday
35. Kedd – Tuesday
36. Szerda – Wednesday
37. Csütörtök – Thursday
38. Péntek – Friday
39. Szombat – Saturday
40. Vasárnap – Sunday

7. Basic Verbs

Verbs are the action words that bring sentences to life. Here are some essential verbs to get you started.

41. Lenni – To be
42. Menni – To go
43. Jönni – To come
44. Enni – To eat
45. Inni – To drink
46. Aludni – To sleep
47. Dolgozni – To work
48. Tanulni – To learn

8. Useful Adjectives

Adjectives describe nouns and add detail to your conversations. Here are some basic adjectives.

49. Jó – Good
50. Rossz – Bad

Conclusion

Mastering these 50 essential words will give you a strong foundation in Hungarian. While Hungarian can be challenging due to its unique structure and vocabulary, starting with these basic words will make your learning journey smoother. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in the language by listening to Hungarian music, watching Hungarian films, or speaking with native speakers. Happy learning!