Learning Hungarian can be a rewarding experience, but like any language, it comes with its own set of challenges. If you’re at the A2 level, you’re likely looking to expand your vocabulary to better navigate everyday conversations and situations. In this article, we will cover 50 essential Hungarian words that will help you achieve that goal. These words have been carefully selected to give you a solid foundation in a variety of contexts, from basic greetings to expressing your needs and preferences.

Basic Greetings and Politeness

1. **Szia** – Hello/Hi
2. **Viszlát** – Goodbye
3. **Kérem** – Please
4. **Köszönöm** – Thank you
5. **Igen** – Yes
6. **Nem** – No
7. **Elnézést** – Excuse me
8. **Bocsánat** – Sorry
9. **Szívesen** – You’re welcome
10. **Jó reggelt** – Good morning

Numbers and Quantities

11. **Egy** – One
12. **Kettő** – Two
13. **Három** – Three
14. **Négy** – Four
15. **Öt** – Five
16. **Sok** – Many/a lot
17. **Kevés** – Few/little
18. **Minden** – All/everything
19. **Semmi** – Nothing
20. **Több** – More

Days of the Week

21. **Hétfő** – Monday
22. **Kedd** – Tuesday
23. **Szerda** – Wednesday
24. **Csütörtök** – Thursday
25. **Péntek** – Friday
26. **Szombat** – Saturday
27. **Vasárnap** – Sunday

Common Nouns

28. **Ember** – Person
29. **Nő** – Woman
30. **Férfi** – Man
31. **Gyerek** – Child
32. **Ház** – House
33. **Autó** – Car
34. **Bolt** – Shop
35. **Pénz** – Money
36. **Munka** – Work/job
37. **Étel** – Food

Adjectives

38. **Jó** – Good
39. **Rossz** – Bad
40. **Nagy** – Big
41. **Kicsi** – Small
42. **Szép** – Beautiful
43. **Csúnya** – Ugly
44. **Régi** – Old (thing)
45. **Fiatal** – Young
46. **Drága** – Expensive
47. **Olcsó** – Cheap

Common Verbs

48. **Van** – To be
49. **Szeret** – To like/love
50. **Kér** – To ask/request

Using Basic Greetings and Politeness

Knowing how to greet people and use polite phrases is essential in any language. In Hungarian, these phrases are the building blocks of social interaction. For example, saying **”Szia”** (Hi) is a casual way to greet a friend, while **”Jó reggelt”** (Good morning) is more appropriate for formal or early-day settings. When you want to thank someone, **”Köszönöm”** (Thank you) is the go-to phrase, and responding with **”Szívesen”** (You’re welcome) will complete the polite exchange.

Mastering Numbers and Quantities

Numbers and quantities are crucial for various everyday situations, such as shopping or telling the time. Words like **”Egy”** (One), **”Kettő”** (Two), and **”Három”** (Three) are basic numerals you’ll use frequently. Understanding quantities like **”Sok”** (Many/a lot) and **”Kevés”** (Few/little) will help you describe amounts more accurately.

Days of the Week

Knowing the days of the week is fundamental for making plans and understanding schedules. For instance, **”Hétfő”** (Monday) is the start of the week, while **”Vasárnap”** (Sunday) is the end. These words will help you navigate calendars, set appointments, and understand when events are happening.

Common Nouns You Should Know

Nouns are the backbone of any language, and Hungarian is no exception. Words like **”Ember”** (Person), **”Nő”** (Woman), and **”Férfi”** (Man) are basic but essential for talking about people. Similarly, **”Ház”** (House) and **”Autó”** (Car) are vital for discussing places and objects. Knowing these nouns will help you form more complete and meaningful sentences.

Adjectives to Describe the World Around You

Adjectives add detail and color to your sentences. Whether you’re describing a **”Jó”** (Good) meal, a **”Szép”** (Beautiful) view, or a **”Nagy”** (Big) problem, adjectives are indispensable. They help you express opinions, describe experiences, and communicate more effectively.

Common Verbs to Express Actions

Verbs are the action words that propel sentences forward. The verb **”Van”** (To be) is one of the most frequently used in Hungarian, helping you state existence and characteristics. **”Szeret”** (To like/love) is essential for expressing preferences, while **”Kér”** (To ask/request) is useful in countless scenarios, from ordering food to seeking assistance.

Practical Application

Understanding these 50 essential words is just the first step. To truly master them, you need to practice using them in sentences and conversations. Here are a few example sentences to get you started:

1. **Szia! Hogy vagy?** – Hi! How are you?
2. **Kérem, egy kávét szeretnék.** – Please, I would like a coffee.
3. **Köszönöm szépen!** – Thank you very much!
4. **Hány óra van?** – What time is it?
5. **Ma hétfő van.** – Today is Monday.
6. **Ez a ház nagyon szép.** – This house is very beautiful.
7. **Az autóm drága.** – My car is expensive.
8. **Sok pénz kell.** – A lot of money is needed.
9. **Semmi baj.** – No problem.
10. **Minden rendben van.** – Everything is fine.

Advanced Tips for Language Learning

To get the most out of these words and accelerate your learning, consider the following tips:

Immerse Yourself

The best way to learn a language is through immersion. Surround yourself with Hungarian as much as possible. Watch Hungarian movies, listen to Hungarian music, and try to engage in conversations with native speakers. The more you expose yourself to the language, the quicker you’ll pick it up.

Use Flashcards

Flashcards are a great way to memorize vocabulary. Write the Hungarian word on one side and the English translation on the other. Go through these flashcards daily to reinforce your memory. There are also numerous apps available that can help you with this, such as Anki or Quizlet.

Practice Speaking

Speaking is often the most challenging part of language learning, but it’s also the most crucial. Find a language exchange partner or join a language learning group. Practice speaking these words and phrases in real-life situations. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.

Write Regularly

Writing can help reinforce what you’ve learned. Keep a journal in Hungarian, write short stories, or even try composing emails. This will help you practice spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.

Use Language Learning Apps

There are many apps designed to help you learn Hungarian. Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone are popular options that offer structured lessons and interactive exercises. These can be a great supplement to your learning process.

Stay Consistent

Consistency is key when learning a new language. Set aside time each day to study and practice. Even if it’s just 15 minutes, regular practice will yield better results than sporadic, intensive sessions.

Conclusion

Reaching an A2 level in Hungarian is an admirable accomplishment, and mastering these 50 essential words will significantly enhance your ability to communicate. Remember, language learning is a journey that requires patience, practice, and perseverance. Use these words as a foundation, and continue to build your vocabulary and skills. With time and effort, you’ll find yourself becoming more fluent and confident in Hungarian.

Happy learning!