Learning a new language can be an exciting yet challenging journey. For those delving into Hungarian, understanding essential vocabulary is crucial, especially if you’re aiming for a B2 level. This level, often referred to as upper-intermediate, requires a good grasp of both everyday vocabulary and more specialized terms. In this article, we’ll explore 50 essential words that you need to know to communicate effectively in Hungarian at the B2 level. These words span various categories, including verbs, nouns, adjectives, and expressions. Let’s dive into the world of Hungarian vocabulary and enrich your linguistic skills.
Verbs
1. **Megérteni** (to understand)
Understanding this verb is fundamental. For example, “Nem tudom megérteni a problémát” translates to “I cannot understand the problem.”
2. **Elfelejteni** (to forget)
Using this verb correctly is important. For instance, “Elfelejtettem a találkozót” means “I forgot the meeting.”
3. **Kérdezni** (to ask)
This verb is essential in daily conversations. “Meg szeretném kérdezni, hol van a mosdó?” translates to “I would like to ask where the restroom is.”
4. **Mutatni** (to show)
A useful verb when giving directions or instructions. “Meg tudnád mutatni a helyes utat?” means “Can you show me the right way?”
5. **Elmagyarázni** (to explain)
Crucial for clear communication. “Elmagyaráznád ezt a szabályt?” translates to “Could you explain this rule?”
6. **Élvezni** (to enjoy)
This verb comes in handy in various contexts. “Élvezem a nyaralást” means “I am enjoying the vacation.”
7. **Készíteni** (to prepare)
Useful in both everyday and professional settings. “El kell készítenem a prezentációt” translates to “I need to prepare the presentation.”
8. **Gondolni** (to think)
A fundamental verb in discussions. “Gondolok rád” means “I am thinking of you.”
9. **Remélni** (to hope)
Expressing aspirations or desires. “Remélem, hogy jól vagy” translates to “I hope you are well.”
10. **Hinni** (to believe)
Important in expressing opinions or beliefs. “Hiszem, hogy sikerülni fog” means “I believe that it will succeed.”
Nouns
11. **Barátság** (friendship)
A crucial noun in social contexts. “A barátság nagyon fontos az életemben” translates to “Friendship is very important in my life.”
12. **Szabály** (rule)
Essential for understanding regulations. “A szabályokat be kell tartani” means “The rules must be followed.”
13. **Ünnep** (holiday)
Useful when discussing plans. “A karácsony a kedvenc ünnepem” translates to “Christmas is my favorite holiday.”
14. **Lehetőség** (opportunity)
Important in professional and personal contexts. “Ez egy nagyszerű lehetőség” means “This is a great opportunity.”
15. **Tapasztalat** (experience)
Crucial for job interviews and resumes. “Sok tapasztalatom van ebben a munkában” translates to “I have a lot of experience in this job.”
16. **Egészség** (health)
Vital for conversations about well-being. “Az egészség a legfontosabb” means “Health is the most important.”
17. **Bizalom** (trust)
Important in relationships. “A bizalom alapvető egy kapcsolatban” translates to “Trust is fundamental in a relationship.”
18. **Siker** (success)
Useful in discussing achievements. “A kemény munka meghozza a sikert” means “Hard work brings success.”
19. **Támogatás** (support)
Crucial in both personal and professional life. “Köszönöm a támogatásodat” translates to “Thank you for your support.”
20. **Fejlődés** (development)
Important in various contexts. “A fejlődés folyamatos” means “Development is continuous.”
Adjectives
21. **Bátor** (brave)
Useful for describing people. “Ő egy nagyon bátor ember” translates to “He is a very brave person.”
22. **Szorgalmas** (diligent)
Important in professional settings. “Ő egy szorgalmas munkatárs” means “She is a diligent colleague.”
23. **Kényelmes** (comfortable)
Useful when discussing amenities. “Ez a szék nagyon kényelmes” translates to “This chair is very comfortable.”
24. **Kedves** (kind)
Crucial in social interactions. “Ő egy nagyon kedves ember” means “He is a very kind person.”
25. **Izgalmas** (exciting)
Useful for describing events or activities. “Ez egy izgalmas film” translates to “This is an exciting movie.”
26. **Fáradt** (tired)
Important in daily conversations. “Nagyon fáradt vagyok” means “I am very tired.”
27. **Boldog** (happy)
Crucial for expressing emotions. “Nagyon boldog vagyok” translates to “I am very happy.”
28. **Elégedett** (satisfied)
Useful in various contexts. “Elégedett vagyok az eredménnyel” means “I am satisfied with the result.”
29. **Nyugodt** (calm)
Important for describing states of being. “A tenger nyugodt” means “The sea is calm.”
30. **Erős** (strong)
Useful for describing both people and things. “Ő nagyon erős” translates to “He is very strong.”
Expressions
31. **Mi újság?** (What’s new?)
A common greeting. “Szia! Mi újság?” translates to “Hi! What’s new?”
32. **Hogy vagy?** (How are you?)
Essential for daily interactions. “Hogy vagy ma?” means “How are you today?”
33. **Nincs mit** (You’re welcome)
A polite response. “Köszönöm a segítséget!” “Nincs mit” translates to “Thank you for the help!” “You’re welcome.”
34. **Szívesen** (Gladly)
Another way to say “You’re welcome.” “Köszönöm a könyvet.” “Szívesen” translates to “Thank you for the book.” “Gladly.”
35. **Elnézést** (Excuse me)
Useful in various contexts. “Elnézést, hol van a mosdó?” means “Excuse me, where is the restroom?”
36. **Bocsánat** (Sorry)
Important for apologies. “Bocsánat a késésért” translates to “Sorry for the delay.”
37. **Kérem** (Please)
Essential for polite requests. “Kérem, adja át a sót” means “Please, pass the salt.”
38. **Köszönöm** (Thank you)
A fundamental expression of gratitude. “Köszönöm a segítségedet” translates to “Thank you for your help.”
39. **Viszontlátásra** (Goodbye)
Commonly used when leaving. “Viszontlátásra, holnap találkozunk” means “Goodbye, see you tomorrow.”
40. **Jó éjszakát** (Good night)
Useful in evening interactions. “Jó éjszakát kívánok” translates to “I wish you a good night.”
Additional Useful Words
41. **Csodálatos** (wonderful)
Useful for expressing positive feelings. “Ez egy csodálatos nap” means “This is a wonderful day.”
42. **Gyakran** (often)
Important for describing frequency. “Gyakran sétálok a parkban” translates to “I often walk in the park.”
43. **Ritkán** (rarely)
The opposite of often. “Ritkán eszem gyorsétteremben” means “I rarely eat at fast food restaurants.”
44. **Mindig** (always)
Another word for frequency. “Mindig igazat mondok” translates to “I always tell the truth.”
45. **Soha** (never)
Useful for strong statements. “Soha nem hazudok” means “I never lie.”
46. **Együtt** (together)
Important for describing activities. “Együtt fogunk vacsorázni” translates to “We will have dinner together.”
47. **Külön** (separately)
The opposite of together. “Külön fizetünk” means “We will pay separately.”
48. **Hamarosan** (soon)
Useful for future plans. “Hamarosan találkozunk” translates to “We will meet soon.”
49. **Tegnap** (yesterday)
Important for discussing past events. “Tegnap találkoztunk” means “We met yesterday.”
50. **Holnap** (tomorrow)
Useful for future plans. “Holnap dolgozni fogok” translates to “I will work tomorrow.”
Conclusion
Mastering these 50 essential Hungarian words will significantly enhance your ability to communicate at a B2 level. They cover a broad range of everyday situations and will help you express yourself more accurately and confidently. Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and regular practice is key to retention and fluency. Incorporate these words into your daily conversations, and you’ll find yourself becoming more proficient in Hungarian. Happy learning!
