Navigating directions in Hungarian can be tricky for language learners, especially when similar-sounding phrases like “balra” and “balra van” come into play. Understanding these terms and how to use them correctly can greatly improve your communication skills. This article aims to simplify the concept of directions in Hungarian, focusing on these two terms and providing additional vocabulary to help you get around more effectively.

Understanding “Balra”

The Hungarian word “balra” translates to “to the left” in English. It’s used to indicate direction, particularly when giving instructions or describing movement.

Balra – to the left
Fordulj balra a sarkon.
Turn to the left at the corner.

Usage of “Balra”

“Balra” is typically used when you want to tell someone to turn left or to describe the direction in which they should go. It’s a straightforward command or indication of direction.

Fordulj – turn (imperative form)
Fordulj balra itt.
Turn left here.

Sarkon – at the corner
A bolt a sarkon van, fordulj balra.
The store is at the corner, turn left.

Understanding “Balra van”

The phrase “balra van” translates to “it is to the left.” This phrase is used to indicate the location of something relative to the speaker or another object.

Balra van – it is to the left
A park balra van az iskolától.
The park is to the left of the school.

Usage of “Balra van”

“Balra van” is used to describe the position of an object or place. It’s not a command but a statement about where something is located.

Park – park
A park balra van.
The park is to the left.

Iskolától – from the school
Az étterem balra van az iskolától.
The restaurant is to the left of the school.

Comparing “Balra” and “Balra van”

To further clarify the differences, let’s compare the two phrases in different contexts:

Balra – to the left
Menj balra a híd után.
Go to the left after the bridge.

Balra van – it is to the left
A kávézó balra van a híd után.
The café is to the left after the bridge.

In the first sentence, “balra” is used to give a direction. In the second sentence, “balra van” is used to describe the location of the café.

Additional Directional Vocabulary

To help you navigate more effectively in Hungarian, here is some additional directional vocabulary:

Jobbra – to the right
Fordulj jobbra a lámpánál.
Turn to the right at the light.

Előre – forward
Menj előre egyenesen.
Go straight forward.

Vissza – back
Menj vissza az úton.
Go back along the road.

Mellette – next to
A bolt mellette van a kávézónak.
The store is next to the café.

Között – between
A park a két épület között van.
The park is between the two buildings.

Mögött – behind
A park mögött van a színház.
The theater is behind the park.

Előtt – in front of
A buszmegálló a könyvtár előtt van.
The bus stop is in front of the library.

Központ – center
A város központja itt van.
The city center is here.

Távol – far
A bolt nem messze van, csak távol.
The store is not close, just far.

Közel – close
A bolt közel van a házhoz.
The store is close to the house.

Practical Application

Understanding and using “balra” and “balra van” correctly can significantly enhance your ability to give and understand directions in Hungarian. Here are some practical applications to help you practice:

1. When you’re in a new city and need to ask for directions, use “balra” to get clear instructions:
Fordulj balra az első utcánál.
Turn to the left at the first street.

2. When you need to describe the location of a place, use “balra van”:
A múzeum balra van a szállodától.
The museum is to the left of the hotel.

3. Combine both phrases for complex directions:
Fordulj balra a második kereszteződésnél, azután a kávézó balra van.
Turn left at the second intersection, then the café is to the left.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master these phrases is through regular practice. Try to incorporate them into your daily conversations as much as possible. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:

1. **Map Exercise:**
Take a map of a Hungarian city and practice giving directions using “balra” and “balra van.” Mark a few landmarks and describe their locations relative to each other.

2. **Role-Playing:**
Practice with a friend or language partner. One person gives directions (using “balra”), and the other describes locations (using “balra van”).

3. **Writing Practice:**
Write a short paragraph describing the location of various places in your neighborhood using the vocabulary and phrases from this article.

Conclusion

Mastering directional phrases in Hungarian, such as “balra” and “balra van,” can significantly boost your confidence and effectiveness in navigating Hungarian-speaking environments. Remember, “balra” is used for giving directions, while “balra van” is used to describe locations. Complement these phrases with additional directional vocabulary to enhance your language skills further.

By practicing regularly and incorporating these phrases into your daily conversations, you’ll find that giving and understanding directions in Hungarian becomes second nature. Happy learning!