Learning a new language involves getting comfortable with a range of vocabulary, including adjectives, which are words that describe or modify the properties of nouns. In Hungarian, descriptive adjectives can provide a nuanced and vivid character to your sentences. Let’s explore some common descriptive adjectives in Hungarian and their definitions.
Nagy
Meaning “big” or “large,” this adjective is one of the basic terms used to describe size in Hungarian.
A nagy házban sok szoba van.
Translation: The big house has many rooms.
Kicsi
The opposite of “nagy,” this word means “small” or “little.”
Egy kicsi könyvtárat szeretnék otthon.
Translation: I would like a small library at home.
Szép
This word describes something that is “beautiful” or “pretty.”
Nézd, milyen szép a naplemente!
Translation: Look how beautiful the sunset is!
Csúnya
Used to describe something “ugly” or “unpleasant” in appearance.
A csúnya épületet le fogják bontani.
Translation: The ugly building will be demolished.
Gyors
Meaning “fast” or “quick,” this adjective is often used to describe speed.
A gyors vonat kevesebb mint egy óra alatt ért Budapestre.
Translation: The fast train reached Budapest in less than an hour.
Lassú
The opposite of “gyors,” it means “slow.”
A lassú séták relaxálóak lehetnek.
Translation: Slow walks can be relaxing.
Meleg
Meaning “warm” or “hot,” this word is commonly used to describe temperature.
A meleg leves felmelegÃti a testemet.
Translation: The hot soup warms up my body.
Hideg
Used to describe something “cold” or “chilly.”
Egy hideg ital jólesik a forró napokon.
Translation: A cold drink is nice on hot days.
Zöld
This adjective refers to the color “green.”
A zöld fű friss illatú a kertben.
Translation: The green grass smells fresh in the garden.
Piros
Describes the color “red.”
A piros alma érett és édes.
Translation: The red apple is ripe and sweet.
Fiatal
Means “young” and is often used in a variety of contexts.
A fiatal kutya még nagyon játékos.
Translation: The young dog is very playful.
Öreg
This word stands for “old” and can refer to age or condition.
Az öreg fa hamarosan kidőlhet a kertben.
Translation: The old tree might fall soon in the garden.
Népszerű
Meaning “popular,” it’s used to describe someone or something well-liked or common.
Ez a zeneszám nagyon népszerű a rádióban.
Translation: This song is very popular on the radio.
Szomorú
The term “sad” encapsulates the mood of a person or the tone of an event.
Miért vagy ma olyan szomorú?
Translation: Why are you so sad today?
Vidám
Meaning “cheerful” or “happy,” this word can describe a person’s demeanor or the atmosphere of an event.
Egy vidám dallam szól a rádióban.
Translation: A cheerful tune is playing on the radio.
By expanding your vocabulary with these descriptive adjectives, you can start forming more expressive and detailed sentences in Hungarian. Remember, adjectives typically precede the noun they describe and need to be in agreement in terms of number and case. Practicing with example sentences, as provided here, is a great way to get comfortable with their usage. Enjoy your language learning journey, és sok sikert (and good luck)!