Learning a new language opens a window into understanding the people and their culture, and nothing is more central to culture than the way emotions are expressed. When it comes to Hungarian, a Finno-Ugric language with unique roots separate from most other European languages, there’s an array of rich expressions for emotions that are worth exploring. Here, we delve into some common Hungarian emotional expressions, complete with definitions and example sentences.

Öröm
This word stands for “joy” or “happiness” in Hungarian. It’s a feeling of great pleasure and contentment.
Mikor megtudta, hogy megnyerte a versenyt, óriási öröm töltötte el.

Szomorúság
This term translates to “sadness”. It is the state of being sad, an emotional pain associated with, or characterized by feelings of disadvantage, loss, despair, helplessness, disappointment, and sorrow.
A film végén szomorúság kerítette hatalmába, és könnyek gyűltek a szemébe.

Düh
In English, “anger”. It is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
Amikor megtudta, hogy hazudtak neki, düh fogta el.

Aggódás
This word means “worry” or “anxiety”. It is a state of mind in which one is troubled about actual or potential problems.
Mielőtt megkezdődött a vizsga, tele volt aggódással.

Meglepődés
Meaning “surprise”, meglepődés describes a feeling caused by something unexpected happening.
Mindenki meglepődött, amikor hirtelen belépett a szobába.

Undor
This translates as “disgust” and denotes a feeling of revulsion or profound disapproval aroused by something unpleasant or offensive.
Undorodott a gondolattól, hogy békát kelljen megérintenie.

Félelem
Known in English as “fear”, this is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.
Az erdőben sétálva hirtelen félelem kerítette a szívét.

Elkeseredés
It means “desperation” or “despair”. It’s the loss of hope or a state of being despondent.
Mikor elveszítette az állását, elkeseredés fogta el.

Büszkeség
This word means “pride” and denotes satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements.
Amikor fia diplomaosztóján állt, büszkeséggel töltötte el, hogy milyen messzire jutott.

Iránytás
A somewhat less common term, “iránytás” can be associated with “compassion” or “sympathy.” It includes a range of human emotions involving empathy and concern for others.
Mindenki iránytást érzett a kisfiú iránt, amikor elesett a rollerén.

Kíváncsiság
This word translates to “curiosity”, the desire to learn or know about anything.
Kíváncsisággal várta, hogy mi lesz a következő fejezetben.

Lelkesedés
Meaning “enthusiasm”, lelkesedés is intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
Lelkesedéssel mesélte, hogyan tervezi megvalósítani az új ötletét.

Hálás
This is the feeling of thankfulness or “gratitude”. It is the quality of being thankful and a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Hálás volt mindenért, amit az élet adott neki.

Learning the expressions for emotions in Hungarian is an important step in being able to convey your own feelings and understand those of others. Whether you are connecting with native speakers or diving into Hungarian literature, absorbing these emotional terms will enrich your communication and unlock a new dimension of the language. Remember, language isn’t just about mastering grammar and vocabulary—it’s also about feeling the culture and expressing the myriad of human emotions that come with it.