Hungarian Language 101 for Tourists: Easy Essentials for Your Trip

Wherever I travel, I like to learn a few pleasantries, usually “hi,” “please,” “thank you,” and “cheers.” It’s simple enough, but I’ve found that these basics go a long way. Whether it’s getting a smile from a server or just showing some respect for the culture, I’ve learned these little words can make travel that much more pleasant.

Now, nearly everyone in Budapest speaks English, so you won’t struggle to get around. But here’s the thing—in my experience Hungarians appreciate it when travelers try a little Hungarian. They know Hungarian is notoriously tricky (and they’ll be the first to tell you so), but showing you’ve learned to say “hello” or “thank you” makes a great impression. So, whether you’re after smooth interactions or just want to say “cheers” the local way at a Hungarian wine tasting (which you absolutely should add to your itinerary btw), here’s a quick guide to Hungarian that’ll make your trip a little more memorable.

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Budapest Language Basics: What Makes Hungarian Unique?

Hungarian (Magyar) is an interesting language that’s not much like anything else in Europe. It’s in the Finno-Ugric family—closer to Finnish than to French or German—and has an impressive 44-letter alphabet. Fortunately, you don’t need a whole lesson on this; just knowing a few essentials will help you get around.

How to Pronounce Budapest

You’ve probably been saying it incorrectly – I know I was!

First thing’s first: it’s Boo-da-PESHT, not Boo-da-PEST. That soft “sh” sound at the end? It’s the secret handshake that tells people you’ve done your homework. Nail this one, and you might even earn a nod of approval from locals (okay, probably not, but it’s still worth saying correctly).

Essential Phrases to Know Before You Go

Here’s your Hungarian toolkit—just a few phrases that are easy enough to pick up and handy enough to make a difference.

1. Greetings and Politeness

• Hello in Hungarian – Szia (SEE-ya)
• Goodbye in Hungarian – Viszlát (VEES-laht)
• Thank you in Hungarian – Köszönöm (KUH-suh-nuhm)
• Please in Hungarian – Kérem (KAY-rem)
• Cheers in Hungarian – Egészségedre! (EH-gaysh-sheg-ED-re)

You’ll use these every day, and a quick köszönöm or kérem (that’s “thank you” and “please”) can go a long way. In my experience, Hungarians appreciate when visitors give the language a shot, even if it’s far from perfect.

2. Useful Phrases in Hungarian

• Where is the bathroom? – Hol van a mosdó? (HOL von oh MOZH-doh)
• How much is this? – Mennyibe kerül? (MEN-yi-beh KEH-rul)
• I don’t understand – Nem értem (NEM AIR-tem)

Getting around is easier with these, especially if you find yourself a little lost in Budapest’s maze-like streets. And if you get truly stuck, just ask Beszél angolul? (“Do you speak English?”) (BEH-seyl AHN-goh-lool)—it’ll work almost anywhere in the city.

Fun Fact: The Hungarian Origins of “Hello”

There are a lot of stories about how “hello” became a staple in English, but here’s the one you’ll hear in Hungary. Allegedly, hallom (“I hear you”) was popularized by Tivadar Puskás, a Hungarian inventor from Pest and a pioneer of early telephone. Puskás worked with Thomas Edison and is credited with inventing the telephone exchange. As the story goes, when Puskás helped set up one of the first telephone exchanges in the world in Budapest, he would answer with hallom or sometimes hallod (“do you hear me?”). This habit stuck, evolving into hallo or “hello.” So next time you pick up the phone, remember you might just be channeling a bit of Hungarian history.

Going Beyond “Hello”: Getting on Locals’ Good Side

Budapest might be cosmopolitan and full of English speakers, but making an effort with a little Hungarian shows you’re interested in more than just the sights. So, as you prep for your Budapest adventure, practice a few basics, get that Boo-da-PESHT pronunciation down, and don’t be afraid to dive in. A few small missteps are all part of the experience—and let’s be honest, they make the best travel stories.

Happy travels, or as they say in Hungary, Jó utat!

Have any memorable language slip-ups from your travels? Share your stories in the comments below!