Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA |
|---|---|
| szép | [ˈseːp] (narrow) |
| gyönyörű | [ˈɟøɲøryː] (narrow) |
In Hungarian, you can describe something as attractive using different levels of intensity. szép is the standard and general term used to describe something as beautiful, pretty or nice. For something that is enchantingly beautiful, you might use mesés, which translates to "fabulous" or "fairytale-like".
Which one should you use?
The words szép and gyönyörű differ in their intensity. While szép is a versatile, common word for beautiful or nice, gyönyörű is an emphatic term used for something truly breathtaking, conveying a sense of intense beauty, awe and admiration. You might translate gyönyörű as "gorgeous", "stunning" or "magnificent".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective szép does not change its form based on the gender of the noun it describes, because Hungarian has no grammatical gender.
Did you know?
- The word szép may share an ancient ancestor with the word for a 'smith' or a 'blacksmith'. This suggests that 'beautiful' was once linked to the idea of being 'skilled' at a craft.
- The word szép can be used as a sarcastic intensifier. When used in certain contexts, it can mean 'fine' or 'great' in a way that actually expresses annoyance or disapproval.
- Hungarian uses szép in the common farewell szép napot, which literally means 'beautiful day'. It is not just a wish for good weather but a standard polite way to say goodbye.
Examples in context
- Szép nap a mai.Today is a beautiful day.This sentence shows how to use szép to describe a day.Tatoeba #11631976 by maaster, translation #1396171 by CK
- Ez a rózsa szép.This rose is beautiful.This sentence demonstrates using szép to describe a rose.Tatoeba #3795948 by Aleksandro40, translation #56428 by CK
- Szép ez a lakat.This lock is beautiful.This sentence shows how to use szép to describe a lock.Tatoeba #7215987 by H_Liliom, translation #415559 by MUIRIEL
- Ez a táj szépThis landscape is beautiful
- Szép estét kívánokI wish you a beautiful evening
- Gyönyörű menyasszonya beautiful bride
- Bájos kis háza charming little house
- Egy mesés naplementeA fabulous sunset
- Ez a ruha csodásan néz kiThis dress looks amazing
- Szép vagy!You are beautiful!
- Szép napot!wish someone a beautiful day
- Nagyon szép!Very beautiful!
- Milyen szép vagy!How beautiful you are!
- 446 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zsófia and Gábor are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- ZsófiaNézd, milyen szép ez a kép!Look, how beautiful this picture is!
- GáborIgen, nagyon tetszik a színe.Yes, I really like the color.
- ZsófiaSzerintem egy szép ajándék lenne.I think it would be a beautiful gift.
- GáborKérjük meg a vázát, Zsófia.Let's ask for the vase, Zsófia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beautiful” translations and entries szép, gyönyörű, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gyönyörű, szép, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
