How to Say Bye in Hungary: Informal and Formal Ways

When you’re traveling or interacting with Hungarian speakers, it’s always polite to know how to say goodbye. In Hungary, as in any country, there are different ways to bid farewell depending on the level of formality or the region you are in. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say bye in Hungary, including both informal and formal expressions. We’ll also provide tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary.

Informal Ways to Say Bye in Hungary:

When you want to say goodbye in a casual setting, with friends, family, or people you know well, you can use the following expressions:

• “Viszlát!” – This is the most common way to say goodbye informally in Hungary. Pronounced as “vees-laht”, it can be used in any situation.
• “Szia!” – Similar to the English “bye” or “hi,” this versatile word can be used both as a greeting and a goodbye. Pronounced as “see-ah,” it’s helpful to remember that the longer the “szi-” sound is, the friendlier and more informal it will sound.
• “Helló!” – Another casual way to say goodbye is by using the Hungarian version of “hello.” Pronounced as “heh-loh,” it’s commonly used among friends.

Formal Ways to Say Bye in Hungary:

When you’re in a more formal or professional setting, it’s essential to use appropriate language to say goodbye. The following expressions are suitable for such occasions:

• “Szervusz!” – This is a more formal way to say goodbye in Hungary, particularly when addressing someone you don’t know well or someone of higher authority. Pronounced as “ser-voos”, it’s a respectful option in formal settings.
• “Viszontlátásra!” – This phrase translates to “goodbye” in English, and it’s used formally when parting ways. Pronounced as “vee-sont-la-tash-ra,” it’s the perfect choice for saying farewell in more professional contexts or when addressing older individuals.

Tips and Examples:

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you feel more confident in using these Hungarian expressions for saying goodbye:

Tip 1: Use Hand Gestures:

When saying goodbye in Hungary, it’s common to accompany the verbal farewell with a wave or a handshake. This gesture adds a warm touch to your farewell, showing that you appreciate the interaction and wish the person well.

Example: When saying “Viszlát,” you can wave your hand slightly to emphasize your goodbye.

Tip 2: Adjust to the Time of Day:

Another way to make your goodbye more personalized is by taking into account the time of day. You can use specific greetings based on morning, afternoon, or evening:

• “Jó reggelt!” – Good morning!
• “Jó napot!” – Good afternoon!
• “Jó estét!” – Good evening!

Tip 3: Customize Your Farewell:

To make your goodbye more personal, consider adding the person’s name, a friendly adjective, or a phrase to show appreciation:

Example: “Viszlát, Anna! Legyen szép napod!” meaning “Goodbye, Anna! Have a nice day!”

Regional Variations:

In Hungary, the expressions mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout the country. Regional variations in saying goodbye are limited, focusing more on different dialects or accents than distinct phrases.

However, it’s worth mentioning that Budapest, as the capital city, may have a slightly more international influence on language, and you might encounter a broader mix of greetings there.