Learning how to say “come” in Hungarian can be a useful skill when visiting Hungary or interacting with Hungarian speakers. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express the concept of “come” in Hungarian. While regional variations exist, we will focus on the standard Hungarian language. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Come” in Hungarian
“Jöjjön!”
In formal situations, such as addressing a stranger or someone older or of higher authority, the common phrase used to say “come” is “Jöjjön!” The word “jöjjön” is the imperative form of the verb “jön,” which means “come” in Hungarian. You can use this expression in various contexts, such as commanding someone to come or inviting them politely.
Example Sentences (Formal):
- Üdvözlöm, jöjjön be! – Hello, please come in!
- Kérlek, jöjjön ide. – Please come here.
Informal Ways to Say “Come” in Hungarian
“Gyere!”
When it comes to informal situations, such as addressing friends, family, or people of the same age, Hungarians commonly use the word “gyere” to mean “come.” “Gyere” is the imperative form of the verb “jön,” just like “jöjjön,” but it is less formal and more friendly. It is important to note that the informal “gyere” is not appropriate to use in formal or professional settings.
Example Sentences (Informal):
- Gyere ide! – Come here!
- Gyere már! – Come already!
- Gyere velem! – Come with me!
Similar Expressions for Informal “Come” in Hungarian
Aside from “gyere,” there are a few other expressions that Hungarians use among peers. These variations have slightly different shades of meaning, but all convey the general idea of “come.”
1. “Gyere ide!” or “Gyere ide, kérlek!” – “Come here!” or “Please come here!”
Using “ide” in addition to “gyere” emphasizes the destination or target where someone is asked to come. Adding “kérlek” (please) further enhances the polite tone of the request.
2. “Gyere már!” – “Come already!”
The addition of “már” in this expression implies a sense of urgency or impatience. It is often used when you are expecting someone to come soon and want to speed up the process.
3. “Gyere velem!” – “Come with me!”
“Gyere velem” is a useful phrase when you want someone to accompany you. It indicates that you want the person to come to a specific location together with you.
Regional Variations
The Hungarian language has different dialects and regional variations. While the phrases described earlier are the standard ways to say “come” in Hungarian, it is worth mentioning some regional variations:
1. “Gyíde” (Transylvanian Hungarian)
In Transylvania, which is part of Romania with a significant Hungarian population, the word “gyíde” is sometimes used instead of “gyere.” However, it is essential to note that this variation is not common in other regions of Hungary.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “come” in Hungarian opens up opportunities for communication and cultural understanding. In formal situations, “Jöjjön!” is the appropriate term, while “Gyere!” is the informal equivalent. Remember to use the right expression based on the context and the relationship with the person you are addressing. Keep practicing these phrases, and you’ll soon become comfortable using them in conversations. Hungarian speakers appreciate the effort, so don’t hesitate to say, “Jöjjön!” or “Gyere!” when the occasion calls for it. Enjoy your journey of learning the Hungarian language!
