tehén
[ˈtɛɦeːn]
The English word "cow" is translated into Hungarian as tehén.
The word tehén refers specifically to an adult female of the species Bos taurus.
Meaning: adult female of species Bos taurus (noun)
Which one should you use?
A female cow is referred to as tehén or marha. The Hungarian term for a male cow (bull) is bika.
Related words
Did you know?
- The word tehén may be a distant relative of the Sanskrit word dhenú, which also means 'cow' or 'milch cow'.
- The term marha is sometimes used as a mild insult or a way to call someone a 'beast' in an informal setting.
- In traditional Hungarian folklore, the tehén is often depicted as a symbol of motherhood and sustenance in rural songs.
Examples in context
- A tehén füvet eszik.The cow eats grass.This sentence shows the use of tehén in the context of an animal eating.Tatoeba #8614930 by Wydy99, translation #6594621 by popball
- A tehén tejet ad nekünk.The cow gives us milk.This sentence demonstrates the use of tehén regarding milk production.Tatoeba #7095759 by maaster, translation #7092473 by Adelpa
- Mú, mú – mondta a tehén."Moo, moo," said the cow.This sentence uses tehén to depict the animal making a sound.Tatoeba #10669007 by Cabo, translation #2216498 by Hybrid
- A tehén hangosan búgott az istállóbanThe cow mooed loudly in the stable.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
László and Katalin are visiting a farm.
- LászlóNézd, milyen nagy ez a tehén!Look, how big this cow is!
- KatalinIgen, nagyon szép állat.Yes, it is a very beautiful animal.
- LászlóSzeretnék egy kis tejet a tehéntől.I would like some milk from the cow.
- KatalinKérdezzük meg a gazdát!Let's ask the farmer!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cow” translations and entries tehén, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tehén, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
