rák
[ˈraːk]
The English word 'crab' is rák in Hungarian.
The word rák is polysemous and is used to mean 'crab' (crustacean), 'crayfish' and the medical condition 'cancer'. The term Rákfélék includes crabs and other crustaceans like lobsters and crayfish.
Meaning: crustacean (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 'rák' takes the accusative suffix '-ot' when it is the direct object of a sentence, such as in 'I eat crab', to become rákot.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may be confused by the fact that the same word rák is used for both the crustacean and the disease 'cancer'.
Did you know?
- The term rákcsipész refers to a 'crab-catcher' but is also used colloquially to describe someone who is overly picky or fussy.
- The word rák is a linguistic traveler. It shares the exact same root as the Russian word 'рак' and the Slovak 'rak', tracing back to a single Proto-Slavic ancestor.
- In Hungarian astrology, the zodiac sign 'Cancer' is referred to as Rák. If you are born under this sign, your sign is literally the 'crab' sign.
Examples in context
- Sosem ettem még rákot.I've never eaten crab.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have never eaten rák.Tatoeba #7957119 by jegaevi, translation #7952272 by CK
- Tudod, hogy kell egy rákot megfőzni?Do you know how to cook a crab?This sentence is useful for asking how to cook rák.Tatoeba #4402523 by maaster, translation #2039384 by Eldad
- Ez egy rák.This is a crab.This sentence is useful for identifying that something is a rák.Tatoeba #12278056 by HAGNi, translation #12268570 by Miktsoanit
- Szeretek rákot enni minden nyáron.I love eating crab every summer.
Example conversation
Anna and László are looking at a menu at a seafood restaurant.
- AnnaSzeretnék rendelni egy rákot.I would like to order a crab.
- LászlóÉn is, nagyon szeretem a rákot.Me too, I love crab very much.
- AnnaNézdd, ez a rák nagyon nagy!Look, this crab is very big!
- LászlóIgen, ez biztosan nagyon finom.Yes, this is certainly very delicious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crab” translations and entries rák, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rák, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
