könnyű
[ˈkøɲːyː]
The Hungarian word for easy is könnyű.
könnyű is used to describe something that requires little skill or effort. It can also be used to describe something that is light in weight.
Meaning: requiring little skill or effort (adj)
Which one should you use?
While könnyű is the standard term for both 'easy' (effort) and 'light' (weight), it is specifically the word used for tasks or objects that do not require much energy or strength.
How does it change in a sentence?
When könnyű is used as a predicate (for example, 'It is easy'), it is indeclinable. However, when used as an attributive adjective (for example, 'an easy task'), it must take vowel harmony and case endings to match the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- In Hungarian, if you want to say something is 'a piece of cake', you might use the phrase könnyű mint a gyerekjáték, which literally means 'easy as a child's game'.
- If you are describing an 'easy' person, you might be implying they are 'light' or 'frivolous', as the word carries a connotation of lacking substance.
- Because of its suffix, the word könnyű actually contains an ancient diminutive-style ending, suggesting that something 'easy' is conceptually something 'small' or 'slight'.
Examples in context
- Ez a könnyű rész.This is the easy part.This sentence shows how to use könnyű to describe a part of something.Tatoeba #4371012 by bandeirante, translation #3411049 by CK
- Nem könnyű az élet.Life ain't easy.This sentence demonstrates the use of könnyű in a more philosophical context regarding life.Tatoeba #3163361 by Aleksandro40, translation #748067 by kroko
- Ez nem volt könnyű.It wasn't easy.This sentence illustrates the use of the negative form with könnyű.Tatoeba #3761817 by felvideki, translation #2154935 by Hybrid
- Egyszerű mód van rá, hogy megoldjuk ezt a problémát.There is an easy way to solve this problem.
- A feladat nem túl bonyolult.The task is not too complicated.
- Ez a játék pofonegyszerű!This game is incredibly easy!
- Ez a matematikai feladat gyerekjáték nekem.This math problem is child's play for me.
- Ez a feladat igazán könnyű volt.This task was really easy.
- Nem bonyolult az út, csak egyenesen kell menni.The path is not complicated, you just need to go straight.
- Az autóvezetés gyerekjáték, csináltam már sokszor.Driving is child's play, I've done it many times.
- 209 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Zoltán are discussing a school assignment.
- AnnaZoltán, ez a feladat nagyon könnyű.Zoltán, this task is very easy.
- ZoltánTeheted, nekem nehezebb volt.Maybe, but it was harder for me.
- AnnaSzerintem mindenki meg tudja çözni.I think everyone can solve it.
- ZoltánIgazad van, csak túl sokat gondoltam.You are right, I just thought too much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “easy” translations and entries könnyű, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries könnyű, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
