elnézést kérek
In Hungarian, "excuse me" is said as elnézést kérek.
Elnézést kérek is the standard way to get a stranger's attention or to apologize for a small social slip, such as bumping into someone.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the accusative noun elnézést (excuse/pardon) and the verb kérek (I ask/I request), literally meaning "I ask for an excuse/pardon".
Which one should you use?
While elnézést kérek is used to get someone's attention or for minor social transgressions, bocsánat is a more direct and often more sincere way to say "sorry" for a mistake.
Did you know?
- The root of elnézést comes from néz, meaning 'to look'. Literally, asking for elnézést is like asking someone to 'look away' or 'overlook' your mistake.
- The word kérek is the same word used when ordering a coffee or a beer, meaning 'I ask for' or 'I would like'.
- While you might use 'excuse me' to pass through a crowd in English, saying elnézést kérek in a crowded Hungarian bus might actually be seen as overly formal or even slightly stiff.
Examples in context
- Elnézést kérek, hány óra van?Excuse me, what time is it?This sentence shows how to use elnézést kérek when asking for the time.Tatoeba #1756062 by Muelisto, translation #385392 by Mouseneb
- Elnézést kérek egy pillanatra.Excuse me one second.This sentence shows how to use elnézést kérek when asking for a brief moment.Tatoeba #10895035 by H_Liliom, translation #3168268 by CK
- Elnézést kérek, ha hibát követtem el.If I have made a mistake, excuse me.This sentence shows how to use elnézést kérek when apologizing for a mistake.Tatoeba #5181654 by Vichy27, translation #5181571 by CarpeLanam
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tamás accidentally bumps into Katalin in a crowded hallway.
- TamásElnézést kérek, nem láttalak!I'm sorry, I didn't see you!
- KatalinSemmi baj, rendben van.No problem, it's okay.
- TamásMég mindig elnézést kérek a zavarásért.I still apologize for the disturbance.
- KatalinNe aggódj, Tamás, minden rendben.Don't worry, Tamás, everything is fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excuse me” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries elnézést, kérek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
