Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA |
|---|---|
| jó reggelt | [ˈjoːrɛɡːɛlt] (narrow) |
| jó reggelt kívánok | [ˈjoːrɛɡːɛlt ˌkiːvaːnok] (narrow) |
The phrase is used when seeing someone for the first time in the morning.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of jó (good) and reggelt (morning in the accusative case).
Which one should you use?
Jó reggelt is the standard, shorter version, while jó reggelt kívánok means "I wish you a good morning" and is a more formal and polite way to say the phrase.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Jó reggelt is the standard, more casual way to greet someone. Jó reggelt kívánok is the appropriate form to use in professional settings or when addressing elders and strangers. Kellemes reggelt! is a slightly more formal version that means "pleasant morning".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word for morning, reggelt, is in the accusative case because the phrase is a shortened version of Jó reggelt kívánok (I wish you a good morning).
Did you know?
- While jó means 'good' today, its ancient Proto-Uralic relative meant 'river'. This word survives in Finnish as joki and Estonian as jõgi.
- The formal jó reggelt kívánok is often accompanied by a slight nod or a formal handshake in Hungarian professional culture, more so than the casual jó reggelt.
- In traditional Hungarian etiquette, the more formal jó reggelt kívánok is expected when entering a shop or a professional office for the first time that day.
Examples in context
- Jó reggelt! Hogy van?Good morning, how are you doing?This sentence is useful for seeing how to use jó reggelt in a greeting.Tatoeba #3174058 by mraz, translation #3249363 by nava
- Helló Tamás! Jó reggelt!Hello, Tom. Good morning.Tatoeba #5454124 by felvideki, translation #30314 by CM
- Jó reggelt, hölgyeim és uraim!Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use jó reggelt in a formal address.Tatoeba #1367457 by Muelisto, translation #559672 by khalidahmadzai
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Gábor meet in the kitchen of their shared office.
- AnnaJó reggelt, Gábor!Good morning, Gábor!
- GáborJó reggelt, Anna!Good morning, Anna!
- AnnaSzeretnél egy kávét?Would you like a coffee?
- GáborIgen, köszönöm szépen.Yes, thank you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good morning” translations and entries jó reggelt, jó reggelt kívánok, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jó, jó reggelt, kívánok, reggelt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
