cigány
[ˈt͡siɡaːɲ]
The Hungarian word for "gypsy" is cigány.
cigány is a noun used to refer to a member of the Romani people or another nomadic group.
Meaning: a member of the Romani people or another nomadic group (noun)
Did you know?
- The Hungarian language uses cigány in several idioms that have nothing to do with ethnicity, such as cigánykodik, which means to haggle or bargain persistently.
- The word cigány shares its roots with the Greek word athínganos, which means 'untouchable'.
- While cigány is the traditional term, the word roma is increasingly used in official Hungarian government contexts and media to be more respectful.
Examples in context
- A cigány kultúra gazdag és érdekes.The Roma culture is rich and interesting.
- Találkoztam egy kedves romnival a városban.I met a nice Roma woman in the city.
- Ő egy nagyon tehetséges cigány zenész.He is a very talented gypsy musician.
- Sok cigány él ebben a városban.Many gypsies live in this city.
- A cigány nép kultúrája nagyon gazdag.The culture of the gypsy people is very rich.
Example conversation
Tamás and Katalin are discussing a music festival.
- TamásSzereted a cigány zenét?Do you like Gypsy music?
- KatalinIgen, nagyon szeretem.Yes, I love it very much.
- TamásEgy cigány együttes fog koncertet adni.A Gypsy band is going to give a concert.
- KatalinMegyünk együtt megnézni!Let's go see it together!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gypsy” translations and entries cigány, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cigány, CC BY-SA 4.0.
