What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Hi, the my name". The component nevem is the possessive form of név (name) with the first-person singular suffix -em attached to it.
Which one should you use?
You might also encounter Szia, [Your Name] vagyok, which is another informal way to introduce yourself. For more formal situations, such as a business setting or when speaking to elders, you should replace the greeting with Jó napot, a nevem (Good day, my name is).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase a nevem, the word nevem is the possessive form of név (name) using the first-person singular suffix -em.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to add the verb "is" (van) at the end of the sentence. In this specific Hungarian construction, the verb "to be" is omitted.
Did you know?
- The casual greeting Szia is actually a shortened version of szervusz, which comes from the Latin word 'servus' meaning 'slave'.
- Hungarian names are written with the family name first and the given name second, so if you say a nevem and list your full name, the order is reversed from English.
- The word Szia is unique because it is used for both 'hello' and 'goodbye' among friends.
Examples in context
- Szia, a nevem Péter.Hello, my name is Peter.
Example conversation
Two students meet for the first time in a classroom.
- TamásSzia, a nevem Tamás.Hello, my name is Tamas.
- ÉvaSzia Tamás! Én Éva vagyok.Hello Tamas! I am Eva.
- TamásÖrülök, hogy megismertelek, Éva.I am glad to meet you, Eva.
- ÉvaÉn is örülök!I am glad too!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, nevem, szia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
