Üdvözlöm
[ˈydvøzløm]
The English phrase "hello welcome" is translated into Hungarian as Üdvözlöm.
Üdvözlöm is a polite greeting used to welcome someone to a place or a gathering.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Üdvözlöm is a first-person singular verb that literally means "I welcome" or "I greet".
Which one should you use?
While Üdvözlöm is a more formal and weightier greeting, you might encounter Szia, which is a common informal greeting equivalent to "hi" or "hello".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Üdvözlöm is the formal way to say "welcome" or "greetings", used when addressing elders, strangers or in professional settings. For a casual, informal greeting, you can use Szia or the borrowed English-style Helló. If you want a formal way to say hello, you can use Jó napot kívánok, which literally translates to "I wish you a good day".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural 'we' form Üdvözöljük is used when a group (like a company or a family) is welcoming a guest.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'welcome' is often an adjective, Üdvözlöm is a verb. To say 'you are welcome' after 'thank you', Hungarians use a completely different word, Szívesen, which means 'with pleasure'.
- The root of Üdvözlöm is üdv, which means 'salvation'. Historically, greeting someone was not just a social formality but a wish for their spiritual wellbeing.
- While Üdvözlöm is very dignified, using it to greet a close friend would feel strangely dramatic, almost as if you were welcoming them to a royal banquet.
Examples in context
- Jó napot kívánok.Good day.
Example conversation
Katalin greets László at the entrance of her office.
- KatalinÜdvözlöm, László!Hello welcome, László!
- LászlóKöszönöm szépen, Katalin.Thank you very much, Katalin.
- KatalinKérjen helyet a szobában.Please take a seat in the room.
- LászlóRendben, köszönöm.Alright, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry üdvözlöm.
