Which one should you use?
While Szia, hogy vagy? is the standard informal way to say "hi, how are you?", the word Szia alone is versatile and can mean both "hello" and "goodbye" in informal settings. For the question part, you can use Hogy vagy? informally or Hogyan van? formally.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Szia, hogy vagy? is an informal greeting used with friends, family or people you know well. For a formal setting, such as greeting someone during the daytime, use Jó napot kívánok, hogy van? In these formal situations, Jó napot kívánok means "Good day" and Hogyan van? or hogy van? is used to ask "How are you?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase hogy vagy? uses the second-person singular form of the verb lenni (to be), which is vagy. When using the formal version, hogy van?, the verb changes to the third-person singular to show respect.
When do people say it?
When someone asks you Hogy vagy?, a common response is Jól, köszönöm, which means "Well, thank you."
Did you know?
- The word Szia is derived from szervusz, which comes from the Latin word 'servus' meaning 'slave' or 'servant'.
- The word hogy shares ancient roots with the word 'konsa' in Finnish, which means 'when'.
- Depending on the region and social circle, some Hungarians may respond to Hogy vagy? with a detailed account of their day rather than a simple 'well'.
Examples in context
- Szia, hogy vagy? Sok a munka?Hi, how are you? Is there a lot of work?
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- LászlóSzia, hogy vagy?Hi, how are you?
- ZsófiaSzia! Jól vagyok, és te?Hi! I am well, and you?
- LászlóÉn is jól vagyok, köszönöm.I am also doing well, thank you.
- ZsófiaÖrülök neki, Zsófia mondta, hogy találkozunk.I am glad, Zsófia said we would meet.
