ló
[ˈloː]
The English word horse is translated into Hungarian as ló. Wiktionary also lists mén and kanca.
Meaning: members of the species ''Equus ferus'' (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA |
|---|---|
| ló | [ˈloː] (narrow) |
| mén | [ˈmeːn] (narrow) |
| kanca | [ˈkɒnt͡sɒ] (narrow) |
The word ló is the most common and generic term for members of the species Equus ferus. For specialized contexts, such as formal horseback riding or dressage, the term Díjlovaglás is used.
Which one should you use?
While ló is the general term for the species, Hungarian uses specific words to denote gender: mén refers specifically to a male horse (stallion) and kanca refers specifically to a female horse (mare).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas of Hungary, and more commonly in certain rural dialects, the term paripa is used instead of ló. Note that paripa is not used in formal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the horse is the direct object of a sentence, the form ló changes to lovat.
Did you know?
- The Hungarian word for horse, ló, may share an ancient ancestor with the Tocharian word luwo, which meant 'animal' or 'prey'.
- The Hungarian word for 'knight' is lovag, which is derived directly from the root of ló and the verb for 'to ride'.
- In Hungarian culture, the horse is a symbol of the nation's nomadic heritage, and the word ló appears frequently in traditional folk songs and heroic epics.
Examples in context
- A ló az enyém.The horse is mine.This sentence shows how to use ló to show possession.Tatoeba #5181636 by Vichy27, translation #672887 by Shishir
- A ló nem fehér.The horse is not white.This sentence uses ló to describe a color.Tatoeba #3248061 by mraz, translation #3143476 by belvis
- Hová ment a ló?Where did the horse go?This sentence uses ló in a question about movement.Tatoeba #4654105 by bandeirante, translation #4652168 by bsc2015
- A ló egy szép állat.The horse is a beautiful animal.
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
László and Éva are visiting a farm.
- LászlóNézd, Éva, egy szép ló!Look, Éva, a beautiful horse!
- ÉvaIgen, László, de nagyon nagy.Yes, László, but it is very big.
- LászlóA ló éppen enni akar.The horse wants to eat right now.
- ÉvaHadd adjunk neki valami gyümölcsöt.Let's give it some fruit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “horse” translations and entries ló, mén, kanca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kanca, ló, mén, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
