anyu
[ˈɒɲu]
The English word "mom" translates to anyu in Hungarian.
anyu is an affectionate and informal way to address or refer to a mother.
Which one should you use?
While anyu is a common informal way to say "mom", the word anya is the standard, neutral term for "mother" used in most contexts. Additionally, Mama is another popular informal term for "mom" in Hungarian.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal writing or very polite speech, use Édesanyám instead of anyu. In informal situations, you may use anyu or Mama.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can create an even more affectionate and diminutive form of anyu by adding the suffix -uci to form anyuci, which means "mommy".
Did you know?
- In Hungarian, the formal term Édesanyám literally translates to 'my sweet mother', showing how much 'sweetness' is baked into formal parental address.
- The word anyu is actually a back-formation derived from the more diminutive terms anyuka or anyuci, meaning it evolved from the 'mommy' version of the word.
- Unlike English, where 'mom' is a noun, Hungarian can attach possessive suffixes to anyu to indicate 'my mom' or 'your mom' without needing a separate word for 'my'.
Examples in context
- Ő anyu és ő apu.He's Dad and he's Mom.This sentence shows how to identify both parents using anyu.Tatoeba #10259079 by maaster, translation #10259053 by maaster
- Anyu, nem én voltam.Mom, I didn't do it.This sentence is an example of addressing a mother directly with anyu.Tatoeba #3986770 by felvideki, translation #3986765 by Hybrid
- Anyu apu mellett ül.Mom is sitting next to Dad.This sentence describes a mother's position using anyu.Tatoeba #10538243 by maaster, translation #10538245 by maaster
- Anya, tudnál nekem segíteni a vacsorával?Mom, could you help me with dinner?
- Anyu, hoztál nekem valami finomat a boltból?Mom, did you get me something tasty from the store?
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
László is asking Katalin about her mother's arrival.
- KatalinMikor érkezik anyu?When is mom arriving?
- LászlóSzerintem már itt lesz.I think she will be here already.
- KatalinLátom, anyu épp most jött be.I see, mom just walked in.
- LászlóSzia, anyu!Hi, mom!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry anyu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anyu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
