Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA |
|---|---|
| persze | [ˈpɛrsɛ] (narrow) |
| természetesen | [ˈtɛrmeːsɛtɛʃɛn] (narrow) [ˌtɛrmeːˈsɛtɛʃɛn] (narrow) |
| hogyne | [ˈhoɟnɛ] (narrow) [ˈhoːɟnɛ] (narrow) |
| naná | [nɒˈnaː] (narrow) |
These terms are used to indicate enthusiastic agreement. While some forms emphasize the logical or natural progression of an event, others are used for rhetorical or dismissive purposes.
What does it mean word for word?
The word természetesen is literally 'naturally', which is derived from the Hungarian word 'természet' (nature).
Which one should you use?
persze is the most versatile and common way to express enthusiastic agreement. In contrast, természetesen emphasizes that something is natural or logical. The form hogyne is a contraction of 'hogy ne' and functions as a rhetorical way to say 'of course' or 'why not?' You may also encounter the emphatic version Hát persze, which translates to 'well, of course.'
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In many sentences, persze is paired with 'hogy' (that) to form the construction persze hogy…, which translates to 'of course that…' or 'of course [clause]'.
Did you know?
- The common word persze actually has Latin roots, descending from the phrase 'per se intelligitur', meaning 'it is understood by itself'.
- In Hungarian, természetesen is used more frequently in formal writing or polite speech, whereas persze dominates casual conversation.
Examples in context
- Naná, hogy nem igaz!Of course, it's not true.This sentence shows how to use naná to deny a statement.Tatoeba #5063961 by maaster, translation #5063324 by CK
- Hát persze, hogy igen!Yes, of course.This sentence demonstrates an emphatic use of persze.Tatoeba #5452672 by maaster, translation #30530 by Zifre
- Persze hogy kelleni fog!Of course there'll be a need for it!This sentence illustrates the construction of using persze to express certainty about a future need.Tatoeba #12391567 by maaster, translation #12391280 by Miktsoanit
- Hát persze, az egyáltalán nem kérdés.Well, of course, that's not even a question.
- 79 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gábor and Zsófia are planning a dinner together.
- GáborSzeretnél pizzát enni ma este?Would you like to eat pizza tonight?
- ZsófiaPersze, nagyoni éhes vagyok!Of course, I am very hungry!
- GáborRendeljek egy nagyot?Should I order a large one?
- ZsófiaPersze, hogy igen!Of course, yes!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “of course” translations and entries persze, természetesen, hogyne, naná, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hogyne, naná, persze, természetesen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
