Greetings and welcome to our guide on how to say “see you later” in Hungarian! Whether you’re planning a trip to Hungary or simply interested in expanding your language skills, this guide will provide you with the necessary knowledge to bid farewell in a warm and friendly manner. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “see you later” and sprinkle in some regional variations if necessary. So let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “See You Later”
If you’re in a formal setting or addressing someone older or of higher authority, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are a few phrases you can use to say “see you later” formally:
1. Viszontlátásra: This is the most common and widely used formal way to say “see you later” in Hungarian. It translates directly to “until we see each other again.” It is a polite and respectful phrase suitable for any formal occasion.
Now, let’s move on to more informal ways to say “see you later” in Hungarian, commonly used among friends, family, or acquaintances in casual settings.
Informal Ways to Say “See You Later”
When you’re hanging out with friends or bidding farewell to someone close to you, these informal expressions will help you say “see you later” in a friendly and relaxed manner:
2. Szia, viszlát: This phrase combines the informal greeting “szia” (hello/bye) with the formal “viszlát” (goodbye). It’s a versatile option that suits both formal and informal settings, making it perfect when saying goodbye to friends.
Now that you’re comfortable with the formal and informal phrases, let’s explore a few regional variations that exist in Hungary.
Regional Variations
Hungary is a diverse country, and some regions have unique ways to bid farewell. Here are a few regional variations you might encounter:
Eastern Hungary (Hajdúság)
In the eastern region, people often use the phrase “puszi” as a casual way to say “see you later” among close friends. It is an affectionate expression meaning “kiss” and is commonly accompanied by a blown kiss gesture.
Western Hungary (Transdanubia)
In Transdanubia, locals often say “szervusz” as a way to say “see you later.” It’s a more laid-back phrase typically used in casual situations among friends.
Budapest and Central Hungary
In the capital city and central region, you are likely to hear the phrase “hajrá” when bidding farewell. While “hajrá” primarily means “go for it” or “good luck,” it has also become common as a friendly way to say “see you later” among Budapest dwellers.
Now that you’re armed with various ways to say “see you later” in Hungarian, let’s take a look at a few tips to help you sound more natural!
Tips for Natural Usage
1. Body Language: Remember that non-verbal communication plays a significant role in Hungary. When saying “see you later,” maintain eye contact, offer a warm smile, and consider engaging in appropriate physical contact such as a handshake, hug, or cheek kiss, depending on your relationship with the person.
2. Mimicking Conversational Style: Pay attention to how native Hungarian speakers say goodbye in different situations. Mimicking their conversational style, intonation, and choice of words will help you appear more natural while bidding farewell.
3. Practice with Native Speakers: Don’t hesitate to practice what you’ve learned with native Hungarian speakers. They will appreciate your effort and gladly provide guidance on pronunciation and usage, thus helping you refine your farewell skills even further.
Examples in Context
Let’s practice the phrases we’ve learned within some everyday contexts:
- Saying goodbye to a friend before leaving: “Szia, viszlát! Holnap találkozunk!” (Hi, see you later! We’ll meet tomorrow!)
- Bidding farewell to a colleague at work: “Viszontlátásra! Jó munkát!” (Goodbye! Have a good day at work!)
- Wishing your Hungarian friends goodbye at a party: “Puszi mindenkinek! Viszlát!” (Kisses to everyone! Goodbye!)
Remember, it’s not just about the words you say, but also the tone and warmth you convey. Keep practicing and embracing the local customs to truly master your “see you later” skills in Hungarian!
With this comprehensive guide, you now have the necessary tools to bid farewell in Hungarian, both formally and informally. Whether you’re saying it to colleagues, friends, or acquaintances, you’ll be able to convey your goodbye with warmth and authenticity. So go ahead, practice these phrases, and immerse yourself in the beautiful Hungarian language!
