Gaining the ability to talk about time in Hungarian is an essential skill for anyone learning the language. Whether you want to ask for the current time, talk about schedules, or arrange meetings, understanding how to express time correctly will greatly enhance your communication skills. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of expressing time in Hungarian, providing you with various tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions of Time
Formal expressions of time are typically used in professional settings, formal events, or when speaking to individuals in positions of authority. Here are some commonly used formal phrases:
1. Asking for the Time
If you want to ask for the time formally, you can use the following question:
Mennyi az idő?
This translates to, “What time is it?” Remember to use the appropriate inflection to convey a polite tone.
2. Telling the Time
When providing the time in a formal context, use the following structure:
Hour + óra + Minute + perc
For example:
3:05 PM would be “Három óra öt perc.”
Ensure that you include the words “óra” and “perc” (hour and minute, respectively) to make it clear you are referring to time.
Informal Expressions of Time
Informal expressions of time are commonly used in casual conversations, among friends, or when speaking with peers. Here are some informal phrases you can use:
1. Asking for the Time
In an informal setting, people often ask for the time using the following question:
Mennyi az óra?
This translates to, “What’s the time?” and is suitable for use among friends or family.
2. Telling the Time
When telling the time informally, Hungarians often drop the words “óra” and “perc.” Here’s how you can express the time casually:
Hour + : + Minute
For example:
3:05 PM would be “Három öt.”
By omitting “óra” and “perc,” you create a more casual and efficient way of expressing time that is commonly used among peers.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the art of expressing time in Hungarian:
1. Talking about Duration
When discussing time durations, such as “for five minutes” or “since six o’clock,” use the word “óta” to indicate “since” and “ig” to denote “until” or “to.” For example:
Angolul tanulok 5 óta. – I have been studying English since 5.
Futok fél órát. – I run for half an hour.
Este 6 óráig dolgozom. – I work until 6 in the evening.
By using these words, you can effectively communicate time durations and specific points in time.
2. 24-Hour Format
In Hungarian, the 24-hour format is also commonly used. To express time using this format, simply state the hour followed by “kor.” For example:
18:00 would be “18 óra kor.”
Using the 24-hour format can be helpful, especially when dealing with train schedules, official announcements, or specific time-sensitive situations.
3. Breaking Down Minutes
When talking about minutes, Hungarians typically break them down into smaller units of time. For instance:
10 minutes – 10 perc
15 minutes – negyed
30 minutes – fél
45 minutes – háromnegyed
Using these breakdowns makes conversations more efficient and allows for clearer communication.
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you utilize these expressions of time, the more natural they will become. Don’t be afraid to engage in conversations and experiment with different phrases to improve your understanding and fluency in expressing time in Hungarian. Best of luck!
