idő
[ˈidøː]
The Hungarian word for time is idő.
idő is used to refer to the measurement of a quantity of time. In many contexts, it is also used to mean 'weather', such as in the phrase jó idő (good weather). When you need to indicate 'since' in relation to time durations, the word óta is used.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'my time', you add the possessive suffix to form időm. If idő is the direct object of a verb, such as the verb 'to have', it takes the accusative suffix to become időt. Regarding clock intervals, the word negyed represents 15 minutes, fél represents 30 minutes and háromnegyed represents 45 minutes.
Did you know?
- The word idő is likely not native to the original Uralic root of Hungarian but was borrowed from an ancient Turkic language before the 10th century.
- When talking about the time of day, Hungarians use fél meaning 'half' to indicate the hour that is coming up, rather than the one that has passed.
- In Hungarian, the word idő is deeply tied to the concept of 'season' and 'period', often appearing in compound words to describe historical eras.
Examples in context
- Tíz év sok idő.Ten years is a long time.This sentence shows how to use idő to describe a duration of years.Tatoeba #5342020 by mraz, translation #73398 by CK
- Jó sok időm van.I have plenty of time.This sentence demonstrates the use of the form időm to mean 'my time'.Tatoeba #5596955 by maaster, translation #2360214 by CK
- Mi a pontos idő?What is the exact time?This sentence shows how to ask for the exact idő.Tatoeba #7663842 by felvideki, translation #271595 by CK
- 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.
- 1143 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Tamás are discussing a meeting.
- AnnaNincs több idő.There is no more time.
- TamásMennyi idő van még?How much time is left?
- AnnaCsak öt perc.Only five minutes.
- TamásÉrtem, sietnünk kell.I see, we must hurry.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry idő, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idő, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
