Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA |
|---|---|
| kettő | [ˈkɛtːøː] (narrow) |
| két | [ˈkeːt] (narrow) |
In Hungarian, the word for the cardinal number 2 has two primary forms depending on how it is used. kettő is used for pure counting or when the number stands alone, while két is used when the number directly precedes a noun to modify it. Additionally, the related form kettes can mean "double" or "two-fold".
Which one should you use?
The distinction between the two main forms is grammatical. Use kettő when the number stands alone, such as in a mathematical context (e.g., "two plus two"), or when you are simply counting. Use két when the number acts as an adjective-like modifier directly before a noun (e.g., "two apples").
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
két is a shortened version of kettő used specifically to modify nouns. The word kettes can be used to mean "double" or to refer to a specific type of item, such as a "double room" (kettes szoba).
Did you know?
- The specific suffix found in kettő is considered by linguists to be the only surviving trace of the Proto-Uralic suffix *-k in the entire modern language.
- The distinction between the two forms of 2 is a unique grammatical quirk that does not apply to most larger numbers in Hungarian.
Examples in context
- Eljött a két óra.Two o'clock came.This sentence shows how to use két to indicate time.Tatoeba #10567183 by maaster, translation #10040041 by espamatics
- Két pár cipőm van.I have two pairs of shoes.This sentence demonstrates using két before a noun like "pairs".Tatoeba #7676142 by maaster, translation #7676140 by AmarMecheri
- Két napja volt ez.That was two days ago.This sentence illustrates using két to specify a period of time.Tatoeba #10271676 by maaster, translation #5433177 by felvideki
- Veszek két könyvet holnap.I'll buy two books tomorrow.
- 1118 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zsófia and László are ordering drinks at a cafe.
- ZsófiaHány kávét szeretnél?How many coffees would you like?
- LászlóKérjük, kettőt kérünk!Two, please!
- ZsófiaÉs egy süteményt is?And a cake too?
- LászlóNem, csak a kettő elég.No, just the two is enough.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “two” translations and entries kettő, két, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kettő, két, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
