nagybácsi
[ˈnɒɟbaːt͡ʃi]
The English word "uncle" is translated into Hungarian as nagybácsi.
The term refers to the brother or brother-in-law of someone's parent.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express more than one uncle, the plural form is nagybácsik.
Did you know?
- While nagybácsi is the formal term, Hungarians often use bácsi as a friendly title for any older man, even a complete stranger, similar to 'sir' or 'uncle' in some Asian cultures.
- The term nagybácsi literally combines nagy, meaning 'big' or 'great', with bácsi, which is a diminutive or affectionate form of an older male relative.
- The word bácsi is frequently used in Hungarian folk tales and fairy tales as a generic name for a helpful old man, often appearing as Bácsi with a capital letter.
Examples in context
- Hol lakik a nagybácsikád?Where does your uncle live?This sentence shows how to ask about the residence of a nagybácsi.Tatoeba #9639023 by Cabo, translation #17412 by CK
- Ő nem az apám, hanem a nagybácsim.He is not my father but my uncle.This sentence is useful for clarifying the relationship of someone being a nagybácsi rather than a father.Tatoeba #3231162 by Aleksandro40, translation #297980 by CK
- A nagybácsikámnak van egy farmja a faluban.My uncle has a farm in the village.This sentence describes something owned by a nagybácsi.Tatoeba #10045923 by Cabo, translation #251171 by CM
- Bácsikám, van valami jó tanácsod?Uncle, do you have any good advice?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tamás and Zsófia are looking at old family photographs.
- TamásKi ez a férfi a képen?Who is this man in the picture?
- ZsófiaŐ a nagybácsim, az apám testvére.He is my uncle, my father's brother.
- TamásHol él ő most?Where does he live now?
- ZsófiaA nagybácsi egy kis faluban lakik.My uncle lives in a small village.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncle” translations and entries nagybácsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nagybácsi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
