igen, kérem
[ˈiɡɛn ˈkeːrɛm]word by word
In Hungarian, "yes please" is igen, kérem.
This phrase is used when someone offers you something (like coffee or help) and you wish to accept it politely.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of igen (yes) and kérem (I ask/request/please).
Which one should you use?
While igen, kérem is used to accept an offer, igen, köszönöm is used to accept an offer while expressing gratitude.
Did you know?
- Some linguists believe igen was borrowed from a Turkic particle meaning 'evidently' or 'certainly'.
- In Hungarian, the word kérem literally means 'I request' or 'I ask'. Unlike the English 'please', it is a conjugated verb that specifies the speaker is the one doing the asking.
- In very casual settings, a Hungarian might drop the kérem entirely and simply use a tone of voice to express politeness, whereas in English 'please' is almost always required.
Examples in context
- Igen, kérem.Yes, please.This sentence shows how to use igen, kérem.Tatoeba #4864108 by mraz, translation #687874 by lukaszpp
- Igen, kérem, egy kávét.Yes, please, a coffee.
Example conversation
László offers Éva a glass of water.
- ÉvaSzeretnél egy pohár vizet, Éva?Would you like a glass of water, Éva?
- LászlóIgen, kérem, köszönöm szépen.Yes please, thank you very much.
- ÉvaTessék, itt van a víz.Here you go, here is the water.
- LászlóNagyon kedves vagy, László.You are very kind, László.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (igen, kérem) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries igen, kérem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
