The Hungarian language

Since the 19th century, the origins of the Hungarian language have been a matter of dispute. In the beginning, it was discussed whether Hungarian was more closely related to Finnish or to the Turkish language.

There also have been attempts to associate Hungarian with languages such as Etruscan, Sumerian or Armenian. In the 19th century, theories began to appear that Hungarian might be related to Japanese at the Finno-Ugric group level. This was indicated by similarities between certain words.

Today, however, Hungarian (hu. magyar nyelv) is considered to belong to the Ugric subgroup of languages, classified in the Finno-Ugric group. Modern standard Hungarian developed in the 16th century, with the written language based on the Latin alphabet.

How to say ‘good morning’ and ‘thank you’ in Hungarian?

Good morning – jó napot

Thank you – k?sz?n?m

And a few more phrases below:

Goodbye – viszontlátásra

Have a nice day – szép napot

How are you doing? – hogy vagy?

How are you feeling? – mit érzed magad?

Good – jól

Bad – rosszul

Yes – igen

No – nem

Speaking of Hungarian, it's also worth mentioning a few interesting facts relating to Hungary.

The ballpoint pen was invented by a Hungarian artist, László Bíró and Rubik’s cube was Ern? Rubik’s idea.

Lake Balaton – meaning a swampy lake – is called a sea by the Hungarians, although in reality it is the largest lake in the territory of Hungary and in Central Europe.

In Hungary there are over 1000 varieties of pepper. The spiciest one is 100 times hotter than chili pepper.

100 000 000 000 000 000 000 – how much is that?! It is interesting that a banknote with so many zeros was used as payment in 1926 and the name of the former currency was Peng?. 

Moreover, Hungary is the only country to have carried a referendum on joining NATO. The referendum was held in 1999.

When drinking alcohol with a Hungarian, it is advisable not to clink glasses, beer mugs or bottles. Legend has it that in 1848, in Austria, 13 Hungarian martyrs were executed and after each execution the Austrian generals raised a toast. Because of this event, the Hungarians forego raising toasts.