Welcome to Lesson 9 of the Latinum Institute's Hungarian course for English speakers. Today we explore one of the most culturally significant words in Hungarian: "you." Unlike English, which uses one word for all situations, Hungarian distinguishes between formal and informal address, as well as singular and plural forms. This lesson will guide you through the four main forms: te (informal singular), ön (formal singular), ti (informal plural), and önök (formal plural).
For a complete index of lessons and course materials, visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Definition: The Hungarian equivalents of "you" are: -
te - informal singular (used with friends, family, children) -
ön/maga - formal singular (used with strangers, elders, in professional settings) -
ti - informal plural (addressing multiple friends/peers) -
önök/maguk - formal plural (addressing multiple people formally)
How this word is used in the lesson: Our examples will demonstrate all forms of "you" in various contexts, showing how Hungarian speakers navigate social relationships through pronoun choice. You'll see these pronouns as subjects, with different verb conjugations, and in various social situations.
Question: What does "you" mean in Hungarian? Answer: "You" in Hungarian has four main forms: te (informal singular), ön (formal singular), ti (informal plural), and önök (formal plural). The choice depends on the social relationship and number of people addressed.
Course: Hungarian for English Speakers Institution: Latinum Institute Level: Beginner Lesson: 9 Topic: Personal pronouns - "you" Language of instruction: English Target language: Hungarian
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Hungarian has four different words for "you" based on formality and number -
Te is used with friends, family, and children (singular) -
Ön shows respect to elders, strangers, and in professional contexts (singular) -
Ti addresses multiple friends or peers informally -
Önök addresses multiple people formally -
Verb conjugations change depending on which form of "you" is used -
Choosing the wrong form can be socially awkward or offensive
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9.1 Te you (informal) szereted love a the csokoládét chocolate
9.2 Hol where laksz live te you (informal)?
9.3 Ön you (formal) beszél speak angolul English?
9.4 Ti you (plural informal) mikor when jöttök come?
9.5 Mit what csinálsz do te you (informal) ma today este evening?
9.6 Önök you (plural formal) tudnak can segíteni help?
9.7 Hogy how vagy are te you (informal)?
9.8 Kérem please, ön you (formal) írja write alá under ezt this!
9.9 Ti you (plural informal) hová where to mentek go nyáron in summer?
9.10 Te you (informal) ismered know ezt this a the dalt song?
9.11 Önnek to you (formal) van is időpontja appointment?
9.12 Veletek with you (plural informal) megyek go én I is also
9.13 Te you (informal) mindig always korán early kelsz get up
9.14 Önöktől from you (plural formal) kaptam received a the levelet letter
9.15 Neked to you (informal) hoztam brought valamit something
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9.1 Te szereted a csokoládét. You love chocolate.
9.2 Hol laksz te? Where do you live?
9.3 Ön beszél angolul? Do you speak English?
9.4 Ti mikor jöttök? When are you (plural) coming?
9.5 Mit csinálsz te ma este? What are you doing this evening?
9.6 Önök tudnak segíteni? Can you (plural formal) help?
9.7 Hogy vagy te? How are you?
9.8 Kérem, ön írja alá ezt! Please, you sign this!
9.9 Ti hová mentek nyáron? Where are you (plural) going in summer?
9.10 Te ismered ezt a dalt? Do you know this song?
9.11 Önnek van időpontja? Do you have an appointment?
9.12 Veletek megyek én is. I'm going with you (plural) too.
9.13 Te mindig korán kelsz. You always get up early.
9.14 Önöktől kaptam a levelet. I received the letter from you (plural formal).
9.15 Neked hoztam valamit. I brought something for you.
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9.1 Te szereted a csokoládét.
9.2 Hol laksz te?
9.3 Ön beszél angolul?
9.4 Ti mikor jöttök?
9.5 Mit csinálsz te ma este?
9.6 Önök tudnak segíteni?
9.7 Hogy vagy te?
9.8 Kérem, ön írja alá ezt!
9.9 Ti hová mentek nyáron?
9.10 Te ismered ezt a dalt?
9.11 Önnek van időpontja?
9.12 Veletek megyek én is.
9.13 Te mindig korán kelsz.
9.14 Önöktől kaptam a levelet.
9.15 Neked hoztam valamit.
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Hungarian distinguishes four forms of "you" based on two factors: formality (informal/formal) and number (singular/plural).
The Four Forms: -
te - informal singular -
ön/maga - formal singular -
ti - informal plural -
önök/maguk - formal plural
Each form requires different verb endings:
With "te" (informal singular): -
szeretsz (you love) -
laksz (you live) -
vagy (you are) -
kelsz (you get up)
With "ön" (formal singular): -
szeret (you love) - same as 3rd person -
lakik (you live) -
van (you are) - uses 3rd person -
kel (you get up)
With "ti" (informal plural): -
szerettek (you love) -
laktok (you live) -
vagytok (you are) -
keltek (you get up)
With "önök" (formal plural): -
szeretnek (you love) - same as 3rd person plural -
laknak (you live) -
vannak (you are) -
kelnek (you get up)
"You" pronouns change form based on grammatical case:
Nominative (subject): -
te, ön, ti, önök
Accusative (direct object): -
téged, önt, titeket, önöket
Dative (to/for): -
neked, önnek, nektek, önöknek
Instrumental (with): -
veled, önnel, veletek, önökkel
Ablative (from): -
tőled, öntől, tőletek, önöktől
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Using "te" with strangers - This is considered rude. Always use "ön" with people you don't know well. -
Forgetting verb agreement - English speakers often use the wrong verb ending because English doesn't change verbs for "you." -
Mixing formal and informal - Once you start with "ön," don't switch to "te" unless invited. -
Wrong case endings - Remember that Hungarian "you" pronouns change form based on their role in the sentence. -
Translating directly from English - "How are you?" is "Hogy vagy?" (informal) or "Hogy van?" (formal), not word-for-word translation.
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Ask yourself: Do I know this person well? -
Yes → Use informal (te/ti) -
No → Use formal (ön/önök) -
Consider the age difference: -
Speaking to children → Always use "te" -
Speaking to elders → Usually use "ön" -
Think about the context: -
Professional setting → Use "ön/önök" -
Social gathering with peers → Use "te/ti" -
Count the people: -
One person → te or ön -
Multiple people → ti or önök -
Match the verb ending: -
te → -sz/-l endings -
ön → 3rd person singular -
ti → -tok/-tek/-tök -
önök → 3rd person plural
Nominative: te, ön, ti, önök Accusative: téged, önt, titeket, önöket Dative: neked, önnek, nektek, önöknek Instrumental: veled, önnel, veletek, önökkel Ablative: tőled, öntől, tőletek, önöktől Sublative: rád, önre, rátok, önökre Possessive: tied, öné, tietek, önöké
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The distinction between formal and informal "you" (known as "tegezés" for informal and "magázás/önözés" for formal address) is deeply embedded in Hungarian culture and reflects social hierarchies, respect, and intimacy.
Social Rules:
In Hungary, the choice between "te" and "ön" is not merely grammatical—it's a social statement. Using "te" with someone who expects "ön" can be seen as disrespectful or presumptuous. Conversely, continuing to use "ön" when "te" would be appropriate can create unnecessary distance.
The Transition Ritual:
Hungarians have a special ritual called "pertu" for transitioning from formal to informal address. Usually, the older or higher-status person initiates this by saying something like "Tegeződjünk?" (Shall we use 'te' with each other?). This is often accompanied by a toast if alcohol is present.
Professional Settings:
In workplaces, younger employees typically use "ön" with older colleagues and superiors. However, modern tech companies and international firms increasingly adopt the informal "te" as standard, following Western business culture.
Generational Differences:
Younger Hungarians (under 40) tend to switch to "te" more quickly, especially in casual settings. Older generations maintain formal address longer and may be offended by premature informality.
Regional Variations:
Budapest tends to be more formal than rural areas. In villages, people who see each other daily might use "te" even without close friendship, while in the capital, "ön" might persist even among regular acquaintances.
Online Communication:
The internet has created new norms. On social media and forums, "te" is standard regardless of age, though formal sites (government, banking) maintain "ön." Email etiquette depends on context—business emails use "ön," while startup culture might default to "te."
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From "Egri csillagok" (Stars of Eger) by Géza Gárdonyi (1899):
"Te vagy az én csillagom, te vagy az én reménységem. Nélküled nincs értelme az életemnek. Önnel beszéltem az apádról, és ő is áldását adja ránk."
Te you (informal) vagy are az the én my csillagom star, te you (informal) vagy are az the én my reménységem hope. Nélküled without you nincs there isn't értelme meaning az the életemnek to my life. Önnel with you (formal) beszéltem I spoke az the apádról about your father, és and ő he is also áldását his blessing adja gives ránk upon us.
"Te vagy az én csillagom, te vagy az én reménységem. Nélküled nincs értelme az életemnek. Önnel beszéltem az apádról, és ő is áldását adja ránk."
"You are my star, you are my hope. Without you my life has no meaning. I spoke with you (formal) about your father, and he too gives his blessing upon us."
Te vagy az én csillagom, te vagy az én reménységem. Nélküled nincs értelme az életemnek. Önnel beszéltem az apádról, és ő is áldását adja ránk.
This passage beautifully illustrates the emotional weight of pronoun choice in Hungarian literature. The speaker uses "te" (informal you) when expressing intimate feelings directly to their beloved, emphasizing closeness and affection. The repetition of "te vagy" (you are) creates a poetic rhythm and intensifies the emotional declaration.
The shift to "önnel" (with you - formal) is particularly interesting. This suggests the speaker is either: -
Addressing a different person (perhaps a parent or authority figure) -
Showing a momentary formal distance even with the beloved when discussing serious matters -
Reflecting the historical period's formal courtship customs
The word "nélküled" demonstrates the instrumental case of "te" (-d suffix meaning "without you"), showing how pronouns change form based on their grammatical function. This case system doesn't exist in English, making it a challenging aspect for English speakers.
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9.16 Ön you (formal) mikor when érkezik arrive a the találkozóra to the meeting?
9.17 Kérem please, önök you (plural formal) olvassák read el through a the szerződést contract
9.18 Te you (informal) tudod know, hogy that a the főnök boss mit what mondott said?
9.19 Önnel with you (formal) szeretnék I would like megbeszélni to discuss egy a fontos important ügyet matter
9.20 Ti you (plural informal) dolgoztok work ezen on this a the projekten project?
9.21 Mit what gondol think ön you (formal) erről about this a the javaslatról proposal?
9.22 Önök you (plural formal) már already döntöttek decided a the költségvetésről about the budget?
9.23 Te you (informal) készíted prepare a the prezentációt presentation holnapra for tomorrow?
9.24 Önnek to you (formal) van have valamilyen any kérdése question?
9.25 Veletek with you (plural informal) osztom share meg PARTICLE a the fájlokat files
9.26 Önt you (formal accusative) kerestem I was looking for egész whole délelőtt morning
9.27 Ti you (plural informal) végeztetek finished már already a the jelentéssel with the report?
9.28 Önöknek to you (plural formal) küldöm I send a the meghívót invitation emailben by email
9.29 Neked to you (informal) mi what a the véleményed your opinion a the tervről about the plan?
9.30 Önöktől from you (plural formal) várom I expect a the választ answer péntekig by Friday
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9.16 Ön mikor érkezik a találkozóra? When are you arriving at the meeting?
9.17 Kérem, önök olvassák el a szerződést. Please, you (plural) read through the contract.
9.18 Te tudod, hogy a főnök mit mondott? Do you know what the boss said?
9.19 Önnel szeretnék megbeszélni egy fontos ügyet. I would like to discuss an important matter with you.
9.20 Ti dolgoztok ezen a projekten? Are you (plural) working on this project?
9.21 Mit gondol ön erről a javaslatról? What do you think about this proposal?
9.22 Önök már döntöttek a költségvetésről? Have you (plural) already decided about the budget?
9.23 Te készíted a prezentációt holnapra? Are you preparing the presentation for tomorrow?
9.24 Önnek van valamilyen kérdése? Do you have any questions?
9.25 Veletek osztom meg a fájlokat. I'll share the files with you (plural).
9.26 Önt kerestem egész délelőtt. I was looking for you all morning.
9.27 Ti végeztetek már a jelentéssel? Have you (plural) finished with the report?
9.28 Önöknek küldöm a meghívót emailben. I'll send you (plural) the invitation by email.
9.29 Neked mi a véleményed a tervről? What's your opinion about the plan?
9.30 Önöktől várom a választ péntekig. I expect the answer from you (plural) by Friday.
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9.16 Ön mikor érkezik a találkozóra?
9.17 Kérem, önök olvassák el a szerződést.
9.18 Te tudod, hogy a főnök mit mondott?
9.19 Önnel szeretnék megbeszélni egy fontos ügyet.
9.20 Ti dolgoztok ezen a projekten?
9.21 Mit gondol ön erről a javaslatról?
9.22 Önök már döntöttek a költségvetésről?
9.23 Te készíted a prezentációt holnapra?
9.24 Önnek van valamilyen kérdése?
9.25 Veletek osztom meg a fájlokat.
9.26 Önt kerestem egész délelőtt.
9.27 Ti végeztetek már a jelentéssel?
9.28 Önöknek küldöm a meghívót emailben.
9.29 Neked mi a véleményed a tervről?
9.30 Önöktől várom a választ péntekig.
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In Hungarian business culture, the choice between formal and informal pronouns is crucial and follows specific patterns:
Traditional Business Hierarchy: -
Employees use "ön" with superiors -
Superiors may use "te" with subordinates (though many now use "ön" reciprocally) -
Colleagues of similar rank often start with "ön" and transition to "te" over time
Modern Business Trends: -
International companies often adopt informal "te" immediately -
Startups typically use "te" regardless of hierarchy -
Traditional Hungarian companies maintain formal "ön" structure
Polite Requests with Different Pronouns:
With "ön" (formal): -
Kérem, ön... (Please, you...) -
Legyen szíves... (Be so kind...) -
Tisztelettel kérem... (I respectfully request...)
With "te" (informal): -
Kérlek, te... (Please, you...) -
Légy szíves... (Be so kind...) -
Meg tudnád csinálni? (Could you do it?)
Email Openings by Formality:
Formal: -
Tisztelt Kovács Úr! (Dear Mr. Kovács!) -
Uses "ön" throughout
Informal: -
Kedves Péter! (Dear Péter!) -
Uses "te" throughout
Conditional Mood with Different Pronouns:
The conditional mood (expressing "would") changes based on the pronoun: -
te: szeretnél (you would like) -
ön: szeretne (you would like - formal) -
ti: szeretnétek (you plural would like) -
önök: szeretnének (you plural formal would like)
Formal introductions: -
"Örülök, hogy megismerhetem önt" (Pleased to meet you) -
"Ön mivel foglalkozik?" (What do you do?)
Informal team discussions: -
"Te mit gondolsz?" (What do you think?) -
"Tudtok segíteni?" (Can you guys help?)
In business, the transition from "ön" to "te" often happens: -
After working together for months -
At office social events -
When explicitly suggested by the senior person -
In creative industries, often immediately
Signs it's time to switch: -
Colleagues your age use "te" with each other -
Your superior suggests it -
The company culture is explicitly informal -
You're invited to after-work social events
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Progressive Difficulty: Starting with simple sentences, each lesson gradually introduces more complex grammatical structures while recycling vocabulary from previous lessons.
Cultural Integration: Language learning isn't just about grammar—it's about understanding culture. Each lesson includes cultural notes explaining when and how to use different forms appropriately.
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