5 reasons to learn Hungarian

Although Hungarian is only spoken by a small number of people, you may want to consider learning the language. It is not only a unique language, but it can be useful in one way or another, too. Here are 5 reasons why you should learn Hungarian. 

Hungarian is a beautiful language

When people think about the most beautiful language, probably not Hungarian will be their first thought. However, the Hungarian language has some beautiful words and expressions. According to foreigners, cipőfűző [shoelace] is the most beautiful Hungarian word. In addition, Dezső Kosztolányi, the famous Hungarian writer collected his favourite Hungarian words which are the following: láng [flame], gyöngy [pearl], anya [mother], ősz [Autumn], szűz [virgin], kard [sword], csók [kiss], vér [blood], szív [heart], sír [grave, cry].

• Read also: The most beautiful Hungarian words

Hungarian is diverse and colourful

Hungarian may not be the easiest language in the world, but it is certainly rich and colourful. There is a different word for every expression. There are several ways you can express yourself in a given situation, and you can say a synonym for every word. For example, hungarianpod101.com lists these expressions if you want to say “to walk” or “to go”: sétálni, járni, lépdelni, kóborolni, csavarogni, bóklászni, andalogni. 

It is a phonetic language

If you learn the Hungarian letters, you are already halfway to success. Although English has only 26 letters and Hungarian has 44,  English words are not pronounced according to the alphabet. In comparison, Hungarian is an entirely phonetic language. Once you have learned the alphabet, you will be able to pronounce everything. Of course, you will have to learn some difficult sounds, such as cs, which is pronounced as the “ch” in “check” or cheek”. Here is some help to learn Hungarian effectively!

The funny proverbs are worth the effort

Hungarian sayings, proverbs and phrases are essential parts of the language. If you are tired of grammar, learning some proverbs will help you get back on track and enjoy studying.

Here are two funny idioms collected by catchbudapest.com:

• “Álljon már meg a fáklyás menet!” – Stop the torchlight procession!Meaning: I’ve really had it with your demands/ideas / doing favours for you.
• “Örülök, hogy lyuk van a fenekemen.” – I’m happy to have a hole in my butt. Meaning: I really have bigger problems than what you just said.

Not many people speak Hungarian

At first, this might sound like a negative aspect, but it can actually be an advantage to speak a language that not many people know. If you speak Hungarian, you will be considered unique and valuable. You might need it for your job or just for fun, the main idea is that if you speak Hungarian as a foreigner, you will be one of a kind.

Read alsoWant to sound more like a native Hungarian? Here are some tips!

Source: catchbudapest.com, hungarianpod101.com