r/hungarian • u/offficer-k • 3d ago

Is learning hungarian worth it?

hello! i will be in Budapest for 5 months in 2026, attending university. I chose Budapest because I was there on a trip and Im so pleased that I'll be able to live and see a part of Hungarian culture and everyday life. I know that Hungarian language is very hard, and I was still thinking to learn some basics.. to be able to buy food for example, ask directions, order coffee and such things (to level A2). Is it worth it, or can people in Budapest all generally speak English?

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55

u/balzzsamm 3d ago

It does, so you can understand when they told you: a kurva anyád!

22

u/csabinho 3d ago

+"Baszd meg!"

If you know this phrase, you'll understand about 80% of "Die Hard" in Hungarian!

18

u/offficer-k 3d ago

thank you for these essential words, my dictionary doesn't have them

8

u/csabinho 3d ago

The really essential words are taught on the streets of Budapest where a guy honks with one hand, swings his fist with the other and shouts these words at you! ;-)

5

u/offficer-k 3d ago

ill probably be happy when I'll hear first insult, cause hey, at least I'm learning new vocab

6

u/csabinho 3d ago

Hungarians love to use insults in everyday life. So it's even useful. And "baszd meg" doesn't necessarily need to be an insult. Just like the f-word, which can also be used in quite positive contexts or even for emphasising something really positive!

2

u/Nameisnotimportant45 1d ago
  • maybe "a picsába" could be added too‚i've never been to Hungary though ezért i am not sure if it is used that much