Basic Requests and Commands in Hungarian

Overview

Even at the CEFR A1 level, learners need to make simple requests and understand basic commands. Hungarian has specific imperative forms (studied in detail at A2), but at the beginner level, a handful of fixed phrases and common command forms are sufficient for everyday interactions: kérem (please/I request), gyere (come), add ide (give here), nézd (look).

This topic introduces the concept of the imperative mood through high-frequency practical phrases rather than full conjugation paradigms. The focus is on survival language — the phrases you need in shops, restaurants, and basic social interactions.

Understanding polite request forms is also culturally important, as Hungarian places great emphasis on politeness levels.

How It Works

Polite Request Phrases

Hungarian	English	Register
Kérem.	Please. / I request.	formal
Kérem szépen.	Please (polite).	formal
Kérlek.	Please.	informal (to one person)
Tessék.	Here you go. / Please.	formal/service
Légy szíves.	Be so kind.	informal
Legyen szíves.	Be so kind.	formal

Common Commands (Informal)

Hungarian	English	Base verb
Gyere!	Come!	jön
Gyere ide!	Come here!	jön
Menj!	Go!	megy
Nézd! / Nézd meg!	Look! / Look at it!	néz
Add ide!	Give it here!	ad
Várj!	Wait!	vár
Ülj le!	Sit down!	ül
Állj meg!	Stop!	áll

Making Requests in Shops/Restaurants

Hungarian	English	Context
Kérem, adja ide a könyvet.	Please give me the book.	formal
Egy kávét kérek.	I'd like a coffee.	ordering
Kérnék egy kávét.	I'd like a coffee. (polite)	conditional
Tessék parancsolni!	How can I help you?	shopkeeper
Elnézést, hol van...?	Excuse me, where is...?	asking

Examples in Context

Hungarian	English	Note
Kérem, adja ide a könyvet.	Please give me the book.	formal request
Gyere ide!	Come here!	informal command
Nézd meg ezt!	Look at this!	informal command
Egy kávét kérek.	I'd like a coffee.	ordering
Várj egy kicsit!	Wait a moment!	informal
Tessék!	Here you go!	offering
Kérlek, segíts!	Please help!	informal request
Menj haza!	Go home!	informal command
Legyen szíves, mondja meg...	Would you be so kind as to tell me...	very formal
Ülj le, kérlek!	Sit down, please!	informal

Common Mistakes

Using informal commands in formal situations

• Wrong: Gyere ide! to a stranger or elder
• Right: Tessék idejönni! or Kérem, jöjjön ide!
• Why: Informal imperative forms are only appropriate with friends, family, and peers.

Forgetting kérem/kérlek

• Wrong: Adj egy kávét! (Give a coffee!)
• Right: Kérek egy kávét. or Adj egy kávét, kérlek.
• Why: Without "please," direct commands sound rude in Hungarian social context.

Confusing kérem and kérlek

• Wrong: Kérlek to a formal addressee
• Right: Kérem for formal, kérlek for informal
• Why: Kérem uses the formal (definite) conjugation; kérlek uses the special I→you form for informal address.

Usage Notes

Tessék is one of the most versatile words in Hungarian: it means "here you go" (offering), "please enter" (answering door), "how can I help you?" (in service), and "please" (polite filler). Its meaning depends entirely on context.

Kérnék (conditional: I would like) is softer and more polite than kérek (I want/request). In restaurants and shops, kérnék is preferred.

Practice Tips

• Memorize five request phrases for common situations: ordering food, asking directions, asking for help, entering a shop, saying goodbye.
• Practice the informal commands with a study partner: Gyere, menj, nézd, add, várj.
• Role-play shop interactions using kérem/kérnék + item.

Related Concepts

This is a foundational practical topic that prepares learners for the full imperative mood system at A2.