how to say goodbye in hungarian

2 min read 06-02-2025

Saying goodbye is a fundamental part of any language. In Hungarian, the ways you bid farewell depend on the context, your relationship with the person, and the time of day. This guide will equip you with several options, from formal to informal, to ensure you're always prepared to say your goodbyes in Hungarian.

Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hungarian

Here are some of the most common ways to say goodbye in Hungarian, categorized for clarity:

Informal Goodbyes:

Viszlát! (Vish-laat): This is the most common and versatile informal goodbye. It's suitable for friends, family, and colleagues you're on friendly terms with. It translates roughly to "See you later!" or "Goodbye!"
Szia! (See-ah): A very casual and widely used goodbye, similar to "Bye" in English. It's appropriate for close friends and family. You can also use it as a greeting.
Puszi! (Poo-shee): This literally translates to "kiss," but it's used as a lighthearted, affectionate goodbye, similar to "hugs and kisses." Use this with close friends and family.

Formal Goodbyes:

Viszontlátásra! (Vish-ont-laat-a-shrah): This is the formal equivalent of "Viszlát!" Use this in professional settings or when speaking to someone you don't know well. It translates to "Until we meet again."
Jó napot! (Yoe na-pot): This phrase means "Good day" and is used as a goodbye, particularly in formal situations during the daytime.
Jó estét! (Yoe esh-teht): This means "Good evening" and is used as a formal goodbye in the evening.
Jó éjszakát! (Yoe aye-sha-kaht): This means "Good night" and is used as a formal goodbye before going to bed or ending a conversation late at night.

Choosing the Right Goodbye

The best way to say goodbye in Hungarian depends on the situation:

Close friends and family: Use informal phrases like Szia, Viszlát, or Puszi.
Colleagues and acquaintances: Use Viszlát or the more formal Viszontlátásra.
Formal settings: Use formal phrases like Jó napot, Jó estét, or Jó éjszakát, depending on the time of day.

Beyond the Basics: Adding Nuance

While the above phrases cover most situations, you can add nuance to your goodbyes:

Adding "Majd" (myd): Adding "majd" before any of the informal goodbyes softens the goodbye, implying a hope to see the person again soon. For example, "Majd viszlát!" means something like "See you later, hopefully soon!"
Context is Key: The tone of your voice and body language will also contribute to the meaning of your goodbye. A cheerful tone with a smile will convey warmth, even with a formal phrase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there a Hungarian equivalent to "Goodbye forever"? There isn't a single direct translation. You could use a phrase like "Örökre búcsút!" (Ör-ökre boo-chooth!), but it sounds very dramatic and is generally only used in serious situations.

Q: How do I say "Farewell" in Hungarian? The closest translation is "Búcsú" (boo-choo), but it's more formal and less common in everyday conversation than the other options listed above.

Mastering Hungarian goodbyes takes practice. Don't be afraid to try these phrases out in different situations. With a little practice, you'll be saying goodbye in Hungarian like a native in no time!