Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pest at night, as seen from Buda Hills
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Etiquette
Hungarians are almost always extremely polite in their social interactions, and the language
can be very courtly - even when doing business with the butcher or having one's hair cut.
Greetings An older man will often kiss a woman's hand, and young people's standard
greeting to their elders is Csókolom ('I kiss it' - 'it' being the hand, of course). People of
all ages, even close friends, shake hands when meeting up.
Asking for help Say legyen szíves ('be so kind as') to attract attention; say bocsánat
('sorry') to apologise.
Eating and drinking If you're invited to someone's home, bring a bunch of flowers
(available in profusion all year) or a bottle of good local wine.
Name days As much as their birthday, Hungarians celebrate their name day, which is
usually the Catholic feast day of their patron saint (all Hungarian calendars list them).
Flowers, sweets or a bottle of wine are the usual gifts.
Language
Hungarians like to boast that their language ranks with Japanese and Arabic as among the
world's most difficult to master. All languages are challenging for non-native speakers, but it
is true: Hungarian is challenging to learn well. However, this should not put you off attempt-
ing a few words and phrases.
Though things are changing, the majority of Hungarians tend to speak only Hungarian.
Even when they do have a smattering of a foreign language, they lack experience using it or
are hesitant to speak it. Attempt a few words in Hungarian (Magyar) and they will be im-
pressed, take it as a compliment and be extremely encouraging. If you're desperate, look for
someone young, preferably under the age of 25.
 
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