This guide to writing emails and letters in Hungarian starts with opening greetings and sign-off phrases for both formal and informal messages.
Then it covers specific examples, including thank-you cards, birthday cards, and wedding cards.
At the end of this article are complete examples of a formal email and an informal one.
The standard and safest formal greeting is Tisztelt (literally "Respected", often translated as "Dear" in context). You typically follow it with the person's title and last name.
Tisztelt Rónai Úr! (Dear Mr. Rónai!)Tisztelt Kovács Hölgyem! (Dear Ms. Kovács!) - Note: While usable, using the specific title like Igazgató Asszony (Director Madam) if known is more common than just Hölgyem.The word Kedves (which also translates to "Dear") can sometimes be used formally, but it implies a slightly less distant or more established relationship than Tisztelt. If using it formally, always include the full name and title: Kedves Professzor Nagy Úr! (Dear Professor Nagy!). For initial contact or highly official correspondence, Tisztelt is generally the better choice.
When addressing the recipient in the body of a formal message, always use the polite "you" form: Ön (singular) or Önök (plural), along with the corresponding formal verb conjugations.
If you don't know the recipient's name, use the Hungarian equivalent of "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To Whom It May Concern":
Tisztelt Hölgyem/Uram! (Dear Madam/Sir!)Tisztelt Cím! (Literally "Respected Address/Recipient!", functions like "To Whom It May Concern")If you’re writing to a friend, family member, or someone you know well and address informally (using Te), you have several options:
Kedves followed by the first name: Kedves Anna! (Dear Anna!) - This is warm and common.Szia! (Hi! - singular 'you') or Sziasztok! (Hi! - plural 'you', suitable for groups or teams). These are very common in emails.Szia Tomi! (Hi Tomi!)Csá! or Szevasz! exist but should be reserved for close friends where you are certain this style is appropriate. Szia is universally understood and safer.In informal messages, you can often omit the name after the greeting if the context is clear.
Remember to use the informal "you" forms (Te singular, Ti plural) and corresponding verb conjugations throughout the message.
The standard formal closing is Tisztelettel (meaning "Respectfully" or "Sincerely"). This is the equivalent of "Sincerely" or "Yours faithfully" in English official letters. Follow it with your full name (Surname Given name).
Example:
Tisztelettel,
Nagy János
A slightly less formal but still polite closing, often used in ongoing professional communication or when Tisztelettel feels too stiff (while still using the formal Ön address), is Üdvözlettel (meaning "Regards" or "Greetings").
Example:
Üdvözlettel,
Kiss Mária
Before the final sign-off, it's common and often appropriate to include phrases related to the next steps or expressing thanks, depending on the context. Examples include:
Válaszát várva, (Awaiting your reply,)Segítségét előre is köszönöm. (Thank you in advance for your help.)Együttműködését köszönöm. (Thank you for your cooperation.)Mielőbbi válaszában bízva, (Hoping for your prompt reply,)Use these phrases thoughtfully; avoid sounding overly demanding or repetitive, but do not feel they are inherently "tacky" - they serve practical purposes in communication.
Informal messages offer more flexibility. While ongoing chats with very close friends might not need formal closings, emails or letters usually benefit from one.
Common informal closings include:
Üdvözlettel ("Regards") - Yes, the same as the semi-formal one, but its level of formality depends on the context established by the greeting and content.Üdv. (Abbreviation for Üdvözlettel, common and neutral, like "Regards" or "Best").Szia / Sziasztok (Can function as "Bye" as well as "Hi").Puszi ("Kiss" - Use only with close friends and family).Vigyázz magadra! ("Take care!").Choose the closing that best fits your relationship with the recipient.
Keep your emails clear and concise. However, some common phrases can be useful:
Remélem, jól van. (I hope you are well - using Ön).Remélem, jól vagy. (I hope you are well - using Te).Mellékelten küldöm a dokumentumot. (I am sending the document attached.)Csatolva megtalálja a fájlokat. (You will find the files attached - using Ön).Csatolva megtalálod a fájlokat. (You will find the files attached - using Te).Ui: (short for Utóirat) followed by your message. Functions like "P.S."Postcard content depends heavily on the recipient.
Remekül érezzük magunkat! (We're having a great time!), Gyönyörű az idő. (The weather is beautiful.), Sokat gondolok rád. (I think of you often - informal), Hiányzol! (Missing you! - informal).A thank you card (köszönetkártya) should be sincere. Tailor it to the recipient and the reason for your gratitude.
Köszönök mindent! or Köszönet mindenért! (Thank you for everything!).Nagyon köszönöm a segítségedet/segítségét. (Thank you very much for your help - informal/formal). Hálás vagyok a kedvességedért/kedvességéért. (I am grateful for your kindness - informal/formal).Common birthday wishes include:
Boldog születésnapot kívánok! (I wish you a happy birthday!) - Often shortened to Boldog születésnapot!Boldog szülinapot! (Happy b-day! - more colloquial).Isten éltessen sokáig! (May God grant you a long life!) - A traditional blessing, keep in mind not everyone is religious.Adding a short, appropriate poem from a known Hungarian poet can be a nice touch, but simple, heartfelt wishes are always appreciated.
Wishes for a wedding couple often focus on happiness and longevity.
Sok boldogságot kívánok az ifjú párnak! (I wish much happiness to the newlyweds!). You might add a compliment like Öröm volt látni titeket ilyen boldognak. (It was a joy to see you both so happy. - informal).Sok boldogságot! Legyetek nagyon boldogok együtt, és szeressétek egymást egy életen át! (Much happiness! Be very happy together, and love each other for a lifetime!)Tartsatok ki egymás mellett jóban-rosszban, és szeressétek egymást, amíg éltek. (Stick by each other through thick and thin, and love each other as long as you live.)To help you get a better feel for writing a message in Hungarian, here are examples of a formal and an informal email, with refined translations.
(Note: This example uses very colloquial language and slang, typical between close friends.)
Szia Haver!