Bedeutung
Formal way to ask for someone's name.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Hungarians use the Eastern name order (Surname + Given name). If someone says 'Kovács János', 'Kovács' is the family name. In business, titles are often used with the formal address. You might hear 'Hogy hívják az igazgató urat?' (What is the Director-Sir called?). The transition from 'Hogy hívják' to 'Hogy hívnak' is a formal process. Don't switch until the older/higher-status person suggests it. In villages, formal address is strictly maintained even among neighbors who have known each other for decades if there is an age gap.
Safety First
When in doubt, always use 'Hogy hívják?'. No one will be offended by too much politeness, but they might be by too little.
The 'Maga' Trap
While 'Maga' is also formal, it can sometimes sound aggressive. Stick to 'Ön' or just the verb 'hívják' without a pronoun.
Bedeutung
Formal way to ask for someone's name.
Safety First
When in doubt, always use 'Hogy hívják?'. No one will be offended by too much politeness, but they might be by too little.
The 'Maga' Trap
While 'Maga' is also formal, it can sometimes sound aggressive. Stick to 'Ön' or just the verb 'hívják' without a pronoun.
Name Order
Don't be surprised if they say their last name first. It's the Hungarian way!
Teste dich selbst
You are at a bank. Which question should you use to ask the clerk's name?
Jó napot! Elnézést, ______?
In a bank, you must use the formal 'hogy hívják'.
Complete the formal question.
Önt hogy _______?
The formal 'Ön' requires the 'hívják' form.
Complete the dialogue between a doctor and a patient.
Orvos: Jó napot! Üljön le. ______? Beteg: Kovács János vagyok.
A doctor asks for a patient's name formally.
Match the phrase to the person you are speaking to.
1. Hogy hívnak? 2. Hogy hívják?
Informal for children, formal for elders.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formal vs Informal Name Asking
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenJó napot! Elnézést, ______?
In a bank, you must use the formal 'hogy hívják'.
Önt hogy _______?
The formal 'Ön' requires the 'hívják' form.
Orvos: Jó napot! Üljön le. ______? Beteg: Kovács János vagyok.
A doctor asks for a patient's name formally.
1. Hogy hívnak? 2. Hogy hívják?
Informal for children, formal for elders.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenGrammatically, it's the 3rd person plural, but it's used to address one person formally.
No, it sounds very strange. Use 'Hogy hívnak?' for children.
'Hogy hívják?' is more common in speech; 'Mi a neve?' is more common on forms.
No, 'Hogy hívják?' is complete on its own.
You can say '[Név] vagyok' or '[Név]-nek hívnak'.
Not if you use 'Elnézést' (Excuse me) and 'Hogy hívják?'.
Just say 'Bocsánat, a nevem...' and they will understand you are a learner.
Yes, you can ask 'Hogy hívják ezt?' (What is this called?).
Yes, it is the standard formal inquiry nationwide.
Yes, it's very appropriate for formal emails.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Hogy hívnak?
similarWhat is your name? (Informal)
Mi a neve?
synonymWhat is your name? (Formal/Neutral)
Hogy szólíthatom?
specialized formHow may I address you?
Bemutatkozhatok?
builds onMay I introduce myself?
Örvendek
builds onPleased to meet you
