Bedeutung
Asking for the meaning of a word.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Hungarians value linguistic precision. Asking 'Mit jelent?' often triggers a very precise, dictionary-like response because people want to be helpful and accurate. In historic Budapest cafes, 'Mit jelent?' was the start of many literary debates. It's a phrase that invites discussion, not just a one-word answer. Many Hungarian words were 'invented' in the 19th century. Hungarians are aware that their words have specific 'meanings' designed to replace Latin or German terms. In villages, 'Mit jelent?' might be used more bluntly to question someone's strange behavior or presence.
The Magic Key
This is the most useful phrase for a beginner. Don't be afraid to use it constantly!
The Accusative 't'
Always remember the 't' in 'mit'. 'Mi jelent' sounds like 'What means' without the object marker, which is a common beginner error.
Bedeutung
Asking for the meaning of a word.
The Magic Key
This is the most useful phrase for a beginner. Don't be afraid to use it constantly!
The Accusative 't'
Always remember the 't' in 'mit'. 'Mi jelent' sounds like 'What means' without the object marker, which is a common beginner error.
Add 'pontosan'
Say 'Mit jelent ez pontosan?' (What does this mean exactly?) to sound more like a native speaker.
Be Ready for a Lecture
Hungarians love their language. Asking this might start a long, interesting conversation!
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to ask 'What does this mean?'
Ez ____ jelent?
We need the accusative form 'mit' because it is the object of the verb.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask for a definition?
How do you ask what 'alma' means?
'Mit jelent' is the standard phrase, and we usually add the article 'az' before the word.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Láttad azt a filmet? B: Igen, de nem értettem a végét. Ez ____ ____?
Since the movie is in the past, 'jelentett' (past tense) is the most appropriate, though 'jelent' is also acceptable.
Match the question to the situation.
You are at a museum and see a weird symbol.
'Jel' means sign/symbol, so this is the perfect question.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Asking for Meaning vs. Translation
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenEz ____ jelent?
We need the accusative form 'mit' because it is the object of the verb.
How do you ask what 'alma' means?
'Mit jelent' is the standard phrase, and we usually add the article 'az' before the word.
A: Láttad azt a filmet? B: Igen, de nem értettem a végét. Ez ____ ____?
Since the movie is in the past, 'jelentett' (past tense) is the most appropriate, though 'jelent' is also acceptable.
You are at a museum and see a weird symbol.
'Jel' means sign/symbol, so this is the perfect question.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenYes, it's very common and slightly emphasizes 'this'.
Because 'what' is the object of the verb 'to mean'. In Hungarian, objects get a '-t'.
Yes, it's neutral. To be extra polite, add 'legyen szíves' (please).
Only if you ask 'Mit jelentesz nekem?' (What do you mean to me?). You can't ask 'Mit jelent ő?' to mean 'Who is he?'.
'Jelent' is for the word's definition; 'akar mondani' is for what a person is trying to say.
Not really, but 'Mi van?' can sometimes mean 'What does this mean/What's going on?' in a very informal way.
Say 'Mit jelent ez a mondat?'.
Yes: 'Mit jelentett?'.
Yes, it can mean 'to report' (e.g., in the army or at school).
Just point at it and say 'Ez mit jelent?'.
Yes, it sounds more academic and formal.
Yes, this is a great way to ask about the meaning of someone's name.
Yes, to ask about the implications of a contract or data.
This is the subjunctive form, often used to express indignation or 'What is this supposed to mean?!'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mi a jelentése?
similarWhat is its meaning?
Hogy mondják...?
similarHow do they say...?
Mire gondolsz?
relatedWhat do you mean / What are you thinking?
Értem.
contrastI understand.
Nem értem.
builds onI don't understand.
Hogy érted?
specialized formHow do you mean it?
