At the A1 level, the word 'iroda' is taught as a basic noun for a place. You should learn it alongside other common locations like 'iskola' (school) and 'ház' (house). The most important thing to remember at this stage is the physical meaning: a room where people work with computers and papers. You will use it in simple sentences like 'Ez egy iroda' (This is an office) or 'Az iroda nagy' (The office is big). You should also begin to practice the vowel harmony rule: because 'iroda' has back vowels, it takes the '-ban' suffix for 'in'. Even at A1, you must remember that 'iroda' ends in 'a', which becomes 'á' when you add 'in' (irodában) or 'to' (irodába). Focus on recognizing the word on signs in the city and being able to say where you work if you have a desk job.
At the A2 level, you start using 'iroda' in more complex daily routines. You should be able to talk about going to the office, staying in the office, and coming home from the office. This involves mastering the triple directionality of Hungarian suffixes: 'irodába' (to), 'irodában' (in), and 'irodából' (from). You will also learn to use possessives: 'az irodám' (my office), 'az irodád' (your office). At this level, you might also encounter the word in the context of services, like an 'utazási iroda' (travel agency). You should be able to ask for the location of an office or state its opening hours. You are beginning to see 'iroda' not just as a room, but as a place where specific professional interactions happen, like meeting a colleague or picking up a document.
By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'iroda' in professional contexts and compound words. You will learn terms like 'irodaház' (office building), 'irodaszer' (office supplies), and 'irodavezető' (office manager). You should be able to describe your office environment in detail—mentioning the 'íróasztal' (desk), 'számítógép' (computer), and 'munkatársak' (colleagues). At this stage, you start to distinguish between 'iroda' and 'hivatal' (official bureau). You can participate in conversations about office culture, such as 'irodai munka' (office work) and its pros and cons. You should also be familiar with the common Hungarian usage of the English term 'home office' and how it contrasts with the physical 'iroda'. Your grammar should be precise, correctly applying all case endings and possessive forms without hesitation.
At the B2 level, 'iroda' appears in more abstract and nuanced discussions. You might talk about 'irodai bürokrácia' (office bureaucracy) or the 'irodai hierarchia' (office hierarchy). You should be able to read and understand job advertisements that describe the 'irodai környezet' (office environment) or 'irodai szoftverek ismerete' (knowledge of office software). You can express opinions on modern workplace trends, such as open-plan offices (egyterű iroda) versus private offices. You will also encounter 'iroda' in more specialized compounds like 'sajtóiroda' (press office) or 'ügyvédi iroda' (law firm). At this level, you are expected to handle the word in all its grammatical complexity, including plural possessives like 'az irodáink' (our offices) and more complex case endings like 'irodánként' (per office).
At the C1 level, you use 'iroda' with the sophistication of a native speaker. You understand the historical and sociological implications of the word in Hungarian society. You can discuss the evolution of the 'iroda' from the socialist era to the modern corporate age. You are familiar with literary or formal uses of the word and can use it in high-level business negotiations or academic writing. You might use terms like 'irodatechnika' (office technology) or 'irodadizájn' (office design) in a professional critique. You understand the subtle difference between 'iroda' and its more archaic or formal synonyms. You can use the word idiomatically and understand when it's being used metaphorically to represent 'the management' or 'the authorities'. Your usage is flawless across all registers, from casual office gossip to formal legal documents.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'iroda' is absolute. You can appreciate the word's etymological roots in the verb 'ír' (to write) and how this reflects the development of Hungarian literacy and administration. You can engage in deep philosophical or sociological debates about the 'iroda' as a social construct, the impact of digitalization on the concept of a physical 'writing place', and the future of administrative spaces in Hungary. You can effortlessly switch between formal administrative jargon and colloquial workplace slang. You understand the most obscure compound words and can even coin new ones if the context requires it. You are sensitive to the stylistic nuances of using 'iroda' versus 'hivatal' or 'kancellária' in historical or legal contexts. Essentially, the word is a fully integrated tool in your vast linguistic repertoire.

iroda in 30 Sekunden

  • Iroda means office, a place for professional or administrative work.
  • It is derived from the verb 'ír' (to write), meaning 'writing place'.
  • The final 'a' lengthens to 'á' when suffixes are added (e.g., irodában).
  • It is used for businesses and agencies, while 'hivatal' is for government.

The Hungarian word iroda is a fundamental noun that every learner encounters early in their journey. At its most basic level, it refers to an office—a physical space where administrative, professional, or clerical work is conducted. However, in the Hungarian linguistic landscape, the term carries a weight of history and specific cultural nuances that go beyond just a room with a desk. It is derived from the Hungarian verb ír (to write), combined with the noun-forming suffix -da, which denotes a place where a specific activity occurs. Thus, etymologically, an iroda is literally a 'writing place.' This connection to the act of writing highlights the historical importance of documentation and bureaucracy in Central European culture.

Primary Physical Meaning
A room or building used for business or professional activities. This can range from a small home office to a massive corporate headquarters.

In modern usage, iroda is used whenever you are referring to a professional setting that isn't a factory, a shop, or a field. If you work on a computer, handle paperwork, or meet clients in a structured environment, you are in an iroda. It is important to distinguish this from munkahely, which means 'workplace' in a general sense. While a construction site is a munkahely, it is certainly not an iroda.

Az új iroda a belvárosban található, közel a metrómegállóhoz.

Translation: The new office is located in the city center, near the metro station.
Institutional Meaning
The word can also represent an entire organization or a specific department, such as a 'tourist office' (utazási iroda) or a 'law office' (ügyvédi iroda).

Hungarians often view the iroda as a place of formality. When you enter an office in Hungary, there is often a distinct shift in register from informal to neutral or formal. Even in the age of 'home office' (a term Hungarians have adopted directly from English), the conceptual 'iroda' remains the hub of professional identity. Interestingly, the word is quite flexible; it can describe the glamorous glass skyscrapers of the 13th district in Budapest or the dusty, paper-filled room of a village notary.

Sajnos elfelejtettem a kulcsaimat az irodában.

Translation: Unfortunately, I forgot my keys in the office.

Beyond the physical, iroda appears in many compound words. An irodaház is an entire office building, while irodaszer refers to office supplies like pens and paper. The versatility of the word makes it a cornerstone of Hungarian business vocabulary. Whether you are discussing your daily commute, looking for a lawyer, or booking a holiday, you will inevitably find yourself using this word. It bridges the gap between the mundane act of sitting at a desk and the complex structures of modern society.

Az utazási iroda segített lefoglalni a repülőjegyet.

Translation: The travel agency (office) helped book the flight ticket.
Administrative Context
In government contexts, 'iroda' might refer to a specific bureau, such as the 'Bevándorlási és Állampolgársági Hivatal' (though 'hivatal' is more common for large agencies, smaller branches are often 'irodák').

Az iroda nyitvatartása hétfőtől péntekig tart.

Translation: The office's opening hours are from Monday to Friday.

Melyik emeleten van az iroda?

Translation: On which floor is the office?

Using the word iroda correctly requires an understanding of Hungarian noun declension, specifically how vowel harmony and the final vowel change affect the word. Since iroda ends in a short 'a', this 'a' will always lengthen to 'á' whenever any suffix is added. This is a crucial rule for beginners to master. Let's look at the most common cases you will encounter when talking about an office.

Location: In the Office
To say 'in the office', we use the suffix -ban (because 'iroda' contains back vowels: i, o, a). The result is irodában.

Péter egész nap az irodában dolgozik a jelentésen.

Translation: Péter is working on the report in the office all day.
Direction: To the Office
To say 'to the office' (into the space), we use -ba. The result is irodába.

Reggel nyolckor indulok az irodába.

Translation: I leave for the office at eight in the morning.

Possession is another common area where iroda is used. If you want to say 'my office', 'your office', etc., you add the possessive suffixes. Note again the 'a' to 'á' change: irodám (my office), irodád (your office), irodája (his/her/its office). The third-person singular -ja is particularly important when talking about a company's office.

A cég új irodája sokkal tágasabb, mint a régi.

Translation: The company's new office is much more spacious than the old one.
Plurals: Offices
The plural form is irodák. If you are talking about multiple offices in different cities, this is the form you use.

When using iroda as an adjective in a compound noun, it often stays in its base form. For example, irodai munka (office work) or irodai szék (office chair). Here, irodai is the adjective form created by adding -i.

Nem szeretem az irodai munkát, mert túl sokat kell ülni.

Translation: I don't like office work because one has to sit too much.

Kérlek, gyere be az irodámba egy percre!

Translation: Please, come into my office for a minute!

Finally, consider the distinction between iroda and dolgozószoba. While iroda is used for professional, commercial spaces, dolgozószoba (literally: working room) is more commonly used for a study or a home office in a residential setting, though iroda is becoming more common even there due to English influence.

The word iroda is ubiquitous in Hungarian daily life, appearing in professional, commercial, and administrative contexts. If you live or work in a Hungarian city, you will see this word on signs, hear it in conversations about work, and encounter it when dealing with any kind of bureaucracy. Understanding where you'll hear it helps you grasp the social structure of Hungary.

In the Corporate World
In districts like Budapest's Váci út corridor, 'irodaház' (office building) is the dominant term. You'll hear employees talking about 'menni az irodába' (going to the office) or 'az irodai légkör' (the office atmosphere).

Hungarians place a high value on official documentation. Therefore, any place that issues papers is an iroda. When you are applying for a residence permit, you might visit the Bevándorlási Iroda. When you are looking for an apartment, you deal with an ingatlaniroda (real estate office). In these contexts, the word signifies authority and the formal process of Hungarian life.

Az ingatlaniroda jutaléka általában három százalék.

Translation: The real estate office's commission is usually three percent.
Public Services and Tourism
Tourists will frequently see 'Tourinform Iroda' signs. These are official tourist information offices. Similarly, 'postahivatal' is the post office, but people might refer to the internal 'iroda' of a large post branch.

In casual conversation, the word is often used to complain about the 'irodai bürokrácia' (office bureaucracy) or to discuss the benefits of 'irodai munka' (office work) versus physical labor. It's also common in the context of 'irodai pletyka' (office gossip), a staple of any workplace culture. If someone says 'Beszéltem az irodával' (I spoke with the office), they usually mean they spoke with the administrative staff or management of a company.

A Tourinform iroda a főtéren van, a templom mellett.

Translation: The Tourinform office is on the main square, next to the church.

You will also hear the term in academic settings. Professors have an iroda or a tanszéki iroda (departmental office) where they hold office hours. Students often have to visit the Tanulmányi Osztály (Registrar's Office), which is the most feared and respected iroda in any university student's life. The word carries a sense of 'the place where decisions are made and recorded'.

A professzor irodája a második emeleten, a folyosó végén található.

Translation: The professor's office is located on the second floor, at the end of the corridor.
News and Media
News reports often mention 'elnöki iroda' (presidential office) or 'sajtóiroda' (press office) when citing official statements.

Az elnöki iroda tegnap este közleményt adott ki.

Translation: The presidential office issued a statement last night.

Even though iroda seems like a straightforward translation of 'office', English speakers often trip up on its grammatical behavior and its conceptual boundaries in Hungarian. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Hungarian sound much more natural and precise.

The 'a' to 'á' Vowel Lengthening
The most frequent mistake is forgetting to change the final 'a' to 'á' when adding suffixes. Learners often say *'irodaban'* or *'irodaba'*. In Hungarian, a final 'a' or 'e' almost always lengthens before a suffix. The correct forms are irodában and irodába.

Another mistake is confusing iroda with munkahely. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Munkahely is your 'place of work' in general. If someone asks 'Hol van a munkahelyed?' (Where is your workplace?), you can answer with a company name or a location. If you say 'Az irodában vagyok' (I am in the office), you are specifying the type of room you are in. A doctor might have a rendelő (consulting room) as their munkahely, but they wouldn't usually call it an iroda unless they are doing paperwork there.

Rossz: Az irodaban vagyok. Helyes: Az irodában vagyok.

Note: Always check for vowel lengthening with words ending in 'a'.
Overusing 'Iroda' for 'Home Office'
While 'iroda' can be used for a home office, Hungarians have specifically adopted the English term 'home office' to describe the act of working from home. If you say 'Az irodámban vagyok' at home, people might think you have a dedicated professional suite. To say 'I am working from home today', use 'Ma home office-ban vagyok' or 'Ma itthonról dolgozom'.

Using the wrong 'in/to' suffixes is also common. Because iroda is considered an enclosed space, you must use the 'in/into/from inside' group of suffixes (-ban/-ben, -ba/-be, -ból/-ből). Do not use the 'on/onto/from the surface' group (-on/-en/-ön, -ra/-re, -ról/-ről) unless you are literally talking about being on top of the office building roof!

Rossz: Megyek az irodára. Helyes: Megyek az irodába.

Note: Use 'ba' for 'into' an office.

Lastly, English speakers often forget that Hungarian doesn't use the possessive 's' like 'the office's door'. Instead, it uses the possessive construction: az iroda ajtaja. Getting the word order and the suffix on the second noun right is a common struggle. Remember: [Owner] + [Owned + Possessive Suffix].

Az iroda ablaka a parkra néz.

Translation: The office's window looks onto the park.

To truly master Hungarian, you need to know when iroda is the right word and when a synonym or a more specific term is required. Hungarian is a language of precision, and using the exact word for a workplace or administrative space will greatly improve your fluency.

Iroda vs. Hivatal
This is the most important distinction. Iroda is generally for private businesses, agencies, and small departments. Hivatal (Bureau/Authority) is for government institutions, official state bodies, and large-scale public administration. You go to an ügyvédi iroda (law office), but you go to the Polgármesteri Hivatal (Mayor's Office).

Another common alternative is munkahely. As mentioned before, this is a broad term for 'workplace'. It is used when discussing your job in general, your commute, or your employment status. If someone asks 'Milyen a munkahelyed?' they are asking what it's like to work at your company, not just about the physical office space.

A hivatal csak délig fogad ügyfeleket.

Translation: The (government) office only receives clients until noon.
Dolgozószoba
This literally means 'working room'. It is the traditional term for a study or a home office. While 'iroda' is used for professional business spaces, 'dolgozószoba' feels more personal and domestic.

For specific professional settings, Hungarian uses specialized terms. A doctor works in a rendelő (consulting room/clinic). A scientist works in a laboratórium or labor (laboratory). An artist works in a műterem (studio). A craftsman works in a műhely (workshop). Using iroda for these spaces would be technically incorrect.

A festő egész nap a műtermében dolgozik.

Translation: The painter works in his studio all day.
Ügynökség
This means 'agency'. While an agency has an 'iroda' (physical space), the organization itself is an 'ügynökség'. For example, 'reklámügynökség' (advertising agency).

In summary, while iroda is a versatile and common word, being aware of hivatal, munkahely, dolgozószoba, and műhely will help you navigate Hungarian society with much greater precision. Each word carries a specific social and professional weight that 'iroda' alone cannot convey.

Szeretem a dolgozószobámat, mert ott csend van.

Translation: I love my study because it is quiet there.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The root 'ír' (to write) is actually an old Turkic loanword in Hungarian, dating back to before the Magyars arrived in the Carpathian Basin. The suffix '-da' was popularized during the language reform to create names for places of activity (like 'nyomda' for printing house).

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈirodɒ/
US /ˈiroʊdɑ/
In Hungarian, the stress is always on the first syllable: **I**-ro-da.
Reimt sich auf
oda (there) csoda (miracle) moda (fashion - in compounds) szóda (soda) toda (rare suffix) roda (rare) hoda (rare) koda (coda)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 'i' as a long 'ee' (like 'eat'). It should be short.
  • Stressing the second or third syllable. Always stress the first.
  • Failing to lengthen the final 'a' to 'á' when adding suffixes.
  • Pronouncing 'r' as an English 'r'. It must be tapped or trilled.
  • Making the 'o' sound like an 'u'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

Very easy to recognize, often appears in clear contexts.

Schreiben 2/5

Requires remembering the 'a' to 'á' vowel lengthening.

Sprechen 2/5

Initial stress and short 'i' are key for a native sound.

Hören 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in conversation.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

ír (to write) asztal (table/desk) ház (house) munka (work) hely (place)

Als Nächstes lernen

irodaszer (office supplies) munkatárs (colleague) értekezlet (meeting) számítógép (computer) hivatal (bureau)

Fortgeschritten

bürokrácia (bureaucracy) adminisztráció (administration) ügyintézés (handling of affairs) iktatás (filing/indexing) kirendeltség (branch office)

Wichtige Grammatik

Vowel Lengthening (a -> á)

iroda + -ban = irodában

Vowel Harmony (Back Vowels)

iroda + -ba (not -be)

Possessive Suffixes

irodám, irodád, irodája

Definite Article with Vowels

Az iroda (not 'A iroda')

Adjective formation with -i

iroda -> irodai

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Ez az iroda nagyon szép.

This office is very nice.

Simple nominative case. 'Ez' means 'this'.

2

Hol van az iroda?

Where is the office?

The definite article 'az' is used before 'iroda' because it starts with a vowel.

3

Az iroda zárva van.

The office is closed.

'Zárva van' is a common way to say something is in a state of being closed.

4

Ez egy kicsi iroda.

This is a small office.

The adjective 'kicsi' (small) comes before the noun.

5

Az irodában vagyok.

I am in the office.

Note the 'a' to 'á' change and the '-ban' suffix for 'in'.

6

Megyek az irodába.

I am going to the office.

The suffix '-ba' means 'into'. Vowel lengthening occurs.

7

Az iroda tiszta.

The office is clean.

Simple predicate adjective construction.

8

Szia, ez az irodám.

Hi, this is my office.

'-m' is the possessive suffix for 'my'. Final 'a' becomes 'á'.

1

Az iroda a második emeleten van.

The office is on the second floor.

Use '-en' for 'on' with 'emelet' (floor).

2

Kijövök az irodából.

I am coming out of the office.

'-ból' means 'out of'. Vowel lengthening occurs.

3

Az irodánk Budapesten található.

Our office is located in Budapest.

'-nk' is the suffix for 'our'. 'Található' means 'is found/located'.

4

Szeretnék egy saját irodát.

I would like my own office.

Accusative case: 'irodát'. Final 'a' becomes 'á'.

5

Mikor nyit az iroda?

When does the office open?

The verb 'nyit' is used for opening times.

6

Az irodában nincs kávé.

There is no coffee in the office.

'Nincs' is the negative form of 'van' (is).

7

Az irodába busszal megyek.

I go to the office by bus.

'-val/-vel' is the instrumental case ('by' or 'with').

8

Ez az utazási iroda nagyon jó.

This travel agency is very good.

'Utazási iroda' is a common compound for travel agency.

1

Az irodai munka néha unalmas.

Office work is sometimes boring.

'Irodai' is the adjective form ('office-related').

2

Új irodaszereket kell rendelnünk.

We need to order new office supplies.

'Irodaszer' is a compound: iroda + szer (tool/stuff).

3

Az irodaház előtt van egy parkoló.

There is a parking lot in front of the office building.

'Irodaház' means office building. 'Előtt' is the postposition for 'in front of'.

4

Az irodavezetővel kell beszélned.

You need to speak with the office manager.

'Irodavezető' is a compound: iroda + vezető (leader/manager).

5

Az irodánkban mindenki kedves.

Everyone is kind in our office.

Possessive + Case: iroda + -nk (our) + -ban (in) = irodánkban.

6

Keresek egy kiadó irodát a belvárosban.

I am looking for an office for rent in the city center.

'Kiadó' means 'for rent' or 'to let'.

7

Az iroda berendezése nagyon modern.

The office's furnishing is very modern.

Possessive construction: iroda + berendezése (its furnishing).

8

Tegnap egész este az irodában maradtam.

Yesterday I stayed in the office all evening.

Past tense verb 'maradtam' (I stayed).

1

Az irodai hierarchia elég szigorú ebben a cégnél.

The office hierarchy is quite strict at this company.

'Irodai' acts as an adjective modifying 'hierarchia'.

2

Az iroda bérleti díja havonta emelkedik.

The office's rent is increasing every month.

'Bérleti díj' is the term for rent (lease fee).

3

A home office miatt az iroda gyakran üres.

Because of home office, the office is often empty.

'Miatt' is the postposition for 'because of'.

4

Az irodai környezet nagyban befolyásolja a produktivitást.

The office environment greatly influences productivity.

'Nagyban' is an adverb meaning 'greatly' or 'to a large extent'.

5

Szeretnénk az irodánkat zöldebbé tenni.

We would like to make our office greener.

'-bbé tenni' is the factitive construction (to make something more X).

6

Az irodai pletykák sokszor félrevezetőek.

Office rumors are often misleading.

'Pletyka' means gossip or rumor.

7

Az iroda felújítása három hónapig tartott.

The office's renovation lasted for three months.

'Felújítás' means renovation or refurbishment.

8

Az irodában tilos a dohányzás.

Smoking is forbidden in the office.

'Tilos' means forbidden or prohibited.

1

Az irodai bürokrácia útvesztőiben könnyű elveszni.

It is easy to get lost in the mazes of office bureaucracy.

'Útvesztő' is a poetic word for maze or labyrinth.

2

Az iroda kialakítása tükrözi a cég innovatív szemléletét.

The office's layout reflects the company's innovative perspective.

'Szemlélet' means perspective, approach, or mindset.

3

Az irodai etikett betartása alapvető elvárás.

Following office etiquette is a basic expectation.

'Elvárás' means expectation.

4

Az iroda fenntartási költségei jelentősen megterhelik a költségvetést.

The office's maintenance costs significantly burden the budget.

'Megterhel' means to burden or strain.

5

Az irodai légkör feszültté vált a leépítések hírére.

The office atmosphere became tense at the news of layoffs.

'Leépítés' is the formal word for layoffs or downsizing.

6

Az iroda funkciója alapjaiban változott meg az utóbbi években.

The office's function has fundamentally changed in recent years.

'Alapjaiban' means fundamentally or at its core.

7

Az irodai ergonómia kulcsfontosságú az egészség megőrzésében.

Office ergonomics is crucial for maintaining health.

'Kulcsfontosságú' means key or crucial.

8

Az irodában tapasztalható fluktuáció aggodalomra ad okot.

The turnover experienced in the office gives cause for concern.

'Fluktuáció' is the professional term for employee turnover.

1

Az iroda rideg falaiból áradó személytelenség nyomasztóan hatott rá.

The impersonality emanating from the office's cold walls had a depressing effect on him.

Highly descriptive literary style with multiple modifiers.

2

Az iroda, mint a modern rabszolgaság szimbóluma, gyakori téma a kortárs irodalomban.

The office, as a symbol of modern slavery, is a frequent theme in contemporary literature.

Complex apposition and sociological terminology.

3

Az irodai automatizáció térnyerése feleslegessé teszi bizonyos munkaköröket.

The gain in ground of office automation makes certain job roles redundant.

'Térnyerés' means expansion or gaining ground.

4

Az iroda falai között zajló intrikák aláássák a csapatszellemet.

The intrigues taking place within the office walls undermine team spirit.

'Aláás' means to undermine (literally: to dig under).

5

Az iroda puszta léte a fizikai jelenlét fontosságát hirdeti a digitális korban.

The office's mere existence proclaims the importance of physical presence in the digital age.

'Puszta' means mere or pure; 'hirdet' means to proclaim.

6

Az irodai adminisztráció racionalizálása elengedhetetlen a hatékonyság növeléséhez.

The rationalization of office administration is indispensable for increasing efficiency.

'Elengedhetetlen' means indispensable or essential.

7

Az iroda belsőépítészeti megoldásai a transzparenciát és az együttműködést szolgálják.

The office's interior design solutions serve transparency and cooperation.

'Belsőépítészeti' means interior design related.

8

Az irodai létformából adódó mozgásszegény életmód súlyos egészségügyi kockázatokat rejt.

The sedentary lifestyle resulting from the office way of life hides serious health risks.

'Mozgásszegény' means sedentary (literally: movement-poor).

Häufige Kollokationen

irodai munka
utazási iroda
ügyvédi iroda
irodai alkalmazott
irodaház
irodaszer
irodai pletyka
irodavezető
irodai szoftver
kiadó iroda

Häufige Phrasen

Benn vagyok az irodában.

— I am in the office (currently at work). Used to state location.

Most nem tudok beszélni, mert benn vagyok az irodában.

Megyek az irodába.

— I am going to the office. Indicates movement towards work.

Szia, már megyek az irodába, majd később hívlak.

Irodai környezetben dolgozik.

— He/she works in an office environment. Describes job type.

A fiam irodai környezetben dolgozik, nem kint a terepen.

Irodai órák alatt.

— During office hours. Refers to the standard working window.

Kérlek, irodai órák alatt hívj az ügyben.

Az iroda falai között.

— Within the office walls. Often implies things that stay at work.

Ami az iroda falai között történik, az ott is marad.

Zárt iroda.

— Closed office. Can mean a private room or that the office is not open.

A főnöknek zárt irodája van a folyosó végén.

Nyitott iroda.

— Open-plan office. A workspace with no walls between desks.

Sokan nem szeretnek nyitott irodában dolgozni a zaj miatt.

Irodai eszközök.

— Office equipment. Things like printers, scanners, etc.

Az irodai eszközök karbantartása fontos feladat.

Irodai munkaidő.

— Office working hours. Usually 9 AM to 5 PM.

A rugalmas irodai munkaidő nagyon népszerű manapság.

Irodai adminisztráció.

— Office administration. The paperwork side of a business.

Az irodai adminisztráció sok időt vesz igénybe.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

iroda vs irodalom

Means 'literature'. It comes from the same root (ír - to write), but refers to books and poems, not a workspace.

iroda vs munkahely

Means 'workplace'. It is a broader category; an office is a type of workplace.

iroda vs hivatal

Means 'official bureau'. Use this for government buildings, not private businesses.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Irodai patkány"

— Office rat. A derogatory or self-deprecating term for someone who spends all their time in an office.

Nem akarok egész életemben irodai patkány lenni.

informal
"Az íróasztal mögül dönt"

— To decide from behind the desk. Implies making decisions without knowing the practical reality.

Könnyű az íróasztal mögül dönteni, de a valóság más.

neutral
"Papírmunkába fojt"

— To drown someone in paperwork. Common in office settings.

Az új iroda teljesen elfojt minket a papírmunkában.

informal
"Hivatalból teszi"

— To do something 'from the office' (officially/by duty), not out of personal interest.

Nem kedvességből segített, csak hivatalból tette.

neutral
"Irodai kávé mellett"

— Over office coffee. Implies a casual workplace conversation.

Ezt majd megbeszéljük az irodai kávé mellett.

informal
"Az iroda lelke"

— The soul of the office. Refers to a person who keeps everyone happy and organized.

Kati az iroda lelke, mindenki szereti őt.

informal
"Irodai székbe van ragadva"

— To be stuck in an office chair. Implies being overworked or sedentary.

Ma egész nap az irodai székbe voltam ragadva.

informal
"Hivatalos úton"

— Through official channels. Related to the concept of 'hivatal/iroda'.

Ezt az ügyet csak hivatalos úton lehet elintézni.

formal
"Irodai por"

— Office dust. Sometimes used metaphorically for the boredom of office life.

Ki kell mennem a szabadba, elegem van az irodai porból.

informal
"Aktatologató"

— File-pusher. A negative term for someone who does meaningless administrative work.

Azt hiszik, csak egy aktatologató vagyok az irodában.

informal/slang

Leicht verwechselbar

iroda vs írógép

Contains the same root 'író'.

An írógép is a typewriter (a machine), while an iroda is a room (a place).

Régen minden irodában volt egy írógép.

iroda vs íróasztal

Often found inside an iroda.

An íróasztal is the physical desk you sit at. An iroda is the room itself.

Az irodában van az íróasztalom.

iroda vs írószer

Sounds like 'irodaszer'.

Írószer specifically means 'writing tools' (pens, pencils). Irodaszer is 'office supplies' (staplers, paper, pens).

Vettem néhány új írószert a tolltartómba.

iroda vs irat

Related root.

An irat is a document or record. An iroda is where you process these documents.

Sok fontos irat van az irodában.

iroda vs iskola

Both are institutional buildings.

Iskola is for studying (school). Iroda is for working (office).

A gyerek iskolába megy, az apa irodába.

Satzmuster

A1

Ez egy [adjective] iroda.

Ez egy nagy iroda.

A2

Az irodában [activity] vagyok.

Az irodában dolgozni vagyok.

B1

Az iroda [location] található.

Az iroda a főtéren található.

B2

Szeretek/Nem szeretek [adjective] irodában dolgozni.

Nem szeretek zajos irodában dolgozni.

C1

Az iroda kialakítása [verb] a [noun].

Az iroda kialakítása segíti a csapatmunkát.

C2

Az irodai létforma [verb] a [noun].

Az irodai létforma meghatározza a mindennapjainkat.

A2

Megyek az [adjective] irodába.

Megyek az új irodába.

B1

Az irodámban van [noun].

Az irodámban van egy kényelmes szék.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

irodaház (office building)
irodaszer (office supplies)
irodavezető (office manager)
irodatechnika (office technology)
irodalom (literature - related root)

Verben

ír (to write - the root verb)
irodásodik (to become office-like/bureaucratized - rare)

Adjektive

irodai (office-related)
irodista (clerical/office worker - also used as a noun)

Verwandt

íróasztal (desk)
írógép (typewriter)
író (writer)
irat (document)
írás (writing)

So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in urban and professional settings.

Häufige Fehler
  • irodaban irodában

    You must lengthen the final 'a' to 'á' when adding a suffix.

  • Megyek az irodára. Megyek az irodába.

    Offices are enclosed spaces, so use '-ba' (into), not '-ra' (onto).

  • A iroda Az iroda

    Use 'az' because 'iroda' starts with a vowel.

  • iroda munka irodai munka

    You need the adjective form '-i' to say 'office work'.

  • Hol van a te iroda? Hol van az irodád?

    Hungarian uses possessive suffixes (-ád) rather than just personal pronouns before the noun.

Tipps

Master the Vowel Lengthening

Always remember that 'iroda' + suffix = 'irodá...'. This applies to plural (irodák), possessive (irodám), and all cases (irodát, irodába, irodában, etc.). It is the most important rule for this word.

Iroda vs. Irodaház

Use 'iroda' for the room or the company unit. Use 'irodaház' when you are talking about the entire physical building structure.

Office Coffee Culture

If you are invited for 'egy kávéra az irodába', it's a common way to have a semi-formal meeting or a casual chat with a colleague. Coffee is central to Hungarian office life.

Job Titles

Many job titles start with 'irodai', like 'irodai asszisztens' (office assistant). If you are looking for work, this is a key keyword to search for.

Stress the Start

Don't let the three syllables fool you into stressing the middle. It's 'I-ro-da', with a strong emphasis on the first 'I'.

Formal Addresses

In formal letters, you might see 'Tisztelt Iroda!' (Honored Office!) if the writer doesn't know the specific person's name they are contacting.

Home Office Usage

Don't be surprised to hear 'Ma home office-ban vagyok'. Hungarians use the English term 'home office' almost exclusively for the concept of remote work.

The 'ír' Connection

Remembering that 'ír' means 'to write' will help you connect 'iroda' with other words like 'íróasztal' (desk) and 'irat' (document).

Vowel Harmony

Because 'iroda' has back vowels (o, a), it will almost always take the 'a' version of suffixes (-ban, -ba, -ról, -nál).

Kiadó Iroda

If you see a sign saying 'Kiadó Iroda', it means 'Office for Rent'. 'Kiadó' is a very useful word to know when apartment or office hunting.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a giant 'I' (the letter) sitting on a 'ROD' in an 'A'-frame office. I-ROD-A. Or think: 'I wrote a' (Iroda) report in the office.

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a classic wooden desk with a quill pen (representing 'ír' - to write) inside a modern glass office building.

Word Web

iroda ír íróasztal irodaszer irodavezető munkahely hivatal adminisztráció

Herausforderung

Try to name five things you can find in an 'iroda' in Hungarian (e.g., szék, asztal, számítógép, papír, toll).

Wortherkunft

The word 'iroda' was created during the Hungarian Language Reform (nyelvújítás) in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was intentionally coined to replace foreign (Latin or German) terms for administrative spaces.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A place for writing.

Uralic (Hungarian), though the word itself is a modern construction from an ancient root.

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful not to call a high-ranking government department just an 'iroda' if 'Minisztérium' (Ministry) or 'Hivatal' is more appropriate, as it might sound diminishing.

Unlike the English 'office', which can also mean a position of authority (e.g., 'the office of the President'), 'iroda' almost always refers to the physical place or the administrative unit. For the abstract 'position', Hungarians use 'tisztség' or 'hivatal'.

The Hungarian version of the TV show 'The Office' is called 'Hivatal' (though it specifically refers to the bureaucratic feel). Many Hungarian novels of the 20th century (like those by Sándor Márai) depict the life of the 'kishivatalnok' (small-time office clerk). The 'Tourinform' iroda network is a famous staple for any traveler in Hungary.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Business/Work

  • Mikor mész az irodába?
  • Az iroda a harmadikon van.
  • Irodai munkát keresek.
  • Az iroda ma zárva tart.

Real Estate

  • Kiadó irodát keresünk.
  • Mekkora az iroda alapterülete?
  • Modern irodaház a belvárosban.
  • Az iroda bérleti díja magas.

Travel

  • Hol van az utazási iroda?
  • Az iroda segített a vízummal.
  • Melyik irodával utaztok?
  • Az iroda prospektusokat adott.

Law/Legal

  • Az ügyvédi iroda címe megváltozott.
  • Holnap megyek az irodába aláírni.
  • Az iroda munkatársai segítenek.
  • Sikeres ügyvédi irodájuk van.

Education

  • A tanári iroda a földszinten van.
  • Menj be a tanulmányi irodába!
  • A professzor az irodájában van.
  • Az iroda nyitvatartása változott.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Milyen messze van az irodád az otthonodtól?"

"Szeretsz irodában dolgozni, vagy inkább otthonról?"

"Hányan dolgoztok egy irodában?"

"Milyen a kilátás az irodád ablakából?"

"Van kávégép az irodátokban?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Írd le a kedvenc irodai eszközödet és azt, hogy miért hasznos.

Milyen lenne számodra az álom iroda? Írd le részletesen!

Hasonlítsd össze az irodai munkát a fizikai munkával!

Mesélj egy vicces történetről, ami az irodában történt veled.

Hogyan változott meg az irodák szerepe a világjárvány óta?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Hungarian does not have grammatical gender. 'Iroda' is treated the same regardless of who uses it or what it refers to. The only thing that matters is vowel harmony for suffixes.

In Hungarian, when a word ends in a short 'a' or 'e', that vowel always lengthens to 'á' or 'é' when any suffix is attached. This is a fundamental rule of the language.

Yes, you can, but it's more common to use the English loanword 'home office' as a noun or 'dolgozószoba' if it's a dedicated study room.

'Iroda' is for private businesses, agencies, and small departments. 'Hivatal' is for government agencies and official state institutions like the tax office or mayor's office.

The word is 'irodaház'. It combines 'iroda' (office) and 'ház' (house/building).

Yes, it is one of the most common nouns in Hungarian, especially in urban environments and professional contexts.

You say 'az irodám'. Note the definite article 'az' and the lengthening of the 'a' to 'á'.

Yes! Both come from the root 'ír' (to write). An 'iroda' is a place for writing (administrative), and 'irodalom' is the collection of things written (artistic).

It is a travel agency. 'Utazási' means 'travel-related'.

Yes, it can. For example, 'Sajtóiroda' (Press Office) or 'Tanulmányi Iroda' (Study Office/Registrar).

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence using 'irodában'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

How would you ask 'Where is your office?' in Hungarian?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I am going to the office by bus.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'The office building is very modern.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'We need new office supplies.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

How do you say 'I don't like office work'?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'My office is on the third floor.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The travel agency is closed today.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'The office manager is friendly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I have a meeting in the office at 10.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a short sentence about an 'ügyvédi iroda'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

How do you say 'I work in a home office'?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'There are many offices in this building.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'The office's window looks onto the park.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I forgot my keys in the office.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'The office is open from Monday to Friday.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Office work can be stressful.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'I am looking for a small office for rent.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The company's office is in Budapest.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'The office atmosphere is very good.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I am in the office' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I am going to the office' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask 'Where is the travel agency?' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'This is my office' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I like office work' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I work in an office building' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask 'When does the office open?' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The office is very large' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I am coming from the office' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'We need office supplies' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask 'Who is the office manager?' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The office is closed today' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'There is no coffee in the office' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I am looking for an office for rent' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The office is on the second floor' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I work in home office today' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The office atmosphere is friendly' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I left my phone in the office' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The office windows are large' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I am going to the office by car' in Hungarian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Az iroda tiszta.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Holnap az irodában leszünk.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Az utazási iroda zárva.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Megyek az irodába dolgozni.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Az irodám a belvárosban van.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Szeretem az irodai munkát.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Az irodaszerek a szekrényben vannak.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Az irodavezetővel beszéltem.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ez egy modern irodaház.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Nincs több papír az irodában.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Kiadó irodát keresünk Pesten.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Az iroda ajtaja zárva volt.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ma home office-ban vagyok.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Az ügyvédi iroda a sarkon van.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Az irodai pletyka nem jó.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

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