At the A1 level, 'utál' is one of the first verbs you learn to express negative preferences. You use it in very simple sentences, usually with a noun object in the accusative case (ending in -t). For example, 'Utálom a tejet' (I hate milk). At this stage, you focus on the present tense and the basic distinction between liking ('szeret') and hating ('utál'). You learn to conjugate it in the first person singular: 'utálom' (definite) and 'utálok' (indefinite). You also learn that it follows back-vowel harmony because of the 'u' and 'á' sounds. The goal is to be able to state basic likes and dislikes about food, weather, and common activities. You might also learn 'utállak' (I hate you) from movies, but you are taught to use it sparingly! The focus is on building a basic vocabulary of objects that you can 'utál'-ni, such as 'eső' (rain), 'hétfő' (Monday), or 'házi feladat' (homework).
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'utál' with infinitive verbs to describe activities you dislike doing. For example, 'Utálok korán kelni' (I hate to wake up early). You start to understand the difference between the indefinite conjugation (used with infinitives) and the definite conjugation (used with specific objects like 'the' or 'this'). You also learn to use 'utál' in the past tense: 'utáltam' (I hated). This allows you to talk about things you didn't like in childhood or during a past event. You might also encounter the adjective form 'utálatos' (hateful/annoying), used to describe people or things. You are expected to handle basic question forms like 'Mit utálsz?' (What do you hate?) and provide reasons using 'mert' (because), such as 'Utálom a telet, mert hideg van' (I hate winter because it is cold).
At the B1 level, your usage of 'utál' becomes more nuanced. You start using it with 'hogy' clauses to express dislike for specific situations or behaviors: 'Utálom, hogy soha nem hívsz fel' (I hate that you never call me). You also learn to use it in the conditional mood: 'Utálnám, ha elmennél' (I would hate it if you left). This level introduces more adverbs of degree, like 'kimondottan' (expressly) or 'szívből' (from the heart), to vary the intensity of your expression. You are also introduced to common synonyms and idioms, such as 'nem állhatom' (I can't stand). You can now participate in longer conversations about social issues or personal experiences where 'utál' is used to define your stance on various topics. You also understand that 'utál' can be used in a figurative sense in literature or media.
At the B2 level, you can use 'utál' and its derivatives in more formal contexts. You understand the subtle differences between 'utál', 'gyűlöl' (to loathe), and 'megvet' (to despise). You can use the noun 'utálat' (hatred) in sentences like 'Mély utálat volt benne' (There was deep hatred in him). You are familiar with more complex grammatical structures involving the verb, such as the subjunctive/imperative mood in subordinate clauses: 'Azt utálom, hogy ne beszéljünk erről' (What I hate is that we don't talk about this). You also recognize the word in various registers, from slang to journalistic prose. You can discuss the social implications of 'hate' in a debate, using 'utál' to describe group dynamics or historical animosities. You are also aware of the 'I-you' suffix (-lak/-lek) and can use 'utállak' correctly in context.
At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'utál' and can use it to express complex emotional states. You are aware of its etymological roots and its place within the Hungarian literary tradition. You can use it in highly idiomatic ways and understand when it is being used ironically or hyperbolically in high-level discourse. You can distinguish the fine lines between 'utálkozás' (the act of loathing/grimacing) and 'megvetés' (contempt). Your writing can incorporate 'utál' into complex, multi-clause sentences that reflect a high level of stylistic control. You also understand the cultural nuances of how 'hate' is expressed in Hungarian society compared to other cultures. You can analyze a text and discuss why the author chose 'utál' instead of a more formal synonym, and what that tells us about the character's social class or emotional state.
At the C2 level, you use 'utál' with the ease of a native speaker, including all its morphological complexities and socio-linguistic nuances. You can employ it in any register, from the most vulgar slang to the most elevated academic or poetic language. You are familiar with archaic or rare forms and can use them for stylistic effect. You understand the psychological depths the word can plumb in psychoanalytical or philosophical discussions in Hungarian. You can navigate the most sensitive topics involving 'utál' with perfect tact or intentional provocation. Your mastery extends to the point where you can play with the word's sounds and rhythms in creative writing or oratory. You are fully attuned to the emotional resonance 'utál' carries in the collective Hungarian consciousness, from historical traumas to modern-day political polarization.

utál in 30 Sekunden

  • A common Hungarian verb meaning 'to hate'.
  • Used for both minor daily annoyances and strong personal dislikes.
  • Requires back-vowel suffixes and the accusative case for objects.
  • Stronger than 'not liking' but weaker than 'loathing'.

The Hungarian verb utál is a fundamental word used to express a strong dislike or aversion toward someone or something. While its direct English translation is 'to hate,' its usage in Hungarian is remarkably versatile, spanning from the mundane annoyances of daily life to deeper, more significant emotional rejections. At its core, utál captures that visceral feeling of wanting to avoid a stimulus, whether it be a food, a weather condition, a specific task, or a person's behavior. In the Hungarian mindset, expressing dislike is often more direct than in some English-speaking cultures, making utál a frequent guest in casual conversations, venting sessions, and even formal complaints.

Emotional Intensity
While 'gyűlöl' is the word for profound, burning hatred, utál is the everyday workhorse for 'I really don't like this.'

Nagyon utálom a hétfő reggeleket, mert mindig fáradt vagyok.

(I really hate Monday mornings because I am always tired.)

One of the most important things to understand about utál is that it is a transitive verb, meaning it usually acts upon an object. In Hungarian, this triggers the choice between the indefinite and definite conjugation. If you hate a specific thing that has already been mentioned or is clearly defined (like 'the coffee' or 'that person'), you use the definite form: utálom. If you hate something in general or an action (like 'waiting' or 'broccoli' as a general concept), you might use the indefinite form utálok. This distinction is vital for sounding natural to a native speaker's ears.

Social Context
In social settings, saying you 'utál' a certain politician or a type of music is a common way to bond through shared grievances—a cultural trait often observed in Central Europe.

A macskám utálja a vizet, soha nem akar fürödni.

(My cat hates water; he never wants to bathe.)

Furthermore, the word is often modified by adverbs to adjust the level of dislike. 'Tiszta szívből utál' (to hate from a pure heart) suggests a deep-seated, almost principled hatred, while 'kifejezetten utál' (specifically/expressly hates) points to a particular distaste for a certain detail. Understanding these nuances helps learners navigate the emotional landscape of the Hungarian language, where feelings are often expressed with precision and color.

Using utál correctly in a sentence requires a solid grasp of Hungarian verb conjugation and the accusative case. Because utál is a back-vowel verb (containing 'u' and 'á'), all its suffixes must follow the rules of back-vowel harmony. This means you will see suffixes like -ok, -sz, -unk, -tok, -nak in the indefinite present, and -om, -od, -ja, -juk, -játok, -ják in the definite present. Mastering these forms is the first step toward fluency.

The Accusative Object
Whenever you hate something, that 'something' must take the accusative suffix -t. For example, 'I hate the rain' becomes 'Utálom az esőt.'

Péter utálja a tömeget a metrón.

(Péter hates the crowd on the metro.)

Another common pattern is using utál with an infinitive verb. When you want to say you hate *doing* something, the main verb is conjugated, and the second verb stays in the infinitive form (ending in -ni). In this case, the indefinite conjugation is used because the object is an action, not a specific thing. For example: 'Utálok várni' (I hate to wait). This is a very frequent construction in everyday speech, used for expressing lifestyle preferences or work-related frustrations.

Negation and Emphasis
To emphasize how much you hate something, place 'nagyon' (very) or 'borzasztóan' (terribly) before the verb. To say you don't hate something, simply use 'nem'.

Én nem utállak téged, csak nem értelek meg.

(I don't hate you; I just don't understand you. Note: 'utállak' is the special 'I-you' form.)

In more complex sentences, utál can be followed by a 'hogy' clause (meaning 'that'). For instance, 'Utálom, hogy mindig késel' (I hate that you are always late). Here, the 'hogy' clause acts as a definite object, so the verb utál must be in the definite form. This structure is essential for expressing specific grievances about situations or other people's habits. By combining these patterns—noun objects, infinitive actions, and 'hogy' clauses—you can express a wide range of negative emotions with clarity and grammatical accuracy.

You will encounter utál in almost every corner of Hungarian life. It is a staple of the 'panaszkodás' (complaining) culture, which is sometimes jokingly referred to as a national sport in Hungary. Whether it's at a bus stop, in a doctor's waiting room, or around the family dinner table, people use utál to voice their dissatisfaction with the world. In school settings, students frequently use it to describe subjects they find difficult or boring: 'Utálom a kémiát' (I hate chemistry) is a phrase heard in hallways across the country. In the workplace, it’s often used to describe tedious administrative tasks or the morning commute.

Pop Culture and Media
In Hungarian movies and TV dramas, 'utál' is used to heighten tension between characters. In song lyrics, it often appears in the context of heartbreak or societal rebellion.

A filmben a főhős azt mondta: Utálom ezt az egész várost!

(In the movie, the protagonist said: I hate this whole city!)

Social media is another place where utál thrives. In comment sections, users might write 'Utálom az ilyen embereket' (I hate people like this) to express disagreement or disgust. However, it's also used in a lighter, hyperbolic sense among friends. For example, if a friend posts a picture of a delicious meal while you are stuck at work, you might jokingly comment 'Utállak!' (I hate you!), which in this context actually means 'I'm so jealous!' or 'You're so lucky!'. Recognizing this playful irony is a sign of high-level cultural competence.

Customer Service and Public Space
While you might not say 'utálom' directly to a clerk, you might overhear a customer whispering 'Utálom ezt a lassú kiszolgálást' (I hate this slow service) to their companion.

A szomszédom minden reggel azt kiabálja, hogy utálja a zajt.

(My neighbor yells every morning that he hates the noise.)

In literature, utál is used to build character depth. An author might describe a character who 'utálja a hazugságot' (hates lies) to establish them as honest or rigid. Because the word is so direct, it immediately tells the reader something about the character's values. Whether in the high-brow prose of a classic novel or the rapid-fire slang of a Budapest pub, utál remains one of the most expressive and frequently used verbs in the Hungarian lexicon.

Learning to use utál correctly involves avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. The most frequent error is neglecting the -t accusative suffix on the object. In English, we say 'I hate coffee,' where 'coffee' doesn't change. In Hungarian, 'utálom a kávé' is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'utálom a kávét'. Forgetting this suffix is a clear marker of a beginner and can sometimes lead to confusion about who is hating whom in more complex sentences.

Definite vs. Indefinite Conjugation
Mistaking 'utálok' for 'utálom' is a classic hurdle. If you are talking about a specific item ('this car', 'my boss', 'the rain'), you MUST use 'utálom'. If you use 'utálok' with a specific object, it sounds jarringly wrong to a native speaker.

Rossz: Utálok a spenótot.
Helyes: Utálom a spenótot.

(Wrong: I hate [indefinite] the spinach. Correct: I hate [definite] the spinach.)

Another mistake is overusing utál in contexts where a softer expression would be more appropriate. While Hungarians are direct, saying 'utálom a főztödet' (I hate your cooking) to a host is just as rude in Hungary as it is elsewhere. In such cases, using 'nem annyira szeretem' (I don't like it that much) is safer. Conversely, learners sometimes use 'gyűlöl' (to loathe/abhor) when they only mean 'utál'. Gyűlöl is much stronger and carries a connotation of deep, often permanent enmity. If you say you 'gyűlöl' broccoli, people might think you have a traumatic childhood story related to vegetables!

Vowel Harmony Errors
Since 'utál' is a back-vowel verb, adding front-vowel suffixes (like -ek instead of -ok) is a common error. Always remember: 'u' and 'á' are back vowels, so the suffixes must match.

Rossz: Mi utálünk a várakozást.
Helyes: Mi utáljuk a várakozást.

(The first is wrong because 'utálunk' is indefinite, but 'the waiting' is definite.)

Lastly, be careful with the word order. While Hungarian is flexible, putting the object before the verb ('A spenótot utálom') changes the emphasis to 'It is the *spinach* that I hate (not the carrots)'. If you just want to say you hate spinach, keep the standard 'Utálom a spenótot' order. Misplacing the emphasis can make you sound like you're correcting someone when you're just trying to state a fact.

Hungarian offers a rich palette of words to express negative feelings, and knowing when to use which one will greatly enhance your expressiveness. While utál is the most common, it's often useful to distinguish it from its synonyms and related terms. The most important comparison is with gyűlöl. As mentioned, gyűlöl is much more intense. You 'utál' the rain, but you 'gyűlöl' an enemy who destroyed your life. Using gyűlöl for minor inconveniences can sound overly dramatic or even scary.

Gyűlöl vs. Utál
Utál: Common dislike, annoyance.
Gyűlöl: Deep-seated hatred, often involving a desire for harm or total rejection.

Nemcsak utálom, hanem egyenesen gyűlölöm a hazugságot.

(I don't just hate it; I downright loathe lying.)

Another alternative is nem szível or nem állhatja. These are idiomatic ways to say you 'can't stand' someone or something. 'Nem állhatom a tömeget' (I can't stand the crowd) is a very common way to express a physical or emotional intolerance. If something is physically revolting to you, you might use irtózik (to be repulsed/disgusted by). For example, 'Irtózom a pókoktól' (I am repulsed by spiders). This is more specific than utál and implies a shiver of disgust.

Formal Alternatives
In formal writing, you might see megvet (to despise/scorn) or elutasít (to reject/dismiss). These words focus more on moral or intellectual disapproval rather than just emotional dislike.

A művész megveti a felszínességet.

(The artist despises superficiality.)

Finally, there is nem kedvel (to not like/dislike) and idegenkedik (to feel aversion/reluctance towards). Idegenkedik is particularly useful when you feel uncomfortable with something new or unfamiliar. For example, 'Idegenkedik az új technológiától' (He is wary of/averse to new technology). By choosing the right level of 'hate' or 'dislike,' you can convey your exact mood and social standing with much greater accuracy than by relying on utál alone.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Utálom a tejet.

I hate the milk.

Definite conjugation 'utálom' because 'a tejet' is a specific object.

2

Péter utálja az esőt.

Péter hates the rain.

Third person singular definite: utál + ja.

3

Én utálok várni.

I hate to wait.

Indefinite conjugation 'utálok' because it is followed by an infinitive.

4

Te utálod a matekot?

Do you hate math?

Question form, second person singular definite.

5

A macska utálja a kutyát.

The cat hates the dog.

Subject-Verb-Object order.

6

Nem utálom a spenótot.

I don't hate spinach.

Negation using 'nem'.

7

Ők utálják a zajt.

They hate the noise.

Third person plural definite: utál + ják.

8

Nagyon utálom ezt a dalt.

I really hate this song.

Use of 'nagyon' for emphasis.

1

Utáltam az iskolát régen.

I hated school long ago.

Past tense definite: utál + t + am.

2

Mi utálunk korán kelni.

We hate to wake up early.

First person plural indefinite with infinitive.

3

Ez egy utálatos nap.

This is a hateful/terrible day.

Adjective form 'utálatos'.

4

Miért utálod a munkádat?

Why do you hate your job?

Question with 'miért'.

5

Utálok egyedül lenni.

I hate being alone.

Infinitive 'lenni' (to be).

6

Anna utálta a hideg vizet.

Anna hated the cold water.

Past tense third person singular definite.

7

Ti is utáljátok a tömeget?

Do you [plural] also hate the crowd?

Second person plural definite.

8

Utálok sorban állni a boltban.

I hate standing in line at the shop.

Compound infinitive phrase.

1

Utálom, hogy mindig elfelejted a nevemet.

I hate that you always forget my name.

Definite verb followed by a 'hogy' clause.

2

Őszintén utálom a képmutatást.

I sincerely hate hypocrisy.

Adverb 'őszintén' (sincerely).

3

Utálnám, ha nem jönnél el a partira.

I would hate it if you didn't come to the party.

Conditional mood: utál + ná + m.

4

Már nem utállak, csak csalódott vagyok.

I don't hate you anymore, I'm just disappointed.

I-you form 'utállak'.

5

Azt utálom a legjobban, amikor hazudnak nekem.

What I hate the most is when they lie to me.

Superlative 'a legjobban' (the most).

6

Sokan utálják az új adótörvényt.

Many people hate the new tax law.

Third person plural definite.

7

Utálok ilyen helyzetbe kerülni.

I hate getting into such situations.

Infinitive phrase with 'kerülni'.

8

Kifejezetten utálom a hangos zenét vacsora közben.

I specifically hate loud music during dinner.

Adverb 'kifejezetten'.

1

Az utálat nem jó tanácsadó.

Hatred is not a good advisor.

Noun form 'utálat'.

2

Mélységesen utálom a korrupció minden formáját.

I deeply hate every form of corruption.

Strong adverb 'mélységesen'.

3

Utálkozva nézett a rendetlen szobára.

He/she looked at the messy room with loathing/disgust.

Adverbial participle 'utálkozva'.

4

Bár utálta a munkáját, soha nem panaszkodott.

Although he hated his job, he never complained.

Concessive clause with 'bár'.

5

A gyerekek utálták a spenótfőzeléket, de meg kellett enniük.

The children hated the spinach stew, but they had to eat it.

Past tense plural definite.

6

Utálom, ha valaki nem tartja be az ígéretét.

I hate it if someone doesn't keep their promise.

Conditional 'ha' clause acting as object.

7

Kölcsönösen utálják egymást a szomszéddal.

He and the neighbor mutually hate each other.

Adverb 'kölcsönösen' and reciprocal pronoun 'egymást'.

8

Utálnád, ha kiderülne az igazság?

Would you hate it if the truth came out?

Conditional mood with 'ha' clause.

1

A politikus az egész kampányát az utálatra építette.

The politician built his entire campaign on hatred.

Noun 'utálat' in the sublative case (-ra).

2

Utálom ezt a fajta intellektuális gőgöt.

I hate this kind of intellectual arrogance.

Abstract object 'intellektuális gőg'.

3

Az író mély utálattal írt a korabeli társadalomról.

The writer wrote about the society of the time with deep hatred.

Instrumental case 'utálattal'.

4

Utálom, hogy a világ ennyire igazságtalan tud lenni.

I hate that the world can be this unjust.

Complex 'hogy' clause with 'tud lenni'.

5

Soha nem tudnék olyat tenni, amit ennyire utálok.

I could never do something that I hate this much.

Relative clause starting with 'amit'.

6

A tömeg utálkozó moraja végigfutott a téren.

The loathing murmur of the crowd ran across the square.

Participial adjective 'utálkozó'.

7

Utállak azért, amivé váltál.

I hate you for what you have become.

Causal-final construction 'azért, amivé'.

8

Vajon meddig lehet elfojtani az utálatot?

I wonder how long hatred can be suppressed?

Infinitive 'elfojtani' (to suppress).

1

Az utálat mételye lassan megmérgezte az egész közösséget.

The blight of hatred slowly poisoned the entire community.

Metaphorical usage in a formal sentence.

2

Utálom a modorosságot a kortárs irodalomban.

I hate mannerism in contemporary literature.

Specific literary terminology.

3

Nem az embert utálom, hanem a tettet, amit elkövetett.

It's not the person I hate, but the act they committed.

Contrastive 'nem... hanem' structure.

4

A zsigeri utálat gyakran a tudatlanságból fakad.

Visceral hatred often stems from ignorance.

Adjective 'zsigeri' (visceral).

5

Utálom, amikor a művészet öncélúvá válik.

I hate it when art becomes self-serving.

Temporal 'amikor' clause.

6

A karakter minden szavából sütött az utálat.

Hatred radiated from every word of the character.

Idiomatic verb 'süt' used for emotions.

7

Utálom a gondolatot is, hogy el kell hagynom a hazámat.

I hate even the thought that I have to leave my homeland.

Emphasis with 'is' after 'gondolatot'.

8

Az utálat és a szeretet olykor közelebb áll egymáshoz, mint hinnénk.

Hatred and love are sometimes closer to each other than we would think.

Comparative structure with 'mint hinnénk'.

Häufige Kollokationen

tiszta szívből utál
halálosan utál
kifejezetten utál
utálja a hazugságot
utálja a várakozást
utálja a tömeget
utálja a hideget
utálja az igazságtalanságot
egymást utálják
zsigerből utál

Häufige Phrasen

Utálom a hétfőt.

— A very common expression of dislike for the start of the work week.

Már megint hétfő? Utálom a hétfőt!

Utállak!

— I hate you! Can be serious or jokingly said among friends.

Mindent megetél? Utállak!

Utálom ezt az egészet.

— I hate this whole thing/situation.

Túl sok a munka. Utálom ezt az egészet.

Utálok késni.

— I hate being late. Expresses punctuality.

Sietnem kell, mert utálok késni.

Utálom a spenótot.

— The classic example for food dislike in Hungarian culture.

Ne főzz spenótot, mert utálom.

Ki nem utálja?

— Who doesn't hate it? A rhetorical question.

Drága a benzin. Ki nem utálja?

Nagyon utálom.

— I really hate it/him/her.

Láttad a filmet? Én nagyon utálom.

Utálom, hogy...

— I hate that... (followed by a clause).

Utálom, hogy esik az eső.

Sokan utálják.

— Many people hate it.

Ezt a zenét sokan utálják.

War das hilfreich?
Noch keine Kommentare. Sei der Erste, der seine Gedanken teilt!