§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The Hungarian word udvar (pronounced: OOD-var) is a common and practical word to know. At its core, it means 'yard' or 'courtyard'. But like many words, its usage can vary slightly depending on the context. Let's break it down.
- Definition
- Yard or courtyard.
You'll hear udvar used in everyday conversations, especially when people are talking about homes, buildings, or open spaces connected to them. Think of the space directly outside a house, or a shared open area within a block of apartments. That's often an udvar.
When talking about a single-family house, udvar usually refers to the entire outdoor space around the house, which includes both the front and back yard. It's not usually as specific as 'garden' (kert) which implies cultivated plants, although a garden can be part of an udvar.
Van egy nagy udvar a ház előtt.
Translation hint: "There is a big yard in front of the house."
In the context of apartment buildings, particularly older ones in cities like Budapest, an udvar often means a central courtyard. This is a common architectural feature where apartments face inwards towards a shared open space. These courtyards can be purely functional for access, or sometimes decorated with plants and benches.
Az apartman az udvarra néz.
Translation hint: "The apartment faces the courtyard." (Note the 'ra' ending, indicating direction 'onto' or 'into' the udvar).
Beyond physical spaces, udvar can also refer to a 'court' in a royal or historical sense, like a king's court, but this is less common in everyday conversation for A1 learners. For now, focus on 'yard' and 'courtyard'.
- Yard of a house: If you're visiting someone's home, you might ask about their udvar.
- Courtyard of a building: When describing an apartment or hotel, the term udvar is very fitting for an inner open space.
- Farmyard: In a rural setting, udvar can also mean a farmyard.
So, when someone says udvar, think of an open, often enclosed or semi-enclosed, outdoor space connected to a building or property. It's a fundamental word for describing surroundings.
A gyerekek játszanak az udvaron.
Translation hint: "The children are playing in the yard." (Here, '-on' indicates 'on' or 'in' the yard).
Getting comfortable with udvar in these common contexts will greatly help your understanding of Hungarian descriptions of places.
§ Don't Confuse 'Udvar' with 'Kert' (Garden)
Many English speakers, when learning Hungarian, often mix up 'udvar' and 'kert'. While both are outdoor spaces, they have distinct meanings. 'Udvar' refers to a yard or courtyard, typically paved or gravelled, and often enclosed by buildings or fences. It's an area for parking, hanging laundry, or general outdoor activities that aren't necessarily focused on growing plants.
On the other hand, 'kert' specifically means 'garden'. This implies an area dedicated to cultivating plants, flowers, vegetables, or even just a grassy lawn. While a garden can be part of an 'udvar', the 'udvar' itself isn't necessarily a garden.
- DEFINITION
- Kert: Garden
Van egy szép kert a ház mögött.
§ Using 'Udvar' for the Front of a House
In English, we often refer to the 'front yard' or 'back yard'. In Hungarian, while you can say 'első udvar' (front yard) or 'hátsó udvar' (back yard), it's more common to simply use 'udvar' for the general outdoor space around a house, especially if it's enclosed or paved. If you specifically mean the green, grassy area at the front of a house, 'kert' might be more appropriate, or even 'előkert' (front garden).
A gyerekek játszanak az udvaron.
This sentence simply means 'The children are playing in the yard,' without specifying front or back, which is very natural in Hungarian.
§ 'Udvar' in Compounds: Don't Always Translate Literally
'Udvar' appears in several compound words in Hungarian, and translating these literally can lead to confusion. For example, 'udvarias' means 'polite' or 'courteous', literally 'of the udvar' (referring to the manners expected in a court or noble household). Another example is 'udvari bolond' (court jester), not a 'yard fool'.
- DEFINITION
- Udvarias: Polite, courteous
Légy udvarias a vendégekkel!
- DEFINITION
- Udvari bolond: Court jester
Az udvari bolond vicceket mesélt.
Always pay attention to the context when you see 'udvar' as part of a longer word. Don't assume a direct translation of 'yard' will work.
§ Forgetting the Case Endings
Hungarian is an agglutinative language, meaning words take various suffixes (case endings) to show their grammatical function. 'Udvar' is no exception. A common mistake is to forget these endings, leading to ungrammatical sentences.
In the yard/courtyard: udvaron (superessive case)
A macska az udvaron van.
To the yard/courtyard: udvarra (sublative case)
Kimegyünk az udvarra.
From the yard/courtyard: udvarról (delative case)
Jövök az udvarról.
§ Understanding 'udvar'
Alright, let's talk about the Hungarian word 'udvar'. This is a common word, and you'll hear it a lot. Basically, 'udvar' means 'yard' or 'courtyard'. Think of the outdoor space directly connected to a house or building. It's a pretty straightforward word, but like many words, it has a few nuances depending on the context.
- Definition
- Yard or courtyard.
Van egy nagy udvar a ház előtt.
This sentence means: 'There is a big yard in front of the house.' See? Simple. 'Udvar' refers to that outdoor area.
§ 'Udvar' in different contexts
While 'yard' or 'courtyard' covers most uses, 'udvar' can sometimes refer to a few other things. It can be used for the outdoor space of a farm, a school, or even a palace. The key is that it's an open area, usually enclosed or semi-enclosed, and part of a larger property.
A gyerekek az iskola udvarán játszanak.
This translates to: 'The children are playing in the schoolyard.' Here, 'udvar' becomes 'schoolyard'.
A kastélynak gyönyörű belső udvara van.
Meaning: 'The castle has a beautiful inner courtyard.' Again, the concept of an enclosed outdoor space holds.
§ 'Udvar' vs. other similar words
While 'udvar' is your go-to for 'yard' or 'courtyard', there are a few other words you might encounter that relate to outdoor spaces. It's important to know the differences so you use the right one.
- Kert: This means 'garden'. A 'kert' implies a cultivated area, often with plants, flowers, or vegetables. While a 'kert' can be part of an 'udvar', they're not the same. An 'udvar' can be paved, gravel, or just grass, and doesn't necessarily have a garden.
A ház mögött van egy nagy kert.
Meaning: 'There is a big garden behind the house.'
- Tér: This means 'square' or 'space'. A 'tér' is typically a larger, public open area, like a town square (e.g., Hősök tere - Heroes' Square). It's much broader in scope than an 'udvar'.
Találkozunk a téren.
Meaning: 'Let's meet in the square.'
- Mező: This means 'field'. Think of a large, open expanse of land, often agricultural or natural. Definitely not an 'udvar'.
Sétálunk a zöld mezőn.
Meaning: 'We are walking in the green field.'
§ When to use 'udvar'
Stick with 'udvar' when you're talking about:
- The immediate outdoor area of a house, especially if it's enclosed or semi-enclosed.
- A courtyard within a larger building complex (like a palace, school, or apartment block).
- The farmyard of an agricultural property.
If you're talking about a decorative garden, use 'kert'. For a large public square, use 'tér'. And for a wide-open natural space, use 'mező'. Keep these distinctions in mind, and you'll be using 'udvar' correctly in no time!
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the 'u' like the English 'oo' in 'moon' instead of a short 'u' sound.
- Not distinguishing between the 'a' sound in 'father' and the 'a' sound in 'cat'.
Ejemplos por nivel
Az udvar tele volt virágokkal és gondosan ápolt fákkal, kellemes árnyékot biztosítva a forró nyári napokon.
The yard was full of flowers and carefully tended trees, providing pleasant shade on hot summer days.
Possessive suffix '-a' on 'udvar' (udvara) for 'its yard' or 'the yard of it', but here 'udvar' stands alone meaning 'the yard'.
A régi, macskaköves udvaron esténként összegyűltek a szomszédok, hogy beszélgessenek és élvezzék a friss levegőt.
In the old, cobblestone courtyard, the neighbors gathered in the evenings to chat and enjoy the fresh air.
'-on' is a locative suffix meaning 'on' or 'in'.
Az udvarház udvara méretes volt, és sok lehetőséget kínált a szabadtéri játékokra és rendezvényekre.
The manor house's courtyard was spacious and offered many opportunities for outdoor games and events.
Compound word 'udvarház' (manor house). 'Udvara' is the possessive form of 'udvar'.
A gyerekek az udvaron játszottak önfeledten, amíg a szüleik bent a házban beszélgettek.
The children played carefree in the yard while their parents chatted inside the house.
'-on' again indicates location. 'Önfeledten' means 'carefree'.
Eső után az udvar sáros és csúszós lett, ezért óvatosan kellett közlekedni.
After the rain, the yard became muddy and slippery, so one had to move carefully.
The suffix '-os' on 'sáros' and 'csúszós' indicates an adjective meaning 'full of' or 'prone to'.
A közös udvarban minden lakó hozzájárult a tisztán tartásához és rendben tartásához.
In the common courtyard, every resident contributed to keeping it clean and tidy.
'-ban' is another locative suffix meaning 'in'.
Az udvarban álló diófa évről évre bőséges termést hozott, nagy örömére a háziaknak.
The walnut tree standing in the yard yielded an abundant harvest year after year, to the great delight of the residents.
'-ban' for location. 'Álló' is a present participle, meaning 'standing'.
A kastély udvarán gyakran rendeztek lovagi tornákat és egyéb középkori ünnepségeket.
Knightly tournaments and other medieval festivities were often held in the castle courtyard.
'-án' is another locative suffix, similar to '-on', used with certain vowel endings.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasThe Hungarian word for 'yard' is udvar. It's a common noun you'll hear a lot.
Good question! While both relate to outdoor spaces, udvar typically refers to a paved or unpaved area immediately surrounding a building, like a courtyard. Kert, on the other hand, is more specifically a garden, usually with plants, flowers, or vegetables.
Yes, absolutely! In a general sense, udvar can definitely refer to a backyard, especially if it's more of a paved or utility area. If it's a grassy garden, then kert might be more appropriate, but udvar is still understood.
It's pronounced something like 'ood-var'. The 'u' is like the 'oo' in 'moon', and the 'v' is like the 'v' in 'vote'. Practice saying it: udvar.
In Hungarian, nouns don't have grammatical gender like in some other languages (e.g., German or French). So, you don't need to worry about 'masculine udvar' or 'feminine udvar'.
You might hear things like:
- Az udvaron vagyok. (I am in the yard.)
- Söpörd fel az udvart! (Sweep the yard!)
- Van egy szép udvarunk. (We have a beautiful yard.)
Yes, that's correct! Udvar is perfectly used for 'courtyard', especially in the context of buildings with enclosed central areas.
It's a neutral word, neither particularly formal nor informal. You can use udvar in almost any context when referring to a yard or courtyard.
Not really a common diminutive. You wouldn't typically add a suffix to make 'little yard' in the same way you might with other words. You'd just say 'kicsi udvar' (small yard) if you needed to specify size.
To make udvar plural, you add the suffix -ok, so it becomes udvarok. For example, 'két udvar' (two yards) or 'sok udvar' (many yards).
Ponte a prueba 48 preguntas
The yard is big.
There is a dog in the yard.
I like the yard.
Read this aloud:
Az udvar szép.
Focus: udvar
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
Menj az udvarra!
Focus: udvarra
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
Hol van az udvar?
Focus: Hol
Dijiste:
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Melyik szó jelenti azt, hogy 'yard'?
'Udvar' means yard or courtyard.
Keresd meg a helyes fordítást: 'The children are playing in the yard.'
'Az udvaron' means 'in the yard'.
Melyik szó hiányzik a mondatból? 'A macska az ____ fut.' (The cat is running in the yard.)
The suffix '-on' indicates 'on' or 'in' a surface, fitting 'in the yard'.
Az 'udvar' szó 'house' jelentésű.
No, 'udvar' means 'yard' or 'courtyard', not 'house'. 'Ház' is 'house'.
A mondat 'Az udvar nagy.' azt jelenti, hogy 'The yard is big.'
'Udvar' is yard, 'nagy' is big, so 'Az udvar nagy' means 'The yard is big'.
A 'Mi az udvaron ülünk.' mondat helyesen fordítva 'We are sitting in the garden.'
No, 'Mi az udvaron ülünk' means 'We are sitting in the yard'. 'Kert' is garden.
Listen for 'udvaron'.
Listen for 'udvarban'.
Listen for 'udvar'.
Read this aloud:
Az udvaron sok fa van.
Focus: udvaron
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
Reggel kimentem az udvarra.
Focus: udvarra
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
Takarítsuk ki az udvart!
Focus: udvart
Dijiste:
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This sentence translates to 'The children are playing in the yard.' 'Az udvaron' means 'in the yard' (locative case).
This means 'Behind the house there is a big yard.' 'Mögött' is a postposition meaning 'behind'.
This sentence means 'The yard is full of flowers and bushes.' 'Tele van' means 'is full of'.
Imagine you are describing your ideal home. Write a paragraph (3-4 sentences) in Hungarian focusing on the 'udvar'. What does it look like? What do you do there? Use descriptive adjectives and verbs.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Az ideális otthonom udvara tágas és gyönyörűen rendezett. Tele van illatos virágokkal és magas fákkal, amelyek kellemes árnyékot adnak a forró nyári napokon. Itt pihenek, olvasok és gyakran grillezünk a barátaimmal. Szeretek itt lenni, mert nyugodt és békés.
You are writing a short story. A significant event takes place in an 'udvar'. Describe the atmosphere, sounds, and actions occurring in the udvar during this pivotal moment. (3-4 sentences)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Az udvar csendje hirtelen megtört, amikor a kapu nyikorogva kinyílt. Egyre több ember gyűlt össze, suttogások és feszült csend váltakozott. A régi kút árnyékában egy titokzatos figura állt, mozdulatlanul figyelve az eseményeket. Ez volt az a pillanat, amikor minden megváltozott.
Write a formal letter of complaint to a property management company about the neglected state of the communal 'udvar' in your apartment building. (3-4 sentences)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Tisztelt Ingatlankezelő! Ezúton szeretném panaszomat kifejezni a társasházunk udvarának elhanyagolt állapota miatt. Az udvar rendezetlen és tisztázatlan, ami rontja a lakók életminőségét. Kérjük, tegyenek azonnali intézkedéseket a probléma orvoslására. Reméljük, mielőbb beavatkoznak.
Milyen hangulatot teremtettek a lámpások este az udvarban?
Read this passage:
A régi, barokk stílusú épület belső udvara lenyűgöző látványt nyújtott. Középen egy márvány szökőkút állt, amelyből lágyan csobogott a víz. A falakat borostyán borította, és a levegőben érezni lehetett a jázmin illatát. Este a kovácsoltvas lámpások fénye misztikus hangulatot teremtett.
Milyen hangulatot teremtettek a lámpások este az udvarban?
A szöveg szerint 'Este a kovácsoltvas lámpások fénye misztikus hangulatot teremtett.'
A szöveg szerint 'Este a kovácsoltvas lámpások fénye misztikus hangulatot teremtett.'
Miért nem zavarta a gyerekeket az esős idő?
Read this passage:
Az esős idő ellenére a gyerekek kimerészkedtek az udvarra, és sáros pocsolyákban ugráltak. Szüleik aggódva figyelték őket az ablakból, de a játék öröme felülírta a hideg és a nedvesség kellemetlenségeit. A szél erősen fújt, és az udvar fái hajladoztak.
Miért nem zavarta a gyerekeket az esős idő?
A szöveg azt mondja: 'a játék öröme felülírta a hideg és a nedvesség kellemetlenségeit.'
A szöveg azt mondja: 'a játék öröme felülírta a hideg és a nedvesség kellemetlenségeit.'
Mi az udvar szerepe a leírt falusi porta életében?
Read this passage:
Egy régi falusi porta udvara mindig tele van élettel. Kacsák gágognak, tyúkok kapirgálnak, és a gazda kutyája hűségesen őrzi a területet. A konyhakert zöldségei sorakoznak, a gyümölcsfák pedig ígéretet tesznek a nyári termésre. Ez az udvar a család önellátásának központja.
Mi az udvar szerepe a leírt falusi porta életében?
A szöveg utolsó mondata kimondja: 'Ez az udvar a család önellátásának központja.'
A szöveg utolsó mondata kimondja: 'Ez az udvar a család önellátásának központja.'
This sentence describes a old courtyard filled with flowers and shady trees. The word order is typical for Hungarian descriptive sentences.
This sentence details activities held in the courtyard during summer evenings. The adverb of frequency 'gyakran' (often) precedes the verb 'rendeztek' (they organized).
This sentence describes neighbors helping each other with courtyard maintenance. The possessive structure 'az udvar takarításában' (in the cleaning of the courtyard) is key here.
The yard had an old walnut tree...
The house's yard was full of children's clamor...
The path through the neglected yard was overgrown...
Read this aloud:
Gyakran játszanak az udvaron, ahol a gyerekek felhőtlen örömmel kergetik egymást, és nevetésük betölti a teret, elűzve a csendet és a magányt.
Focus: gyakran, játszanak, udvaron, gyerekek, felhőtlen, örömmel, kergetik, egymást, nevetésük, betölti, teret, elűzve, csendet, magányt
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
Az udvar közepén álló díszkút már évek óta nem működik, de a köré ültetett virágok mégis évről évre gyönyörűen virágoznak, jelezve az élet makacs ragaszkodását a szépséghez.
Focus: udvar, közepén, álló, díszkút, évek, működik, köré, ültetett, virágok, mégis, évről, évre, gyönyörűen, virágoznak, jelezve, élet, makacs, ragaszkodását, szépséghez
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
A hátsó udvaron, a rejtett zugban, egy elfeledett pad állt, ahol sokszor ültem egyedül, gondolataimba merülve, figyelve a fecskék keringését a nyári alkonyatban.
Focus: hátsó, udvaron, rejtett, zugban, elfeledett, pad, állt, sokszor, ültem, egyedül, gondolataimba, merülve, figyelve, fecskék, keringését, nyári, alkonyatban
Dijiste:
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This sentence structure is common in Hungarian: Subject-Verb-Object, with the location phrase often coming before the verb.
Possession in Hungarian is often expressed with the dative case for the possessor and the verb 'van/volt' (to be). The adjective 'szép' (beautiful) precedes the noun 'udvara' (yard).
The adjective 'tágas' (spacious) describes the noun 'udvar' (yard). 'Alkalmas' (suitable) takes the 're/ra' suffix to indicate suitability for something.
/ 48 correct
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