Signification
Common response to 'What's up?'.
Contexte culturel
In Hungary, 'Semmi különös' is often accompanied by a slight shrug or a neutral facial expression. It's a sign of 'tárgyilagosság' (objectivity). In some parts of Transylvania, you might hear 'Nincs semmi hír' (There is no news) as a more common alternative, but 'Semmi különös' remains universally understood. In a business context, 'Semmi különös' can be used to indicate that a project is 'on track' and there are no 'blockers' or 'emergencies'. Younger Hungarians almost exclusively use 'Semmi extra' or 'Semmi különös' in digital communication (Messenger, Instagram).
The Shrug
Pair the phrase with a small shoulder shrug to look like a local.
Don't over-negate
While double negatives are used in sentences, the phrase itself is just 'Semmi különös'.
Signification
Common response to 'What's up?'.
The Shrug
Pair the phrase with a small shoulder shrug to look like a local.
Don't over-negate
While double negatives are used in sentences, the phrase itself is just 'Semmi különös'.
Add 'Igazából'
Saying 'Igazából semmi különös' (Actually nothing special) makes you sound very fluent.
Honesty over Hype
Hungarians value the honesty of 'nothing special' over a fake 'everything is amazing'.
Teste-toi
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Péter: Szia, mi újság veled mostanában? Anna: __________, csak a szokásos munka.
'Semmi különös' is the standard neutral response. 'Semmi sok' is a literal translation error, and 'Semmi közöd' is rude.
Fill in the missing word.
Semmi __________, minden a régiben.
The fixed idiom is 'Semmi különös'. 'Külön' means separate, 'különben' means otherwise, and 'külföld' means abroad.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which phrase would you use if a friend asks 'Mizu?' and you are just watching TV?
'Semmi extra' is the informal version of 'Semmi különös', perfect for 'Mizu?'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for 'Nothing special happened'?
Válaszd ki a helyes mondatot!
Hungarian requires double negation: 'Semmi' + 'nem'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Semmi különös'
Social
- • Elevator talk
- • Street greeting
- • Party small talk
Digital
- • SMS/WhatsApp
- • Dating apps
- • Casual emails
Reviews
- • Boring movies
- • Average food
- • Routine days
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPéter: Szia, mi újság veled mostanában? Anna: __________, csak a szokásos munka.
'Semmi különös' is the standard neutral response. 'Semmi sok' is a literal translation error, and 'Semmi közöd' is rude.
Semmi __________, minden a régiben.
The fixed idiom is 'Semmi különös'. 'Külön' means separate, 'különben' means otherwise, and 'külföld' means abroad.
Which phrase would you use if a friend asks 'Mizu?' and you are just watching TV?
'Semmi extra' is the informal version of 'Semmi különös', perfect for 'Mizu?'.
Válaszd ki a helyes mondatot!
Hungarian requires double negation: 'Semmi' + 'nem'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, it is perfectly polite and neutral. It just means you don't have any big news.
Yes, for small talk (e.g., 'How was your morning?'). Don't use it for actual work reports.
'Különös' is more common in this idiom; 'különleges' sounds a bit more formal or 'fancy'.
Yes, in very informal settings (like texting), 'Semmi' is enough.
It's a modern, slangy version influenced by English. It's very common among young people.
Literally yes, but in this context, it always means 'Nothing special'.
Don't use this phrase! Start with 'Képzeld...' (Imagine/Guess what...).
Yes, very common in emails and chats.
You can say 'Minden szuper!' or 'Minden rendben!'.
In Hungarian, 's' is always 'sh'. So it's 'különösh'.
Yes, but it's a bit mean. 'Ő semmi különös' means 'He/she is nothing special/unremarkable'.
In conversation, yes. Grammatically, it's a fragment.
No, that's the beauty of it! It's a fixed phrase.
Saying 'Semmi sok' (Nothing much) which is an English-ism.
Expressions liées
Semmi extra
synonymNothing extra/special
Semmi újság
similarNo news
Minden oké
similarEverything is okay
Minden a régiben
similarEverything as of old
Semmi közöd
contrastNone of your business
Semmi különleges
specialized formNothing unique
