Signification
Stating that one is awaiting someone's arrival.
Contexte culturel
In Hungary, if you say 'Várok rád' and the person is more than 20 minutes late without a text, it is considered polite to call them. Simply waiting in silence for an hour is seen as overly passive. In the capital, 'Várok rád' is often followed by a specific landmark. Common meeting points like 'az óra alatt' (under the clock) at Nyugati station are iconic places to wait. The phrase is a 'cliché' in Hungarian pop and rock music. It often symbolizes the 'eternal wait' for a lost love or a better future, reflecting a certain national melancholy. On Hungarian Tinder or dating apps, 'Várlak' is often used as a suggestive or inviting closing line, whereas 'Várok rád' sounds more like a literal logistical update.
The 'Rád' Rule
Always remember that 'vár' + 'person' = '-ra/-re'. It's one of the first 'verb-case' pairs you should memorize.
Don't say 'Várok te'
This is a very common beginner mistake. Hungarian never uses the basic pronoun after a verb like this.
Signification
Stating that one is awaiting someone's arrival.
The 'Rád' Rule
Always remember that 'vár' + 'person' = '-ra/-re'. It's one of the first 'verb-case' pairs you should memorize.
Don't say 'Várok te'
This is a very common beginner mistake. Hungarian never uses the basic pronoun after a verb like this.
Use 'Várlak' for warmth
If you want to sound more like a native and show you like the person, use 'Várlak' instead of 'Várok rád'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the pronoun 'te' (you) with the required case ending.
Szia! Itt vagyok a moziban, és várok ___.
The verb 'vár' requires the sublative case (-ra/-re) when used in the indefinite form 'várok'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend you are waiting for them?
Select the best option:
'Várok rád' is the correct combination of indefinite conjugation and the sublative case.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hol vagy? B: A parkban vagyok. ___ (I am waiting for you).
B is speaking to A, so 'rád' (on you) is the correct pronoun.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a restaurant and your friend is 10 minutes late.
'Étteremben' means 'in the restaurant'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSzia! Itt vagyok a moziban, és várok ___.
The verb 'vár' requires the sublative case (-ra/-re) when used in the indefinite form 'várok'.
Select the best option:
'Várok rád' is the correct combination of indefinite conjugation and the sublative case.
A: Hol vagy? B: A parkban vagyok. ___ (I am waiting for you).
B is speaking to A, so 'rád' (on you) is the correct pronoun.
You are at a restaurant and your friend is 10 minutes late.
'Étteremben' means 'in the restaurant'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends (informal) or with a boss (if you use 'Várok Önre'). The 'rád' part specifically is informal because it uses the 'te' form.
Yes, if it's obvious who you are waiting for. 'Itt vagyok, várok.' (I'm here, waiting.)
'Várok rád' focuses more on the act of waiting and the direction. 'Várlak' is more direct and uses a special Hungarian verb ending for 'I-you'. 'Várlak' is slightly more common in casual speech.
Historically, Hungarian developed the sublative case for this verb. While 'Várok téged' might be understood, it sounds archaic or like a literal translation from another language.
You say 'Várom a buszt'. Notice the verb changes to 'Várom' (definite) because the bus is a specific object.
Yes, you can say 'Várok a hívásodra' (I'm waiting for your call).
As a verb, yes. As a noun, it means 'castle'.
Use 'Régóta várok rád' or 'Már egy ideje várok rád'.
A common slangy way to say you are waiting somewhere is 'Itt dekkolok' (I'm squatting/hanging out here).
You say 'Várok rátok'.
Expressions liées
Várlak
similarI am waiting for you (definite).
Várakozom
specialized formI am in a state of waiting.
Megvárlak
builds onI will wait for you (until you arrive/finish).
Rád fér
contrastYou could use it / It would do you good.
