Meaning
Requesting to buy a single ticket.
Cultural Background
In Hungary, it is common to say 'Kérek szépen' (I ask nicely) to be extra polite during a transaction. In Budapest, you often need to validate your 'jegy' in a small orange or red machine after buying it. The phrase for this is 'érvényesíteni a jegyet'. In smaller towns, the bus driver is often the only person you can buy a ticket from. A friendly 'Jó napot' is mandatory. Younger people often use apps like 'BudapestGO' now, so they might say 'Vettem egy jegyet a telefonon' (I bought a ticket on the phone).
The '-t' is Key
Always remember the '-t' at the end of 'jegyet'. Without it, the sentence is grammatically incomplete.
Greeting First
Always say 'Jó napot' before your request. It makes a huge difference in how you are treated.
Meaning
Requesting to buy a single ticket.
The '-t' is Key
Always remember the '-t' at the end of 'jegyet'. Without it, the sentence is grammatically incomplete.
Greeting First
Always say 'Jó napot' before your request. It makes a huge difference in how you are treated.
Destination Suffix
Add the destination with '-ba/-be' or '-ra/-re' to be more specific. E.g., 'Egy jegyet kérek Budapestre.'
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to ask for one ticket.
Egy ______ kérek.
The object of the sentence needs the accusative '-t' ending.
Which is the most polite way to ask for a ticket?
Válassza ki a legudvariasabb formát!
'Kérek' is the standard polite way to request something.
Complete the dialogue at the train station.
Utas: Jó napot! ______ kérek Budapestre. Pénztáros: Tessék, itt a jegye.
The context of 'Budapestre' and 'itt a jegye' confirms we are buying a ticket.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Egy jegyet kérek a moziba.
'Mozi' means cinema.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEgy ______ kérek.
The object of the sentence needs the accusative '-t' ending.
Válassza ki a legudvariasabb formát!
'Kérek' is the standard polite way to request something.
Utas: Jó napot! ______ kérek Budapestre. Pénztáros: Tessék, itt a jegye.
The context of 'Budapestre' and 'itt a jegye' confirms we are buying a ticket.
Egy jegyet kérek a moziba.
'Mozi' means cinema.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in very informal or fast situations, but adding 'kérek' is much more polite.
Say 'Két jegyet kérek.' Note that 'két' is used instead of 'kettő' when followed by a noun.
It is neutral. It works with both 'Szia' (informal) and 'Jó napot' (formal) greetings.
Hungarian has vowel harmony. 'Jegy' has a front vowel (e), so it needs a front vowel linking sound (e).
No, tipping is not expected for ticket purchases in Hungary.
Say 'Egy diákjegyet kérek.' You will need to show your student ID.
A 'jegy' is for a single trip; a 'bérlet' is a pass for a week, month, or year.
Yes! 'Egy kávét kérek' follows the exact same pattern.
Not exactly. It means 'I ask for'. The closest word to 'please' is 'legyen szíves' or 'kérem', but 'kérek' covers the politeness in this context.
The phrase remains the same. You are the one doing the 'asking'.
Related Phrases
Két jegyet kérek.
builds onTwo tickets, please.
Szeretnék egy jegyet.
similarI would like a ticket.
Mennyibe kerül a jegy?
similarHow much does the ticket cost?
Bérletet kérek.
specialized formI'd like a pass (monthly/weekly).
