Meaning
Expressing preference for something.
Cultural Background
Hungarians are often perceived as direct. If they say 'Ez tetszik', they genuinely appreciate the item. If they don't like it, they might stay silent or give a very specific critique. In the capital's design shops and ruin bars, 'Ez bejön' is the trendy way to express that something fits the 'vibe'. In villages, 'tetszikezés' (using tetszik for politeness) is still very much alive. Young people will almost always use it when addressing the elderly. The word 'tetszetős' is a common term in art reviews to describe something that is aesthetically pleasing but perhaps lacks deep conceptual depth.
The 'Nekem' Trick
If you want to sound more natural, leave out 'nekem' unless you are disagreeing with someone. 'Ez tetszik' is enough!
Plural Alert
If you like more than one thing, you MUST use 'tetszenek'. 'Ez a két könyv tetszik' is wrong; it must be 'tetszenek'.
Meaning
Expressing preference for something.
The 'Nekem' Trick
If you want to sound more natural, leave out 'nekem' unless you are disagreeing with someone. 'Ez tetszik' is enough!
Plural Alert
If you like more than one thing, you MUST use 'tetszenek'. 'Ez a két könyv tetszik' is wrong; it must be 'tetszenek'.
Politeness
When talking to an elderly person, use 'tetszik' + infinitive to be extra respectful.
Past Tense
To say you liked something (e.g., a movie), just change it to 'tetszett'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'tetszik'.
Ez a piros autó nagyon ______.
'Autó' is singular, so we use the singular form 'tetszik'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct way to say 'I like these books'.
The subject 'könyvek' is plural, so the verb must be 'tetszenek'.
Match the Hungarian phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Nézd ezt a ruhát! B: ______, de túl drága.
You are reacting to a specific item shown to you.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tetszik vs. Szeret
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEz a piros autó nagyon ______.
'Autó' is singular, so we use the singular form 'tetszik'.
Choose the correct way to say 'I like these books'.
The subject 'könyvek' is plural, so the verb must be 'tetszenek'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary matching.
A: Nézd ezt a ruhát! B: ______, de túl drága.
You are reacting to a specific item shown to you.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, but usually for how the food looks. For the taste, 'ízlik' is better ('Ez ízlik' - This tastes good).
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a professional setting.
Simply add 'nem': 'Ez nem tetszik'.
'Tetszik' is for immediate visual/aesthetic appeal. 'Szeret' is for long-term liking or love.
No, you don't need the article 'a' before city names. Say 'Tetszik Budapest'.
Just use a rising intonation: 'Tetszik?'
Yes, it means you find them attractive. It's common in dating.
It's a very polite, old-fashioned way to ask 'How are you?'
Absolutely! It's the most common way to say you like a piece of music.
Yes, 'tetszenek'. Use it when the things you like are plural.
No, but it is very informal. Use it with friends, not your boss.
Nagyon tetszett.
Yes, 'Tetszik ez az illat' is perfectly fine.
Because the thing is doing the 'pleasing' to you. You are the recipient of the feeling.
Related Phrases
Szeretem
similarI love/like it
Kedvelem
similarI like/fancy it
Bejön
synonymI'm into it
Imádom
builds onI adore it
Nem tetszik
contrastI don't like it
Tetszetős
specialized formAesthetically pleasing
