Meaning
Asking for the location of medical help.
Cultural Background
Public hospitals in Hungary are often named after famous doctors or saints (e.g., Szent János, Semmelweis). They are usually large complexes with multiple buildings. When asking for help in Hungary, it is polite to start with 'Jó napot kívánok!' (I wish you a good day) before asking your question. Ignaz Semmelweis, the 'savior of mothers' who discovered the importance of handwashing, was Hungarian. Many hospitals bear his name. The emergency number in Hungary is 112. If you can't find a hospital, calling this number is the best course of action.
Politeness counts
Always add 'Elnézést' (Excuse me) before the phrase to sound more natural and polite.
Hol vs Hova
Never use 'Hova' when asking for a location. It's a very common beginner mistake.
Meaning
Asking for the location of medical help.
Politeness counts
Always add 'Elnézést' (Excuse me) before the phrase to sound more natural and polite.
Hol vs Hova
Never use 'Hova' when asking for a location. It's a very common beginner mistake.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb.
Hol ____ a kórház?
We use 'van' for 3rd person singular 'it is'.
Which is the correct way to ask for the nearest hospital?
...
'Legközelebbi' is the superlative form of 'near' (nearest).
Match the Hungarian word to its English meaning.
...
Basic vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Elnézést! B: Igen? A: ______ a kórház?
The context implies asking for a location.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHol ____ a kórház?
We use 'van' for 3rd person singular 'it is'.
...
'Legközelebbi' is the superlative form of 'near' (nearest).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary matching.
A: Elnézést! B: Igen? A: ______ a kórház?
The context implies asking for a location.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if you are in distress, people will understand, but 'Hol van a kórház?' is much clearer.
It is the definite article 'the'. You are asking for 'the' hospital in that area.
It is the standard word. There is no informal slang word for hospital that is commonly used.
You can ask 'Hol van a legközelebbi kórház?' (Where is the nearest hospital?).
No, as long as you are asking about one hospital, 'van' is always the correct form.
A 'klinika' is usually a university teaching hospital, while 'kórház' is a general hospital.
Kórházban vagyok.
Kórházba megyek.
Yes, it is a clear, aspirated 'h' like in 'house'.
For animals, you would say 'állatkórház'.
Related Phrases
Orvosi rendelő
similarDoctor's office
Gyógyszertár
relatedPharmacy
Mentőautó
relatedAmbulance
Ügyelet
specialized formEmergency/On-call service
