Meaning
Asking about someone's origin.
Cultural Background
Hungarians often identify strongly with their specific city or county. If someone says they are from 'Debrecen' or 'Szeged', they expect you to know those are major cities. Many ethnic Hungarians live here. If someone says they are from 'Erdély' (Transylvania), they are likely Hungarian speakers but Romanian citizens. Budapest is divided into 23 districts. Locals might answer with a district number instead of just 'Budapest'. In the international community in Budapest, 'Honnan jössz?' is the standard way to start any conversation at a bar or meetup.
Vowel Harmony
When answering, remember that '-ból' is for back-vowel words (Londonból) and '-ből' is for front-vowel words (Berlinből).
Don't forget the 'sz'
The verb 'jön' is irregular. 'Jössz' must have the double 'sz' to be correct.
Meaning
Asking about someone's origin.
Vowel Harmony
When answering, remember that '-ból' is for back-vowel words (Londonból) and '-ből' is for front-vowel words (Berlinből).
Don't forget the 'sz'
The verb 'jön' is irregular. 'Jössz' must have the double 'sz' to be correct.
Use 'eredetileg'
Add 'eredetileg' (originally) to the question to sound more natural: 'Honnan jössz eredetileg?'
Be specific
If you are from a famous city like New York or Paris, say the city name first, then the country.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the question.
_______ jössz?
'Honnan' is the only word that means 'from where', which is required by the verb 'jössz'.
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'jön'.
Én Londonból jövök, és te honnan _______?
The subject is 'te' (you singular), so the verb must be 'jössz'.
Match the question with the correct answer.
1. Honnan jössz? 2. Hogy vagy? 3. Mi a neved?
Each question matches its logical response.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Szia! _______ jössz? B: Szia! Olaszországból jövök.
The answer 'Olaszországból' (from Italy) indicates the question was about origin.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Answering 'Honnan jössz?'
-ból / -ből (Inside)
- • Londonból
- • Berlinből
- • Párizsból
-ról / -ről (Surface)
- • Magyarországról
- • Izlandról
- • Budaörsről
Practice Bank
4 exercises_______ jössz?
'Honnan' is the only word that means 'from where', which is required by the verb 'jössz'.
Én Londonból jövök, és te honnan _______?
The subject is 'te' (you singular), so the verb must be 'jössz'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each question matches its logical response.
A: Szia! _______ jössz? B: Szia! Olaszországból jövök.
The answer 'Olaszországból' (from Italy) indicates the question was about origin.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is grammatically incorrect. You must use 'Honnan jössz?' or 'Hova valósi vagy?'.
No, it's very friendly and common, but use 'Honnan jön?' for formal situations.
Say 'Az Egyesült Államokból jövök' or simply 'Amerikából jövök'.
'Honnét' is a regional variation. Both are understood, but 'Honnan' is standard.
No, the verb ending '-ök' in 'jövök' already tells us you are talking about yourself.
Yes, you can ask 'Honnan jön ez a hang?' (Where is this sound coming from?).
It's an ancient verb. Most basic verbs in Hungarian (like 'to be', 'to go', 'to come') are irregular.
You can say 'Kettős állampolgár vagyok, de [Country]-ból jövök'.
Yes, in Hungary it is a very standard ice-breaker.
Use 'Melyik országból származik Ön?'.
Related Phrases
Honnan származol?
similarWhere do you originate from?
Hova valósi vagy?
specialized formWhere are you a local of?
Hova mész?
contrastWhere are you going?
Melyik országból jöttél?
builds onFrom which country did you come?
