Meaning
Passing time with someone or doing something.
Cultural Background
Hungarians love to 'időt tölteni' in coffee houses (kávéház). This is a tradition from the 19th century where writers and thinkers would spend all day in a cafe with a single cup of coffee. For many Hungarians, 'időt tölteni' in the summer means going to Lake Balaton. It is the 'Hungarian Sea' and the ultimate location for spending vacation time. If you are a guest, your host will want you to 'időt tölteni' with them for as long as possible. Leaving early can sometimes be seen as a sign that you didn't enjoy the 'filling' of the time. Like everywhere, young Hungarians now 'töltenek' a lot of time on TikTok and Instagram, leading to the same generational debates about 'wasted time' (időpazarlás).
The 'With' Rule
Always pair 'időt tölteni' with the '-val/-vel' suffix when talking about people or hobbies.
No 'Spend' for Money
If you use 'tölteni' for money, people will think you are pouring coins into a glass.
Meaning
Passing time with someone or doing something.
The 'With' Rule
Always pair 'időt tölteni' with the '-val/-vel' suffix when talking about people or hobbies.
No 'Spend' for Money
If you use 'tölteni' for money, people will think you are pouring coins into a glass.
Prefix Power
Use 'eltölteni' when you want to emphasize that the time period is finished and complete.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'idő' and 'tölt'.
Én sok _____ _____ a barátaimmal.
The first person singular is 'töltök' and the object 'idő' needs the '-t' suffix.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I spent the weekend at home'?
'Töltöttem' is the past tense, and 'tölteni' is the correct verb for time.
Match the Hungarian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the various nuances of time-related collocations in Hungarian.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Mit csinálsz délután? B: A családommal _____ _____.
The speaker is talking about their own plans (1st person).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesÉn sok _____ _____ a barátaimmal.
The first person singular is 'töltök' and the object 'idő' needs the '-t' suffix.
How do you say 'I spent the weekend at home'?
'Töltöttem' is the past tense, and 'tölteni' is the correct verb for time.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the various nuances of time-related collocations in Hungarian.
A: Mit csinálsz délután? B: A családommal _____ _____.
The speaker is talking about their own plans (1st person).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you should say 'időt töltök olvasással'. Use the noun form of the verb with '-val/-vel'.
It is neutral. You can use it in any situation.
'Tölt' is the general action, 'eltölt' often implies a completed duration (e.g., 'I spent 3 days there').
You say 'Egyedül töltöm az időt'.
Yes, 'Sok időt töltök a munkámmal' is perfectly natural.
Yes, 'lógni valakivel' (to hang out with someone) is the informal alternative.
Because it is the direct object of the verb 'tölt'.
Yes, 'Eltöltöttünk egy éjszakát a hotelben'.
Very often! Hungarian pop lyrics frequently mention spending time together.
Use 'pazarolom az időt'.
Related Phrases
időt pazarol
contrastTo waste time
időt nyer
similarTo gain/win time
időt szakít
specialized formTo make/find time
időtöltés
builds onPastime / hobby
