Meaning
Asking someone to speak at a lower speed.
Cultural Background
Hungarians value formal address (magázódás) highly. Using 'legyen szíves' with a stranger is not just polite; it's expected. It shows you are a 'művelt' (educated/cultured) person. In busy Budapest shops, staff might seem abrupt. Using a polite 'legyen szíves' can often 'melt the ice' and get you much better service. In villages, people might speak with a dialect or faster than in the city. They will appreciate the formal 'legyen szíves' as a sign of respect for their age or position. Teachers in Hungary are traditionally respected figures. Even if you are an adult student, using 'legyen szíves' with your teacher is the standard protocol.
Pair with a smile
Because 'legyen szíves' is quite formal, a friendly smile makes it sound like a genuine request for help rather than a demand.
Don't forget the -bb
Saying 'Lassan' (slowly) can sometimes sound like you are criticizing the person for being slow, whereas 'Lassabban' (more slowly) is a clear request to change speed.
Meaning
Asking someone to speak at a lower speed.
Pair with a smile
Because 'legyen szíves' is quite formal, a friendly smile makes it sound like a genuine request for help rather than a demand.
Don't forget the -bb
Saying 'Lassan' (slowly) can sometimes sound like you are criticizing the person for being slow, whereas 'Lassabban' (more slowly) is a clear request to change speed.
The 'Ön' factor
Always use 'legyen' with people you don't know. Using 'legyél' (informal) can be seen as disrespectful to older people.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal request to slow down.
Lassabban, ________ szíves!
In formal situations, we use the 3rd person singular 'legyen'.
Which word means 'more slowly'?
Válassza ki a helyes szót!
'Lassú' is slow, 'Lassan' is slowly, 'Lassabban' is more slowly.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
Who should you say 'Lassabban, legyen szíves!' to?
You use formal language with officials and strangers.
Complete the dialogue.
Pincér: 'Szeretne még valamit?' Vendég: 'Elnézést, nem értem. ________, legyen szíves!'
If you don't understand because of speed, you ask for 'Lassabban'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Lassabban, legyen szíves!'
Travel
- • Train station
- • Taxi
- • Airport
Shopping
- • Market
- • Bakery
- • Pharmacy
Social
- • Meeting neighbors
- • Asking directions
- • Formal events
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLassabban, ________ szíves!
In formal situations, we use the 3rd person singular 'legyen'.
Válassza ki a helyes szót!
'Lassú' is slow, 'Lassan' is slowly, 'Lassabban' is more slowly.
Who should you say 'Lassabban, legyen szíves!' to?
You use formal language with officials and strangers.
Pincér: 'Szeretne még valamit?' Vendég: 'Elnézést, nem értem. ________, legyen szíves!'
If you don't understand because of speed, you ask for 'Lassabban'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds very blunt and rude, like a command. Always add 'legyen szíves' or 'kérem' to be polite.
'Legyen szíves' is slightly more traditional and 'warm', while 'kérem' is a more direct, standard 'please'. Both are perfectly fine.
It is 'legyen szíves'. 'Szívesen' means 'you're welcome'. This is a very common mistake for beginners!
Use the informal version: 'Lassabban, légy szíves!' or 'Lassabban, kérlek!'
'Lassabb' is an adjective (slower). 'Lassabban' is an adverb (more slowly). You need the adverb to describe *how* someone should speak.
Yes, it is a fixed formula. It literally means 'be kind-hearted', but in 99% of cases, it just translates to 'please'.
Yes! It works for any action, not just speaking. 'Lassabban, legyen szíves!' is a great thing to say to a speeding taxi driver.
Try saying: 'Sajnos még mindig nem értem. Tudna még lassabban beszélni?' (Unfortunately I still don't understand. Could you speak even more slowly?)
Yes, Hungarian has no grammatical gender, so 'legyen szíves' works for men, women, and anyone else.
Yes, in formal emails or letters when you are giving instructions, though it's more common in spoken language.
Related Phrases
Hangosabban, legyen szíves!
similarLouder, please.
Világosabban, legyen szíves!
similarMore clearly, please.
Lassabban, légy szíves!
specialized formMore slowly, please (informal).
Tudna segíteni?
builds onCould you help?
