Meaning
The current day.
Cultural Background
Hungarians often use 'ma' in the context of Name Days. It's common to ask 'Kié a mai nap?' to find out who to congratulate. The 'Napi menü' (Daily menu) is a staple of Hungarian lunch culture. You will see 'Mai ajánlat' (Today's offer) on chalkboards everywhere. There are many proverbs about 'ma' vs 'holnap' (tomorrow), emphasizing that the present is the only time we can control. News portals like 'Index' or 'Telex' often have a 'Ma' section for breaking news, highlighting the fast-paced nature of current events.
Adverb vs Adjective
Always remember: Ma = Adverb (Today I go), Mai = Adjective (Today's news).
No Articles
Never say 'A ma'. It's just 'Ma'.
Meaning
The current day.
Adverb vs Adjective
Always remember: Ma = Adverb (Today I go), Mai = Adjective (Today's news).
No Articles
Never say 'A ma'. It's just 'Ma'.
Name Days
Use 'ma' to ask about Name Days to impress locals.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'ma'.
______ nem megyek iskolába.
We use the simple adverb 'ma' to say 'Today I am not going to school'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A) A ma szép az idő. B) Ma szép az idő.
Hungarian does not use an article before 'ma'.
Match the Hungarian word to its English meaning.
1. Ma, 2. Mától, 3. Mára
Ma = Today, Mától = From today, Mára = For today.
Complete the dialogue.
Péter: Mit eszünk? Anna: A ______ ebéd pizza.
We need the adjective form 'mai' to describe the noun 'ebéd' (lunch).
Which phrase fits a formal speech?
A) Ma kezdünk. B) A mai napon elkezdjük a munkát.
'A mai napon' is the formal register version of 'today'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercises______ nem megyek iskolába.
We use the simple adverb 'ma' to say 'Today I am not going to school'.
A) A ma szép az idő. B) Ma szép az idő.
Hungarian does not use an article before 'ma'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Ma = Today, Mától = From today, Mára = For today.
Péter: Mit eszünk? Anna: A ______ ebéd pizza.
We need the adjective form 'mai' to describe the noun 'ebéd' (lunch).
A) Ma kezdünk. B) A mai napon elkezdjük a munkát.
'A mai napon' is the formal register version of 'today'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in any context.
Yes, 'ma reggel' is the standard way to say 'this morning'.
'Ma' is an adverb (today), 'mai' is an adjective (today's).
Use the form 'mára'.
Yes, but 'manapság' is more common for that meaning.
Related Phrases
holnap
contrasttomorrow
tegnap
contrastyesterday
most
similarnow
manapság
specialized formnowadays
