Meaning
Recalling something at the last moment.
Cultural Background
Hungarians often use this phrase to introduce a 'gift' or a 'treat' in social settings, making it seem like a spontaneous act of kindness. In many Central European cultures, admitting you 'almost forgot' is seen as more honest and relatable than pretending you had it in mind all along. On platforms like Messenger or Instagram, 'Majdnem elfelejtettem' is often used as a caption for 'throwback' photos that were nearly missed for a specific anniversary. In meetings, it is used as a polite way to backtrack and ensure all agenda items are covered without sounding too rigid.
Use the short form
Say 'Majd' elfelejtettem' to sound 10x more like a local in Budapest.
Definite Conjugation
Remember that 'elfelejtettem' is for a specific thing. If you forgot 'to do' something, use the infinitive after it.
Meaning
Recalling something at the last moment.
Use the short form
Say 'Majd' elfelejtettem' to sound 10x more like a local in Budapest.
Definite Conjugation
Remember that 'elfelejtettem' is for a specific thing. If you forgot 'to do' something, use the infinitive after it.
The 'Aha' Moment
Pair this phrase with a slight slap to the forehead for maximum cultural authenticity.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'I almost forgot the keys'.
Majdnem __________ a kulcsokat.
The past tense definite form is needed here.
Which sentence means 'I almost forgot to call you'?
Choose the correct translation:
The infinitive 'felhívni' is used after 'elfelejtettem'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are leaving a party and remember you left your coat.
The 'majdnem' indicates you remembered it just in time.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Viszlát! B: Várj! _________ elfelejtettem: itt a pénzed.
'Majdnem' fits the context of a sudden realization.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMajdnem __________ a kulcsokat.
The past tense definite form is needed here.
Choose the correct translation:
The infinitive 'felhívni' is used after 'elfelejtettem'.
You are leaving a party and remember you left your coat.
The 'majdnem' indicates you remembered it just in time.
A: Viszlát! B: Várj! _________ elfelejtettem: itt a pénzed.
'Majdnem' fits the context of a sudden realization.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it's very common in emails to add a point you missed. Example: 'Majdnem elfelejtettem: a csatolmány itt van.'
It is always 'majdnem'. You might be thinking of 'majd', which means 'later'.
'Elfelejtettem' is standard; 'kiment a fejemből' is more informal and idiomatic.
Yes, it means 'I almost forgot you' (e.g., to pick you up or to invite you).
Yes, it's neutral. It's not rude to admit you almost forgot something.
Majdnem mindent elfelejtettem.
Hungarian vowel harmony! 'e' is a front vowel, so the suffix must also have front vowels (-tem).
Absolutely. 'Majdnem elestem' (I almost fell), 'Majdnem késtem' (I was almost late).
No, 'majd' means 'later', but in the phrase 'Majd' elfelejtettem', it is a shortened version of 'majdnem'.
Just say 'Elfelejtettem' (I forgot it) or 'Sajnos elfelejtettem' (Unfortunately I forgot it).
Related Phrases
Majdnem kiment a fejemből
similarIt almost went out of my head.
Eszembe jutott
builds onIt came to my mind.
Elfelejtettem
contrastI forgot it.
Hűha!
similarWow! / Oops!
