Meaning
Asking for directions to a bus or tram stop.
Cultural Background
In Budapest, tram stops are often in the middle of the road. If someone says 'középen' (in the middle), they mean you need to use the crosswalk to reach the island. In villages, there might only be one 'megálló' for the whole town. It's often near the 'Kocsma' (pub) or the 'Templom' (church). It is common to use 'tessék' (here you go / please) when someone points out the stop to you. It's a way of acknowledging their help. Hungarians are proud of their transit. If you ask for a stop, don't be surprised if they tell you the history of that specific tram line.
Look for the Blue/Yellow
In Budapest, bus stops are blue and tram stops are yellow. Use the color to help your search.
Don't Forget 'Elnézést'
Hungarians find it very rude if you don't say 'Excuse me' before asking a question.
Meaning
Asking for directions to a bus or tram stop.
Look for the Blue/Yellow
In Budapest, bus stops are blue and tram stops are yellow. Use the color to help your search.
Don't Forget 'Elnézést'
Hungarians find it very rude if you don't say 'Excuse me' before asking a question.
Use 'Hol a...?'
In very casual speech, you can drop 'van' and just say 'Hol a megálló?'
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to ask for the direction of the stop.
Elnézést, ______ van a megálló?
'Merre' is the correct interrogative for 'which way'.
Which of these is the most polite way to start the question?
_______, merre van a megálló?
'Elnézést' means 'Excuse me' and is the standard polite opening.
Match the Hungarian word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Elnézést, merre van a megálló? B: _______ van, a sarkon.
'Ott' means 'there', which answers the directional question.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesElnézést, ______ van a megálló?
'Merre' is the correct interrogative for 'which way'.
_______, merre van a megálló?
'Elnézést' means 'Excuse me' and is the standard polite opening.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary matching.
A: Elnézést, merre van a megálló? B: _______ van, a sarkon.
'Ott' means 'there', which answers the directional question.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, 'Hol van a megálló?' is perfectly correct and very common. 'Merre' just adds a sense of 'which way should I walk'.
Yes, though 'metróállomás' (metro station) is more formal, 'metrómegálló' is used by everyone.
Only if you are looking for multiple stops: 'Merre vannak a megállók?'
Say: 'Merre van a 7-es busz megállója?' (Which way is the stop for bus 7?)
Related Phrases
Hol kell leszállni?
similarWhere do I have to get off?
Melyik busz megy a központba?
builds onWhich bus goes to the center?
Kérek egy jegyet.
similarI'd like a ticket.
Messze van?
similarIs it far?
