Meaning
Used to introduce a positive outcome.
Cultural Background
Hungarians often use 'szerencsére' followed by 'lekopogom' (I knock on wood) to avoid bad luck after stating something positive. In some Transylvanian dialects, 'szerencsére' might be replaced by more archaic forms like 'Istennek hála,' emphasizing a more traditional worldview. In fast-paced city life, 'szerencsére' is often shortened in speech, with the 'e' sounds becoming very short, almost 'szerencsre'. Using 'szerencsére' in a business report is seen as professional yet human, showing that you recognize positive outcomes beyond just KPIs.
Start your sentences
If you're unsure where to put it, always put it at the very beginning. It's 100% correct and sounds natural.
The 'S' sound
Remember that 'sz' in Hungarian is pronounced like 's' in 'sun'. Don't pronounce it like 'sh'!
Meaning
Used to introduce a positive outcome.
Start your sentences
If you're unsure where to put it, always put it at the very beginning. It's 100% correct and sounds natural.
The 'S' sound
Remember that 'sz' in Hungarian is pronounced like 's' in 'sun'. Don't pronounce it like 'sh'!
Pair with 'Sajnos'
Learn 'Szerencsére' and 'Sajnos' (unfortunately) as a pair. They are the two most useful adverbs for expressing opinion at A1 level.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'fortunately'.
________ nem késtem el a munkából.
'Szerencsére' is the adverb meaning 'fortunately'. 'Sajnos' means 'unfortunately'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and natural?
Choose the best option:
We use 'szerencsére' to express the fact that it's lucky I have money.
Match the sentence to the correct situation.
Sentence: 'Szerencsére nem esik az eső.'
Weather is a common context for using 'szerencsére' during outdoor activities.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Elvesztettem a telefonom! B: Nézd, ott van az asztalon! A: Ó, ________!
The speaker is expressing relief after finding a lost item.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Szerencsére
Weather
- • Süt a nap
- • Nincs szél
- • Elállt az eső
Travel
- • Jön a busz
- • Megvan a jegy
- • Nincs dugó
Daily Life
- • Van kávé
- • Nyitva a bolt
- • Működik a wifi
Practice Bank
4 exercises________ nem késtem el a munkából.
'Szerencsére' is the adverb meaning 'fortunately'. 'Sajnos' means 'unfortunately'.
Choose the best option:
We use 'szerencsére' to express the fact that it's lucky I have money.
Sentence: 'Szerencsére nem esik az eső.'
Weather is a common context for using 'szerencsére' during outdoor activities.
A: Elvesztettem a telefonom! B: Nézd, ott van az asztalon! A: Ó, ________!
The speaker is expressing relief after finding a lost item.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can, but it's less common. For example: 'Megérkeztünk, szerencsére.' It adds the relief as an afterthought.
It is completely neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandma, or a stranger on the street.
'Szerencsére' is 'luckily,' while 'hála Istennek' is 'thank God.' They are used similarly, but the latter is more emphatic.
No. 'Szerencsére' never changes its form, regardless of tense or person.
No. To say 'I am lucky,' you must say 'Szerencsés vagyok.'
Not really, but in slang, people just say 'Mázli!' (Luck/Fluke!).
It's exactly like the 'ch' in 'chocolate.'
When the suffix '-re' is added to 'szerencse,' the final 'e' lengthens to 'é.' This is a standard Hungarian spelling rule.
Yes, very frequently in news, literature, and emails.
Yes! 'Szerencsére NEM esik' (Luckily it's NOT raining). It means the *lack* of something is lucky.
Related Phrases
Sajnos
contrastUnfortunately
Hála Istennek
synonymThank God
Szerencsés
builds onLucky (adjective)
Véletlenül
similarBy accident / Coincidentally
