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A1 noun 7 min read

ablak

Examples Notes & Tips ablak in 30 Seconds
Explanation ablak in your Level:
At the A1 level, the word 'ablak' is one of the essential nouns you will learn. It is used in very simple sentences to describe your immediate environment. You will learn to identify a window in a room, ask to open or close it, and describe its basic properties like size or color. For example, 'Az ablak nagy' (The window is big) or 'Ez egy ablak' (This is a window). At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word and using it with basic verbs like 'van' (is) and basic adjectives. You will also start to see how the word changes slightly when you want to say 'the window' (az ablak) versus 'a window' (egy ablak). It is important to practice the pronunciation, focusing on the short 'a' and the clear 'k' at the end. You will also learn the basic plural form 'ablakok'.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'ablak' in more functional contexts. You will learn to use it with imperative verbs to give or follow instructions, such as 'Csukd be az ablakot!' (Close the window!). You will also start using basic spatial prepositions and cases, like 'az ablak mellett' (next to the window) or 'az ablakon' (on the window). This is the stage where you might describe your house or apartment in more detail, mentioning how many windows each room has. You will also become more familiar with the accusative case 'ablakot' when it is the object of an action. Understanding vowel harmony becomes more important here as you add more varied suffixes to the word. You might also encounter the word in simple public signs or announcements.
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At the B1 level, you can use 'ablak' in more complex sentences and discuss topics like home maintenance or weather. You might explain why you are opening a window ('Kinyitom az ablakot, mert nagyon párás a levegő' - I'm opening the window because the air is very humid). You will start to use 'ablak' in compound words like 'ablakpárkány' (windowsill) or 'ablaküveg' (window pane). You can also use the word in the context of services, such as 'postai ablak' (postal window). At this level, you are expected to handle the word in various cases (dative, instrumental, etc.) without much hesitation. You might also start to encounter common idioms or sayings involving windows, although you may not yet use them fluently in conversation.
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At the B2 level, you can use 'ablak' in a wide range of social and professional situations. You might discuss the technical aspects of windows, such as 'háromrétegű üvegezés' (triple glazing) or 'hangszigetelés' (sound insulation). You can use the word metaphorically in business or academic contexts, such as 'időablak' (time window) or 'lehetőség ablaka' (window of opportunity). Your use of grammar with the word 'ablak' should be largely error-free, including complex case endings and possessive forms. You can participate in debates about environmental issues, such as heat loss through windows, and use the word fluently in these discussions. You will also be comfortable with the computing terminology related to 'ablakok'.
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At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'ablak' and its cultural and literary significance. You can appreciate how authors use windows as symbols in Hungarian literature, representing a threshold or a limited perspective. You are familiar with a wide range of idioms and can use them naturally in speech, such as 'kidobja a pénzt az ablakon' (to throw money out the window). You can discuss the architectural history of windows in Hungary, from medieval fortifications to modern glass towers. Your vocabulary includes very specific terms related to windows and their components. You can switch between formal, informal, and technical registers when talking about windows without any difficulty.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of the word 'ablak' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You can use the word in its most abstract and philosophical senses. You can engage in high-level academic discourse about the 'window' as a concept in media theory, psychology, or philosophy. You can play with the word in creative writing, using it in puns, complex metaphors, or experimental poetry. You understand the most obscure historical references and regional dialect variations related to the word. Your command of the grammar surrounding 'ablak' is perfect, including the most complex and rarely used archaic forms or highly specific technical jargon. You can effortlessly interpret the word in any context, from a legal building code to a surrealist film.
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Examples Notes & Tips

ablak in 30 Seconds

  • The word 'ablak' means window in Hungarian and is a basic A1 level noun.
  • It follows back-vowel harmony, meaning suffixes use 'a', 'o', or 'u'.
  • Commonly used in both physical (house) and digital (computer) contexts.
  • Frequent phrases include 'kinyitni az ablakot' (to open the window) and 'ablaknál' (at the window).
The Hungarian word ablak is a foundational noun in the Hungarian language, primarily referring to a window. At its most basic level, an ablak is an opening in a wall, door, or vehicle that is typically fitted with glass in a frame to admit light or air and allow people to see out. However, in the rich tapestry of the Hungarian language, its meaning extends far beyond the physical pane of glass. It represents a portal, a boundary between the private domestic sphere and the public world outside. Historically, windows in traditional Hungarian architecture were small to conserve heat during harsh winters, but as glass production evolved, they became larger, symbolizing status and modernity. In a modern context, ablak is also the standard term used in computing to describe a graphical user interface element, just like the English word 'window'. Whether you are talking about the physical object in your living room or the software you are using to browse the internet, the word remains the same.
Physical Object
A transparent or translucent opening in a structure. Example: 'Az ablak tiszta' (The window is clean).
Computing
A rectangular area on a computer screen. Example: 'Zárd be a böngésző ablakot' (Close the browser window).
Metaphorical
An opportunity or a specific timeframe. Example: 'Időablak' (Time window).

Kinyitom az ablakot, mert meleg van a szobában.

A macska az ablakban ül és nézi a madarakat.

Be kell törnöm az ablakot, ha nincs nálam kulcs.

Az ablakon keresztül látom a hegyeket.

Sok ablak van ezen az épületen.

Using ablak correctly requires an understanding of Hungarian noun declension and vowel harmony. Since 'ablak' contains back vowels ('a'), all suffixes attached to it must also contain back vowels. For example, the plural is ablakok, the accusative is ablakot, and the inessive (inside the window/frame) is ablakban. When you want to say 'out the window', you use the delative case: ablakból or the superessive with a motion verb: ki az ablakon. Verbs frequently paired with ablak include nyit (to open), zár (to close), pucol or tisztít (to clean), and néz (to look). It is important to note that when you are looking 'through' a window, Hungarians say az ablakon keresztül or simply az ablakon át.
Direct Object
Use the -ot suffix. 'Kinyitom az ablakot' (I open the window).
Location
Use -ban or -nál. 'A virág az ablakban van' (The flower is in the window).
Movement
Use -hoz or -on. 'Odalépek az ablakhoz' (I step to the window).

Minden reggel kinyitom az ablakot, hogy friss levegő jöjjön be.

A gyerekek az ablakon át integettek a nagypapának.

Az ablakpárkányon sok por gyűlt össze a hétvégén.

You will hear ablak in a vast array of everyday situations in Hungary. In a domestic setting, it's common to hear 'Csukd be az ablakot, mert huzat van!' (Close the window because there is a draft!). In a professional or architectural context, you might hear about 'hőszigetelt ablakok' (heat-insulated windows) or 'műanyag ablakok' (plastic windows) during home renovations. In public transport, passengers might ask, 'Ki szabad nyitni az ablakot?' (Is it okay to open the window?). Furthermore, in the service industry, such as at a bank or a post office, the service counters are often referred to as 'ablak'. You might be told, 'Menjen a kettes ablakhoz' (Go to window number two). This usage is very similar to the English 'teller window'. In literature and pop culture, windows are often used as metaphors for longing or observation. For instance, in many Hungarian poems, the poet describes watching the world change through an ablak. In the digital world, every time a Hungarian user interacts with a computer, they are dealing with ablakok. The word is so ubiquitous that it is often used in compound words like ablakmosó (window cleaner liquid or person) and ablaküveg (window pane).
Public Services
Referring to customer service counters. 'Ügyfélszolgálati ablak'.
Home Improvement
Discussions about renovation. 'Ablakcsere' (window replacement).

A hivatali ablaknál hosszú sor állt délután.

Kérlek, ne ülj az ablak mellé, mert süti a nap a fejedet.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers learning Hungarian is forgetting the correct vowel harmony for suffixes. Since ablak has back vowels, using a front-vowel suffix like '-ben' instead of '-ban' is a frequent error (e.g., saying 'ablakben' instead of 'ablakban'). Another common mistake is confusing 'ablak' with 'ajtó' (door) in fast speech, though they are physically very different. Learners also struggle with the prepositional usage; in English, we say 'at the window', but in Hungarian, depending on the context, you might use 'az ablaknál' (by the window) or 'az ablakban' (in the window frame). Another subtle mistake is the use of 'keresztül' (through). While 'az ablakon át' is perfectly fine, some learners try to translate 'through the window' too literally and end up with awkward phrasing. Furthermore, when referring to the operating system 'Windows', Hungarians usually use the English name but might pluralize it or use it in a Hungarian sentence structure that confuses learners. Finally, there is the issue of the accusative case. Since 'ablak' ends in a consonant, it requires a linking vowel 'o' before the 't', resulting in 'ablakot'. Beginners often forget this linking vowel and say 'ablakt', which is incorrect and difficult to pronounce.
Vowel Harmony
Using front-vowel suffixes. Correct: ablakban, ablakhoz. Incorrect: ablakben, ablakhez.
Linking Vowels
Omitting the 'o' in the accusative. Correct: ablakot. Incorrect: ablakt.

Nem 'ablakben', hanem ablakban felejtettem a kulcsot.

While ablak is the most common word for window, there are several related terms and synonyms depending on the context. For a more technical or architectural term, one might use nyílászáró, which literally means 'opening-closer' and refers to both windows and doors. If you are specifically talking about the glass part of the window, you would use ablaküveg. In older or more poetic contexts, you might encounter the word portál, though this usually refers to a large display window of a shop (kirakat). Speaking of shops, kirakat is the specific word for a 'storefront window' where products are displayed. If you are referring to a small, circular window, like on a ship, the word is hajóablak or kerek ablak. In terms of verbs, instead of just 'nyit' (open), you might use 'kitár' (to fling open wide) or 'résnyire nyit' (to open a crack). Understanding these nuances helps in achieving a higher level of fluency and precision in Hungarian.
Kirakat
A shop window. 'Nézegetem a kirakatot' (I am window shopping).
Nyílászáró
Technical term for windows and doors. Used in construction.
Ablaküveg
The specific glass pane. 'Eltört az ablaküveg' (The window pane broke).

A bolt kirakata tele van szép ruhákkal.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Kérjük, az ügyintézéshez fáradjon a harmadik ablakhoz."

Neutral

"Szeretnék egy új ablakot rendelni a konyhába."

Informal

"Dobd ki az ablakon, ha nem kell!"

Child friendly

"Nézd, a kiscica ott ül az ablakban!"

Slang

"Ez az egész projekt mehet az ablakba."

Fun Fact

Even though it comes from a word for 'cloud', it has no connection to weather in modern Hungarian. It's purely structural.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈɒblɒk/
US /ˈɑblɑk/
The stress is always on the first syllable: AB-lak.
Rhymes With
ablak ballag parlag szallag ballag ballag parlag szallag
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'a' as in 'apple' (front vowel).
  • Adding an extra vowel at the end.
  • Softening the 'k' sound.
  • Stressing the second syllable.
  • Mixing the 'a' sound with 'e'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is short and distinct.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but remember the linking vowel 'o' in 'ablakot'.

Speaking 2/5

Requires correct pronunciation of the Hungarian 'a'.

Listening 1/5

Very common and easy to hear in daily speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ház szoba van nagy kicsi

Learn Next

ajtó fal tető üveg függöny

Advanced

nyílászáró hőszigetelés párkány redőny szúnyogháló

Grammar to Know

Vowel Harmony

ablak + ban (back vowel) vs. szoba + ban

Accusative Case

ablak + o + t (linking vowel needed)

Plural Formation

ablak + o + k (linking vowel needed)

Possessive Suffixes

az én ablakom, a te ablakod, az ő ablaka

Superessive Case

az ablakon (on the window)

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Examples by Level

1

Az ablak kicsi.

The window is small.

Simple subject-predicate sentence. No verb 'to be' needed in 3rd person singular present.

2

Ez egy ablak.

This is a window.

Use of the indefinite article 'egy'.

3

Hol az ablak?

Where is the window?

Interrogative sentence with 'hol'.

4

Az ablak nyitva van.

The window is open.

Use of 'van' to describe a state.

5

Fehér az ablak.

The window is white.

Adjective preceding the subject for emphasis.

6

Itt egy ablak.

Here is a window.

Locative adverb 'itt'.

7

Az ablak tiszta.

The window is clean.

Subject-adjective construction.

8

Szép az ablak.

The window is beautiful.

Subjective evaluation using 'szép'.

1

Csukd be az ablakot!

Close the window!

Imperative mood of the verb 'becsuk' with accusative object.

2

Kinyitom az ablakot.

I am opening the window.

Present tense, first person singular, definite conjugation.

3

Az ablak mellett ülök.

I am sitting next to the window.

Postposition 'mellett' indicating location.

4

Sok ablak van a házon.

There are many windows on the house.

Plural meaning with 'sok' (singular noun used).

5

Az ablakon nézek ki.

I am looking out the window.

Superessive case '-on' used with the verb 'kinéz'.

6

Vegyél egy új ablakot.

Buy a new window.

Imperative 'vegyél' with accusative object.

7

Az ablak alatt van az asztal.

The table is under the window.

Postposition 'alatt' for location.

8

Mosom az ablakot.

I am washing the window.

Definite conjugation of 'mos'.

1

Az ablakpárkányon virágok vannak.

There are flowers on the windowsill.

Compound word 'ablakpárkány' with superessive case.

2

Be kell törnöm az ablakot.

I have to break the window.

Infinitive 'betörni' with personal suffix and accusative object.

3

Az ablaküveg nagyon vékony.

The window glass is very thin.

Compound word 'ablaküveg'.

4

Nem látok ki az ablakon a ködtől.

I can't see out the window because of the fog.

Ablative case '-tól' used to show cause.

5

Kérlek, javítsd meg az ablakot.

Please repair the window.

Imperative 'javítsd meg' with definite object.

6

Az ablakon keresztül süt a nap.

The sun is shining through the window.

Postposition 'keresztül' meaning 'through'.

7

Melyik ablaknál kell fizetni?

At which window do I have to pay?

Adessive case '-nál' used for 'at'.

8

Az ablak redőnye le van engedve.

The window blind is lowered.

Possessive construction 'ablak redőnye'.

1

A modern ablakok jól szigetelnek.

Modern windows insulate well.

Plural subject with a verb expressing a general truth.

2

Az ablakkeret fából készült.

The window frame was made of wood.

Compound word 'ablakkeret' and elative case '-ból'.

3

Betörtek a házba az ablakon át.

They broke into the house through the window.

Use of 'át' as a postposition for 'through'.

4

Az ablakon látszik a tükörképem.

My reflection is visible on the window.

Passive-like meaning with 'látszik'.

5

Szellőztess, nyisd ki az összes ablakot!

Ventilate, open all the windows!

Imperative 'szellőztess' and use of 'összes'.

6

Az ablakot alaposan meg kell tisztítani.

The window must be thoroughly cleaned.

Adverb 'alaposan' modifying the infinitive.

7

Vegyünk hőszigetelt ablakokat.

Let's buy heat-insulated windows.

Adjective 'hőszigetelt' modifying plural accusative.

8

Az ablak előtt egy nagy fa áll.

A big tree stands in front of the window.

Postposition 'előtt' for location.

1

Kidobta a pénzt az ablakon ezzel a vétellel.

He threw money out the window with this purchase.

Idiomatic expression for wasting money.

2

Az ablak a lélek tükre a költészetben.

The window is the mirror of the soul in poetry.

Metaphorical use in a formal/literary context.

3

A huzat miatt bevágódott az ablak.

The window slammed shut because of the draft.

Causal 'miatt' and the verb 'bevágódik'.

4

Az irodaház csupa üvegablakból áll.

The office building consists entirely of glass windows.

Compound word 'üvegablak' in elative case.

5

Az ablakon kitekintve elénk tárul a város.

Looking out the window, the city unfolds before us.

Participle 'kitekintve' used for a sophisticated structure.

6

Az ablakpucolás hálátlan feladat.

Window cleaning is a thankless task.

Compound noun 'ablakpucolás'.

7

Minden ablakot rács véd az alagsorban.

Every window is protected by bars in the basement.

Subject 'rács' and object 'ablakot'.

8

Az időablak hamarosan bezárul.

The time window will soon close.

Metaphorical use of 'időablak'.

1

Az ablak mint ontológiai határ jelenik meg.

The window appears as an ontological boundary.

Academic register using 'mint' and 'megjelenik'.

2

Ablakot nyitottunk a nyugati kultúrára.

We opened a window to Western culture.

Historical/political metaphor.

3

A fénytörés az ablaküvegen különleges volt.

The refraction on the window pane was special.

Scientific term 'fénytörés'.

4

Az ablakkeret restaurálása aprólékos munka.

The restoration of the window frame is meticulous work.

Verbal noun 'restaurálása' with possessive.

5

Ablakunkat a világra a média határozza meg.

Our window to the world is defined by the media.

Possessive 'ablakunkat' in a metaphorical sense.

6

A templom ólomszürke ablakai komorak voltak.

The lead-gray windows of the church were gloomy.

Descriptive literary adjectives.

7

Az ablakon beszűrődő fény megvilágította a port.

The light filtering through the window illuminated the dust.

Participial phrase 'beszűrődő fény'.

8

Ablakát a tengerre nézőnek választotta.

He chose his window to be one facing the sea.

Complex possessive and participial construction.

Common Collocations

ablakot nyit
ablakot becsuk
ablakot pucol
ablaknál ül
ablakon kinéz
hőszigetelt ablak
műanyag ablak
ablakpárkányra tesz
betöri az ablakot
ablakon át

Common Phrases

Kinyitná az ablakot?

— A polite request to open the window.

Kinyitná az ablakot, kérem?

Be van csukva az ablak.

— States that the window is currently closed.

Látom, hogy be van csukva az ablak.

Ablak mellett kérek helyet.

— Asking for a window seat (e.g., on a plane or train).

A vonaton az ablak mellett kérek helyet.

Pucold meg az ablakot!

— An instruction to clean the window.

Pucold meg az ablakot szombaton!

Vigyázz az ablakra!

— A warning to be careful near or with the window.

Vigyázz az ablakra, ne törd be!

Az ablak alatt áll.

— Someone or something is standing beneath the window.

A kocsi az ablak alatt áll.

Süt a nap az ablakon.

— The sun is shining through the window.

Süt a nap az ablakon, húzd be a függönyt!

Ablakot cserélünk.

— We are replacing the windows.

A jövő héten ablakot cserélünk a házban.

Nézz ki az ablakon!

— An instruction to look out the window.

Nézz ki az ablakon, havazik!

Az ablakban van.

— It is located in the window (frame or sill).

A könyv az ablakban van.

Idioms & Expressions

"Kidobja a pénzt az ablakon"

— To waste money on something useless.

Ez a kocsi rossz, csak kidobod a pénzt az ablakon.

informal
"Ablakot nyit a világra"

— To provide an opportunity to see or learn about the world.

Az internet ablakot nyit a világra.

neutral
"Kereket old és az ablakon távozik"

— To escape quickly or sneak out.

A tolvaj az ablakon távozott.

informal
"Se ablak, se ajtó"

— A situation or place with no way out or no logical structure.

Ez a terv se ablak, se ajtó.

informal
"Az ablak alatt fülel"

— To eavesdrop or listen in secretly.

Valaki az ablak alatt fülelt.

neutral
"Nincs rajta ablak"

— Referring to something that is not transparent or clear.

Ez az ügy nem tiszta, nincs rajta ablak.

metaphorical
"Bedobja az ablakot"

— To act aggressively or break a boundary.

Ezzel a hírrel bedobta az ablakot.

slang
"Ablakon keresztül nézi a világot"

— To have a limited or detached perspective.

Ő csak az ablakon keresztül nézi a világot.

literary
"Kiszáll az ablakon"

— To lose one's mind or act crazy (rare).

Azt hittem, kiszáll az ablakon a dühtől.

slang
"Az ablakon kopogtat a tavasz"

— Spring is just around the corner.

Már az ablakon kopogtat a tavasz.

poetic

Sentence Patterns

A1

Az ablak [adjective].

Az ablak nagy.

A1

Ez egy [adjective] ablak.

Ez egy szép ablak.

A2

[Verb] be/ki az ablakot!

Csukd be az ablakot!

A2

Az ablak [postposition] van.

Az ablak mellett van.

B1

[Noun] van az ablakban.

Virág van az ablakban.

B1

[Verb] az ablakon át.

Nézek az ablakon át.

B2

Az ablak [adjective] szigetelésű.

Az ablak jó szigetelésű.

C1

Ablakot nyit [something]-ra.

Ablakot nyit a jövőre.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A-Block'. A window is like a block of glass in a wall. AB-LAK.

Visual Association

Imagine a large 'A' shaped window frame made of 'LAK' (lake) water.

Word Web

ház üveg fény kilátás levegő szoba keret függöny

Challenge

Try to count all the 'ablak' in your room and say the number in Hungarian: 'Öt ablak van itt.'

Word Origin

Derived from the Slavic word 'oblak', meaning cloud. It entered Hungarian during the early contact period with Slavic tribes.

Original meaning: Something related to the sky or cloud (transparent/opening).

Uralic (Hungarian) with Slavic loanword origin.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware of 'huzat' etiquette in shared spaces.

In English-speaking countries, windows are often left open for 'fresh air' without the same fear of 'huzat' found in Hungary.

'Ablak-Zsiráf' (a famous Hungarian children's encyclopedia) 'Az ablak' (a poem or song title) 'Windows' (the OS, always referred to as Windows but discussed using the word ablak)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home

  • Csukd be az ablakot!
  • Kinyitnád az ablakot?
  • Piszkos az ablak.
  • Az ablaknál vagyok.

At the bank/post office

  • Melyik ablakhoz menjek?
  • A kettes ablak zárva van.
  • Várjon az ablaknál.
  • Szabad ez az ablak?

On a train

  • Az ablak mellett ülök.
  • Lehúzhatom az ablakot?
  • Fúj a szél az ablakon.
  • Nézek ki az ablakon.

Buying a house

  • Hány ablak van?
  • Újak az ablakok?
  • Nagyok az ablakok.
  • Az ablak déli fekvésű.

Using a computer

  • Zárd be az ablakot.
  • Nyiss egy új ablakot.
  • Az ablak nem válaszol.
  • Húzd el az ablakot.

Conversation Starters

"Hány ablak van a nappalidban?"

"Szeretsz az ablak mellett ülni a repülőn?"

"Milyen gyakran pucolsz ablakot otthon?"

"Ki van nyitva az ablak a szobádban?"

"Látsz valami érdekeset most az ablakon keresztül?"

Journal Prompts

Írd le, mit látsz az ablakodból!

Miért fontos, hogy egy szobának legyen ablaka?

Milyen színűek az ablakkeretek a házadban?

Emlékszel egy esetre, amikor betört egy ablak?

Hogyan díszíted az ablakodat karácsonykor?

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