How to Say “Please” in Hungarian
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How to Say "Please" in Hungarian — Kérlek vs Kérem
Hungarian distinguishes between informal and formal address. Using kérlek vs kérem correctly shows social awareness, respect, and fluency.
In Hungarian, "please" has more than one form. The informal version is kérlek, while the polite or formal version is kérem. Each fits different situations. This guide shows exactly when to use each, how to pronounce them, and which phrases sound natural to Hungarians.
Quick Answers
Kérlek vs Kérem — When to Use Which
Kérlek comes from the verb kér (to ask), literally meaning "I ask you." It is used with people you know well: friends, classmates, or relatives.
Kérem means "I ask (politely)" and fits every respectful context — restaurants, shops, offices, emails, or when talking to elders. Using it signals cultural competence.
Egy kávét kérem. — I'd like a coffee, please.
Kérlek, ismételd meg. — Please repeat it (to a friend).
Kérem, segítsen. — Please help (formal).
Kérek vs Kérem vs Kerék — When to Use Which
Kérek and kérem come from the verb kér "to ask/request." Kerék is unrelated; it is a noun meaning "wheel."
Kérek — asking for something indefinite
Use kérek when you want "a/an/some" thing. This is the natural form when ordering or requesting something not yet specific.
Kérek egy kávét. — I'd like a coffee.
Kérek szépen egy vizet. — I'd like a water, please.
Pronunciation: kérek ≈ "KAY-rek"
Kérem — asking for a specific thing, or polite "please"
Use kérem with a definite, known thing, or as a polite "please/you're welcome." Word order often places the object first.
A számlát kérem. — The bill, please.
A kávét kérem. — The coffee, please. (e.g., when choosing among items)
Köszönöm. — Kérem. — Thank you. — You're welcome. (formal/polite)
Kérem szépen, fáradjon be. — Please, come in. (formal address)
Pronunciation: kérem ≈ "KAY-rem"
Why kérek vs kérem?
Hungarian verb forms track whether the object is indefinite or definite. With an indefinite object, you say kérek. With a definite object, you say kérem.
Kérek egy teát. — I'd like a tea. (indefinite)
A teát kérem. — The tea, please. (definite)
Kerék — the noun "wheel"
Kerék is not a verb. It means "wheel."
kerékpár — bicycle ("wheel pair")
Pronunciation: kerék ≈ "keh-RAYK"
Common lookalikes
kérek (I ask for / I'd like) and kérem (I request it / please) use long "é." kerek without an accent means "round" or "exact," as in kerek tíz = "exactly ten."
Pronunciation Guide
Hungarian is phonetic. Stress is always on the first syllable. Ké- sounds like "kay," and the r is softly rolled.
| Word | IPA | English Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Kérlek | [ˈkeːrlɛk] | "KAYR-lek" |
| Kérem | [ˈkeːrɛm] | "KAY-rem" |
| Kérem, legyen szíves | [ˈkeːrɛm ˈlɛɟɛn ˈsiːvɛʃ] | "KAY-rem, LE-dyen SEE-vesh" |
Common Situations and Examples
In restaurants or cafes
Guest: Kérem a menüt. — Please bring me the menu.
Waiter: Tessék. — Here you go.
In conversation with friends
A: Adsz egy tollat?
B: Persze. Kérlek, vigyázz rá. — Sure. Please take care of it.
Formal request by email
Kérem, erősítse meg a találkozót. — Please confirm the meeting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using kérlek in formal settings. It can sound too familiar or even disrespectful when addressing strangers or professionals.
Forgetting the comma in written Hungarian. Write Kérem, adjon egy pillanatot not Kérem adjon....
Overusing "legyen szíves." It's very polite but can sound stiff among younger speakers unless the setting is official.
FAQ — Quick Reference for Learners
What is the Hungarian word for please? Kérlek (informal) or Kérem (formal).
How do you say "Yes, please"? Igen, kérem.
How do you say "Two beers, please"? Kérek két sört, kérem. — literally "I ask for two beers, please."
What's the most polite version? Kérem, legyen szíves.