Hungarian Currency, Pronunciation, and Culture Guide
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Everything you need to know about the Hungarian forint, pronunciation tips, practice buying traditional Hungarian food, the Hungarian flag, and key Hungarian words translated into English.
1. Hungarian Currency (Forint)
The official Hungarian currency is the forint (HUF), symbolized as Ft. It has been in use since 1946 and remains a core part of the national economy. Although Hungary is part of the EU, it has not yet adopted the euro.
- Currency name
- forint
- Currency code
- HUF
- Symbol
- Ft
- Subdivision
- 100 fillér (no longer used)
Common denominations include 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Ft coins, plus banknotes of 500–20,000 Ft. The 20,000 Ft note features Ferenc Deák, known as “The Wise Man of the Nation.”
2. Hungarian Pronunciation and Words
Learning proper Hungarian pronunciation helps you navigate markets, read menus, and understand cultural nuances. The word forint is pronounced [ˈforint] — roughly “FOH-rint.”
Hungarian words often stress the first syllable, and vowels are pure and short. Here are examples with Hungarian to English translations:
| Hungarian Words | Hungarian to English (Translate) | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| száz forint | hundred forints | saaz for-int |
| ezer forint | thousand forints | EH-zer for-int |
| köszönöm | thank you | KOE-seuh-nuhm |
| igen / nem | yes / no | EE-gen / nem |
3. Let's Buy Some Hungarian Sausage!
Now you have learned from Hungarian currency, what better next step is to buy some Hungarian food famous for its rich flavors, paprika spice, and hearty textures. If you’re exploring local cuisine, don’t miss these dishes:
- Gulyás (Goulash): A beef and vegetable soup seasoned with paprika.
- Lángos: Fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese — a popular street snack.
- Kolbász (Hungarian Sausage): Smoked and seasoned sausage, often eaten with bread and mustard.
- Pörkölt: Meat stew similar to goulash but thicker and spicier.
To order food in Hungarian, say “Szeretnék egy gulyást” — which means “I would like a goulash.” Try not to use Hungarian translate tools, rather a phrasebook for help with menus written only in Hungarian because Google Translate can get things wrong sometimes.
4. The Hungarian Flag and National Identity
The Hungarian flag has three horizontal stripes: red (strength), white (faithfulness), and green (hope). It symbolizes the unity and resilience of the Hungarian people, whose culture blends ancient Finno-Ugric roots with Central European history.
Alongside the forint, language and cuisine are considered essential parts of national pride.
5. Useful Hungarian Phrases for Travelers
| English | Hungarian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| How much is this? | Mennyibe kerül? | MEN-yee-beh keh-ruel |
| 2,000 forints. | Kétezer Forint | Ez KAY-teh-zer for-int-bah keh-ruel |
| None (euros)? | Nincs (euró)? | nin-sch |
| Where can I try a Hungarian sausage? | Hol kóstolhatok egy magyar kolbászt? | Hol KOES-tol-hah-tok MAH-dyar KOL-bahst? |
6. Currency Use and Travel Tips
While larger hotels or establishments may accept euros, most restaurants and shops list prices in Hungarian currency (HUF). Always check rates before exchanging money or using an ATM.
If you plan to buy traditional Hungarian food or souvenirs, small cash notes are useful — especially at markets and countryside restaurants.
Happy traveling!