Learning a new language is always an exciting journey, and Hungarian, with its unique structure and vocabulary, offers a particularly intriguing challenge. One aspect of Hungarian that language learners often find both useful and interesting is how to express preferences. Whether you’re talking about food, hobbies, or travel destinations, knowing how to convey your likes and dislikes in Hungarian is essential for meaningful conversations. This article will guide you through various expressions of preference in Hungarian, providing you with the tools to communicate more effectively and naturally.
Basic Expressions of Preference
In Hungarian, expressing preferences often revolves around a few core verbs and structures. The most common verb for expressing likes or dislikes is “szeret” (to like/love). Here are some fundamental ways to use this verb:
1. **Szeretni** (to like/love):
– **Szeretek** (I like)
– **Szeretsz** (You like)
– **Szeret** (He/She/It likes)
For example:
– **Szeretek** olvasni. (I like reading.)
– **Szeretsz** sportolni? (Do you like doing sports?)
– **Szeret** filmet nézni. (He/She likes watching movies.)
2. **Kedvelni** (to like):
– **Kedvelem** (I like)
– **Kedveled** (You like)
– **Kedveli** (He/She/It likes)
For example:
– **Kedvelem** a zenét. (I like music.)
– **Kedveled** a csokoládét? (Do you like chocolate?)
– **Kedveli** az állatokat. (He/She likes animals.)
3. **Preferálni** (to prefer):
– **Preferálom** (I prefer)
– **Preferálod** (You prefer)
– **Preferálja** (He/She/It prefers)
For example:
– **Preferálom** a kávét a teával szemben. (I prefer coffee over tea.)
– **Preferálod** a meleget vagy a hideget? (Do you prefer warmth or cold?)
– **Preferálja** a nyarat. (He/She prefers summer.)
Negative Expressions of Preference
Just as important as expressing what you like is being able to express what you do not like. In Hungarian, you can negate the verbs mentioned above to convey dislikes.
1. **Nem szeretni** (to not like):
– **Nem szeretek** (I do not like)
– **Nem szeretsz** (You do not like)
– **Nem szeret** (He/She/It does not like)
For example:
– **Nem szeretek** korán kelni. (I do not like getting up early.)
– **Nem szeretsz** főzni? (Do you not like cooking?)
– **Nem szeret** hideg időben lenni. (He/She does not like being in cold weather.)
2. **Nem kedvelni** (to not like):
– **Nem kedvelem** (I do not like)
– **Nem kedveled** (You do not like)
– **Nem kedveli** (He/She/It does not like)
For example:
– **Nem kedvelem** az erős fűszereket. (I do not like strong spices.)
– **Nem kedveled** a zajos helyeket? (Do you not like noisy places?)
– **Nem kedveli** a hosszú utazásokat. (He/She does not like long journeys.)
Expressing Strong Preferences
To convey stronger preferences or to emphasize how much you like or dislike something, you can use intensifiers or additional phrases.
1. **Nagyon** (very) + verb:
– **Nagyon szeretek** (I really like)
– **Nagyon kedvelem** (I really like)
– **Nagyon preferálom** (I really prefer)
For example:
– **Nagyon szeretek** úszni. (I really like swimming.)
– **Nagyon kedvelem** a süteményeket. (I really like cakes.)
– **Nagyon preferálom** a természetet. (I really prefer nature.)
2. **Igazán** (truly) + verb:
– **Igazán szeretek** (I truly like)
– **Igazán kedvelem** (I truly like)
– **Igazán preferálom** (I truly prefer)
For example:
– **Igazán szeretek** festeni. (I truly like painting.)
– **Igazán kedvelem** a könyveket. (I truly like books.)
– **Igazán preferálom** a tavaszt. (I truly prefer spring.)
3. **Jobban szeretni** (to like more):
– **Jobban szeretek** (I like more)
– **Jobban szeretsz** (You like more)
– **Jobban szeret** (He/She/It likes more)
For example:
– **Jobban szeretek** otthon lenni, mint dolgozni. (I like being at home more than working.)
– **Jobban szeretsz** futni vagy biciklizni? (Do you like running or cycling more?)
– **Jobban szeret** olvasni, mint tévét nézni. (He/She likes reading more than watching TV.)
Expressing Preferences in Different Contexts
Preferences can vary greatly depending on the context. Here are some common scenarios where you might want to express your likes and dislikes in Hungarian.
Food and Drink
When talking about food and drink, preferences are often a key part of the conversation. Here are some useful phrases:
– **Szeretem** a magyar konyhát. (I like Hungarian cuisine.)
– **Nem szeretem** a túl édes ételeket. (I do not like overly sweet foods.)
– **Jobban szeretem** a bort, mint a sört. (I like wine more than beer.)
– **Kedvelem** a friss gyümölcsöket. (I like fresh fruits.)
– **Preferálom** a teát a kávéval szemben. (I prefer tea over coffee.)
Hobbies and Activities
Discussing hobbies and activities is another area where expressing preferences is important:
– **Szeretek** kirándulni a hegyekben. (I like hiking in the mountains.)
– **Nem szeretek** videojátékokat játszani. (I do not like playing video games.)
– **Nagyon kedvelem** a táncot. (I really like dancing.)
– **Igazán szeretek** fotózni. (I truly like taking photos.)
– **Jobban szeretek** biciklizni, mint sétálni. (I like cycling more than walking.)
Travel and Places
Talking about travel and places often involves expressing preferences as well:
– **Szeretem** felfedezni az új városokat. (I like exploring new cities.)
– **Nem kedvelem** a zsúfolt helyeket. (I do not like crowded places.)
– **Nagyon preferálom** a tengerpartot. (I really prefer the seaside.)
– **Igazán kedvelem** az erdőket. (I truly like forests.)
– **Jobban szeretek** vidéken lenni, mint a városban. (I like being in the countryside more than in the city.)
Advanced Expressions of Preference
For more advanced learners, there are additional ways to express preferences using various grammatical structures and nuanced vocabulary.
Using Conditional Mood
The conditional mood can be used to express hypothetical preferences or desires. The conditional mood in Hungarian is formed with the suffix **-na/-ne/-ná/-né**.
For example:
– **Szeretnék** elutazni Japánba. (I would like to travel to Japan.)
– **Kedvelném**, ha csendesebb lenne. (I would like it if it were quieter.)
– **Preferálnám**, ha kevesebb ember lenne itt. (I would prefer it if there were fewer people here.)
Using Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive mood can also be used to express wishes or preferences, particularly in more formal or written contexts.
For example:
– **Azt szeretném**, hogy boldog légy. (I wish that you be happy.)
– **Szeretném**, ha jobban figyelnél. (I wish that you would pay more attention.)
– **Jobban szeretném**, ha hamarabb kezdenénk. (I would prefer that we start earlier.)
Using Descriptive Phrases
Descriptive phrases can add nuance to your expressions of preference, making your communication richer and more precise.
For example:
– **Inkább** a nyugodt környezetet kedvelem. (I prefer a calm environment.)
– **Előnyben részesítem** a természetes anyagokat. (I prefer natural materials.)
– **Különösen** szeretem a klasszikus zenét. (I particularly like classical music.)
Practice and Application
To master expressing preferences in Hungarian, practice is essential. Here are some tips and exercises to help you improve:
1. **Practice with Native Speakers**: Engage in conversations with native Hungarian speakers. Try to express your preferences on various topics and ask about theirs.
2. **Use Language Exchange Apps**: Apps like Tandem or HelloTalk can connect you with Hungarian speakers who are learning English. This mutual exchange can be beneficial for both parties.
3. **Write About Your Preferences**: Keep a journal in Hungarian where you write about your daily preferences, likes, and dislikes. This will help reinforce the vocabulary and structures.
4. **Watch Hungarian Media**: Watch Hungarian movies, TV shows, or listen to Hungarian music. Pay attention to how characters express their preferences and try to mimic their phrases.
5. **Use Flashcards**: Create flashcards with different preference expressions and practice them regularly. This can help with memorization and recall.
6. **Take Online Courses**: Enroll in online courses or attend language classes that focus on Hungarian. These structured environments can provide valuable feedback and guidance.
Conclusion
Expressing preferences is a fundamental aspect of communication in any language. In Hungarian, mastering the various ways to convey your likes and dislikes can significantly enhance your ability to interact with native speakers and immerse yourself in the culture. By understanding and practicing the basic and advanced expressions of preference, you will become more confident and articulate in your Hungarian language journey. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep engaging, exploring, and enjoying the process of learning Hungarian!
