Learning the Hungarian language alphabet is an essential step in mastering Hungarian, a Finno-Ugric language spoken primarily in Hungary. The Hungarian alphabet, based on the Latin script, is notable for its length and use of digraphs and trigraphs. Understanding this alphabet is crucial for reading, writing, and speaking in Hungarian. Here’s a detailed lesson to guide you through the Hungarian alphabet:

Overview of the Hungarian Alphabet

• Number of Letters: 44 (including 14 vowels and several digraphs and a trigraph)
• Script: Latin
• Unique Features: Includes diacritics and distinctive digraphs and one trigraph.

The Letters of the Hungarian Alphabet

1. A, a

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘a’ in “father.”
   • Example: “alma” (apple).

2. Á, á

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘a’ in “father,” but longer.
   • Example: “ágy” (bed).

3. B, b

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘b’ in “bed.”
   • Example: “bál” (ball).

4. C, c

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘ts’ in “cats.”
   • Example: “cica” (kitten).

5. Cs, cs

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘ch’ in “church.”
   • Example: “csiga” (snail).

6. D, d

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘d’ in “dog.”
   • Example: “dob” (drum).

7. Dz, dz

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘ds’ in “beds.”
   • Example: “edző” (trainer).

8. Dzs, dzs

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘j’ in “jam.”
   • Example: “dzsem” (jam).

9. E, e

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘e’ in “bed.”
   • Example: “eper” (strawberry).

10. É, é

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘ay’ in “bay.”
    • Example: “ének” (song).

11. F, f

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘f’ in “far.”
    • Example: “fa” (tree).

12. G, g

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘g’ in “go.”
    • Example: “gép” (machine).

13. Gy, gy

    • Pronunciation: Similar to ‘du’ in “during.”
    • Example: “gyümölcs” (fruit).

14. H, h

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘h’ in “hat.”
    • Example: “ház” (house).

15. I, i

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘ee’ in “see.”
    • Example: “irat” (document).

16. Í, í

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘ee’ in “see,” but longer.
    • Example: “író” (writer).

17. J, j

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘y’ in “yes.”
    • Example: “játék” (toy).

18. K, k

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘k’ in “kite.”
    • Example: “kutya” (dog).

19. L, l

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘l’ in “lamp.”
    • Example: “ló” (horse).

20. Ly, ly

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘y’ in “yes.” (Historically represented a different sound, now pronounced the same as ‘j’)
    • Example: “lyuk” (hole).

21. M, m

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘m’ in “moon.”
    • Example: “macska” (cat).

22. N, n

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘n’ in “noon.”
    • Example: “nap” (day).

23. Ny, ny

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘ny’ in “canyon.”
    • Example: “nyár” (summer).

24. O, o

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘o’ in “or.”
    • Example: “oroszlán” (lion).

25. Ó, ó

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘o’ in “or,” but longer.
    • Example: “ór” (clock).

26. Ö, ö

    • Pronunciation: Similar to ‘i’ in “bird.”
    • Example: “öv” (belt).

27. Ő, ő

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘e’ in “her,” but longer.
    • Example: “őr” (guard).

28. P, p

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘p’ in “pan.”
    • Example: “pap” (priest).

29. Q, q

    • Pronunciation: Rarely used in Hungarian, typically in foreign words; like ‘q’ in “queen.”
    • Example: “Qatar” (country name).

30. R, r

    • Pronunciation: Rolled ‘r’ as in Spanish.
    • Example: “ruha” (clothing).

31. S, s

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘sh’ in “sheep.”
    • Example: “szó” (word).

32. Sz, sz

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘s’ in “sun.”
    • Example: “szél” (wind).

33. T, t

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘t’ in “top.”
    • Example: “toll” (feather).

34. Ty, ty

    • Pronunciation: Similar to ‘ti’ in “question.”
    • Example: “tyúk” (hen).

35. U, u

    • Pronunciation: Similar to ‘oo’ in “food.”
    • Example: “utca” (street).

36. Ú, ú

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘oo’ in “food,” but longer.
    • Example: “út” (way).

37. Ü, ü

    • Pronunciation: Similar to ‘ue’ in “blue.”
    • Example: “ül” (sit).

38. Ű, ű

    • Pronunciation: Similar to ‘ue’ in “blue,” but longer.
    • Example: “űr” (space).

39. V, v

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘v’ in “van.”
    • Example: “vasárnap” (Sunday).

40. W, w

    • Pronunciation: Rarely used in Hungarian, typically in foreign words; like ‘w’ in “water.”
    • Example: “Washington” (city name).

41. X, x

    • Pronunciation: Rarely used in Hungarian, typically in foreign words; like ‘x’ in “box.”
    • Example: “taxi.”

42. Y, y

    • Pronunciation: Rarely used in Hungarian, typically in foreign words; like ‘y’ in “yes.”
    • Example: “Yvonne” (name).

43. Z, z

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘z’ in “zoo.”
    • Example: “zene” (music).

44. Zs, zs

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘s’ in “pleasure.”
    • Example: “zsák” (bag).

Pronunciation Tips

• Digraphs: Letters like ‘sz’, ‘cs’, ‘ny’, and ‘zs’ represent single sounds.
• Vowel Length: Pay attention to short and long vowels (e.g., ‘a’ vs ‘á’).
• Pronunciation Consistency: Hungarian pronunciation is generally consistent and phonetic.

Practice Exercises

• Listening and Speaking: Use audio resources or language learning apps to practice pronunciation.
• Writing Practice: Write down words using each letter and digraph to familiarize yourself with the alphabet.
• Reading: Start with simple texts to see these letters in context.

Additional Resources

• Language Learning Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or similar may offer Hungarian courses.
• Online Tutorials: Websites and YouTube channels dedicated to Hungarian language learning.
• Language Exchange: Engage with native speakers for conversational practice.

Conclusion

Mastering the Hungarian alphabet is the first step towards fluency in the language. Regular practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing is essential for effective learning. Sok szerencsét! (Good luck!)