tetszik

Tetszik Politeness

Level 5

The tetszik auxiliary (tetszikelés) is a way to speak politely to elders or customers. It uses the verb tetszik (to please) + an infinitive. It is softer and more affectionate than the formal Ön or Maga.

How It Works

In Hungarian, addressing someone directly can be tricky. While Ön and Maga are standard formal pronouns, they can sometimes feel cold or overly official. The tetszik auxiliary provides a 'warm' alternative, often used by children to adults, or by service staff to customers. To add to this warmth, speakers often address the person using titles like néni (auntie), bácsi (uncle), or tanár úr (teacher) instead of pronouns.

1. Formation:
The auxiliary verb tetszik is conjugated to match the person you are talking to, but always in the 3rd person (since polite address in Hungarian uses 3rd person forms).

  • Singular: tetszik (Present), tetszett (Past), tetszene (Conditional)
  • Plural: tetszenek (Present), tetszettek (Past), tetszenének (Conditional)

2. The Main Verb:
The action you are actually talking about remains in the infinitive (-ni) form. For example: Tetszik kérni? (Would you like [some]?) Note that the pronouns Ön or Maga are usually left out in this construction; the verb form itself carries the politeness.

3. Verbal Prefixes:
When using a verb with a verbal prefix, the prefix usually separates and moves before the auxiliary in neutral sentences: Be tetszik jönni? (Are you coming in?) However, in negated sentences, the negation word nem precedes the auxiliary, and the prefix typically remains attached to the infinitive: Nem tetszik bejönni? (Aren't you coming in?)

4. Imperatives and Standalone Use:
To give a polite command, use the imperative form tessék (singular) or tessenek (plural). Tessék leülni! (Please, take a seat!)

Additionally, Tessék! is used as a standalone functional word meaning:
• "Here you go" (when handing something over)
• "Yes? / How can I help?" (answering a door or phone)
• "Pardon?" (if you didn't hear someone)

Examples (5)

  1. Hogy tetszik lenni, Erzsi néni?

    How are you, Aunt Erzsi?

    Word by Word: How does-it-please to-be, Erzsi aunt?

    This is the standard, respectful way to ask an elderly woman how she is doing.

  2. Mikor tetszett megérkezni?

    When did you arrive?

    Word by Word: When did-it-please to-arrive?

    The past tense 'tetszett' is used here to ask a polite question about a completed action.

  3. Tessék parancsolni!

    How can I help you? / At your service!

    Word by Word: Let-it-please to-command!

    A very common phrase in shops and restaurants using the imperative form 'tessék'.

  4. Ki tetszik menni a konyhába?

    Are you going out to the kitchen?

    Word by Word: Out does-it-please to-go the kitchen-into?

    Notice how the verbal prefix 'ki-' is separated from 'menni' and placed before 'tetszik'.

  5. Mit tetszenek kérni?

    What would you (plural) like?

    Word by Word: What do-they-please to-ask-for?

    The plural 'tetszenek' is used when addressing more than one person politely.

Common Mistakes

  • Using tetszik with peers or younger people.

    Different MeaningSzia Péter, tetszik kérni kávét?
    Szia Péter, kérsz kávét?

    Using 'tetszikezés' with friends or people your own age sounds sarcastic or mocking. Use the informal 2nd person instead.

  • Double conjugation of both verbs.

    Tetszik kérsz vizet?
    Tetszik kérni vizet?

    Only 'tetszik' is conjugated. The main verb must always be in the infinitive (-ni) form.

  • Using tetszik to ask whether someone likes singing.

    Different MeaningTetszik énekelni?
    Szeret énekelni?

    If you want to ask if someone enjoys an activity, use 'szeret'. Using 'tetszik' here actually asks 'Are you (respectfully) singing?'

How It Connects

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tetszikLevel 5Tetszik Politeness

Learn This First

The 'tetszik' politeness construction functions as an auxiliary verb. It requires the learner to be familiar with the infinitive form of verbs, as the main action is expressed by an infinitive. Additionally, since 'tetszik' is a third-person verb form used to address someone politely, the learner must understand the basics of Hungarian verb conjugation and the general system of formal address.

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tetszik