Learn Hungarian: Numbers 1–20

Hungarian is a unique language with a highly logical structure, and mastering the numbers from one to twenty is an essential milestone for any beginner. These words are the building blocks for daily tasks like reading prices, ordering food, or telling someone your age. While the vocabulary may appear distinct from English, you will quickly notice a predictable pattern that makes learning the teens much easier.

The most important pattern to observe is how Hungarian constructs the numbers eleven through nineteen. These are formed by taking a modified version of the number ten, Tíz (tiːz), which becomes the prefix tizen. You then simply attach the single-digit number to the end. For instance, the word for eleven is Tizenegy (ˈtizɛnɛɟ), combining the ten-based prefix with Egy (ɛɟ), meaning one. This consistent rule continues all the way through the list, where fifteen is Tizenöt (ˈtizɛnøt) and nineteen is Tizenkilenc (ˈtizɛnkilɛnt͡s).

Pay close attention to the vowel sounds, as they are crucial for clarity in Hungarian. The difference between short and long vowels, such as the sound in Nyolc (ɲolt͡s) for eight versus the elongated vowel in Négy (neːɟ) for four, helps native speakers distinguish between different counts. Once you reach Twenty, Húsz (huːs), you will have established a solid foundation for navigating Hungarian life and continuing your journey toward more advanced numerical concepts.