felhívni — meaning in English: to call

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boldogtalanság

felhívni

elzárkózni

színek

vonat

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'felhívni' when making a phone call to arrange meetings, catch up with friends, or contact businesses. For instance, you might hear someone say, 'Felhívom a barátomat' (I will call my friend) when planning a get-together, or when needing to inquire about services from a local shop.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'felhívni' is the standard term for 'to call,' you might also encounter 'telefonálni,' which specifically means 'to telephone.' The choice between them often depends on context; 'felhívni' is more commonly used in casual and formal situations, while 'telefonálni' might feel a bit more technical or formal.

Culture

'Felhívni' literally means 'to call up,' reflecting Hungary's traditional emphasis on direct communication. The importance of personal connections in Hungarian culture is seen in how frequently people prefer calling to sending messages, making this verb a staple in everyday conversations. Moreover, the prefix 'fel-' suggests a sense of raising or elevating the action of calling, which adds a layer of depth to the word's meaning.

FAQ

Q.How do you use felhívni in a sentence?

'Felhívni' is used with an object, typically the person you are calling. For example, you would say, 'Felhívom az ügyfélszolgálatot' (I will call customer service).

Q.Is there a formal way to say felhívni?

In formal contexts, you can still use 'felhívni,' but you might add a polite phrase like 'Kérem' (please) before it, as in 'Kérem, felhívom a főnököt' (Please, I will call the boss).

Q.What is the difference between felhívni and hívni?

'Hívni' is a more general term that can mean 'to call' in various contexts, while 'felhívni' specifically implies making a call to someone, often with a more personal touch.

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Hungarian Vocabulary