Kérek

Kérek is the first-person singular present tense form of the Hungarian verb kérni, meaning to ask for or to request. It is commonly used to make a direct, informal request and is often translated into English as “I would like” or “please give me.”

In everyday speech, kérek is widely used in casual contexts, such as at a cafe, shop, or with acquaintances. It can stand alone to signal a request or be followed by the item or service sought, for example, kérek egy kávét (I would like a coffee) or kérek vizet (I would like water).

Grammatically, kérni is a regular verb with the present tense forms: én kérek, te kérsz, ő kér, mi kérünk, ti kértek, ők kérnek. The imperative forms are kérj (singular) and kérjetek (plural). When used in a sentence, kérek is typically followed by a direct object in the accusative case, such as egy sört, egy szelet tortát, or egy pohár vizet.

Usage notes emphasize a subtle distinction with kérem. Kérek is common in everyday, informal interactions and can sound slightly more direct or casual, whereas kérem is the standard polite form in formal service settings or written language. In highly courteous speech, phrases like legyen szíves or kérem might replace kérek to enhance politeness.

See also: magyar verbs, kérni.