Magázó

Magázó is the formal mode of address in Hungarian. It relies on the polite second-person pronoun Ön and verbs conjugated in the third person singular, producing sentences such as “Ön mit szeretne?” This contrasts with tegező, the informal form that uses the second-person singular you and elicits verb forms corresponding to te.

Usage and contexts. Magázó is typically used in interactions with strangers, in customer service, in official or administrative communications, in workplaces when addressing superiors or elders, and in other contexts where politeness and distance are appropriate. In formal writing, pronouns and verb forms aligned with magázó are standard, and conventional salutations such as Tisztelt Hölgyeim és Uraim or Kedves Úr/Asszonyom are common.

Form and etiquette. The key features of magázó are the use of Ön and third-person singular verb conjugation, as well as courteous wording and titles. Capitalization of the pronoun Ön is customary in many formal contexts to signal respect. When addressing groups, phrases like Tisztelt Hölgyek és Uraim are used. The choice between magázó and tegező depends on social factors, the relationship between speakers, and mutual agreement.

Switching between modes. Transition from magázó to tegező is governed by etiquette and mutual consent. Such a change is typically deliberate and agreed upon by both parties, and once established, it signals greater familiarity. In contemporary Hungary, magázó remains prevalent in many official and service contexts, though tegező use has become more common in casual or younger milieus.

See also: tegező, politeness theory, language register.