Segíthetek

Segíthetek is a common Hungarian phrase used to offer assistance. In everyday language it functions as a polite question meaning “May I help you?” and, less commonly, as a statement of ability, “I can help.” The form is built from the verb segíteni (to help) plus the first-person singular ending associated with the potential/ability mood, yielding segíthetek.

Usage and nuance

Segíthetek is most often heard in customer service settings such as shops, reception desks, information points, or call centers. It signals a proactive offer of help without presuming a problem. The expression can stand alone as a short prompt, or be extended to specify the assistance requested, for example segíthetek valamiben? or segíthetek önnek? (formal) to indicate what is needed. Informal variants include segíthetek neked? and segíthetnék? (I could help).

Variations and formality

Because Hungarian distinguishes formal and informal address, speakers may adjust the formality: Segíthetek? can be used in neutral contexts; Segíthetek önnek? or Segíthetek Önnek? is the formal version. The related forms segíthetnék? (I could help) and questions like miben segíthetek? (How can I help you?) are common when clarifying needs.

See also

Segítségnyújtás (assistance), Magyar nyelv (Hungarian language), polite speech in service settings. Segíthetek reflects the culture of offering help in Hungarian-speaking environments and is widely understood across dialects.