igen

Igen is the Hungarian word for yes. It is used to express agreement or affirmative responses in spoken and written Hungarian, functioning as a standard part of everyday communication. It can stand alone as a reply or be combined with other elements, as in phrases like igen, kérem (yes, please) or igen, értem (yes, I understand).

In usage, igen conveys straightforward assent but can carry different tones depending on context and intonation. It appears across formality levels, from casual conversations to formal interactions, and remains a core part of polite and efficient communication in Hungarian.

Outside of Hungarian, the string igen may appear in other languages or texts and can be adopted as a brand name or acronym in various domains. When encountered in non-Hungarian contexts, its meaning is determined by surrounding material rather than by the word itself, making context essential for interpretation.

Origin and classification: igen is a native Hungarian term belonging to the Finno-Ugric language family. It contrasts with nem, meaning no, and participates in everyday discourse as the primary affirmative response in Hungarian.

See also: iGen, a term used in English to refer to Generation Z; IGEN, various organizations or products that adopt the acronym or name in different contexts.