kérem

Kérem is a Hungarian word used to express a polite request, roughly equivalent to the English “please.” It is commonly employed in formal or respectful interactions, such as customer service, official correspondence, or when addressing strangers or people in authority. The term can stand alone as an interjection or appear at the beginning or inside a sentence to soften a request.

In everyday usage, kérem contrasts with the informal kérlek, which means “please” used among friends, family, or someone of a similar age or familiarity. Examples of kérem in sentences include: “Kérem, adja ide a számlát” (Please hand me the bill), “Kérem, legyen szíves ismételni” (Please be so kind as to repeat), and “Kérem szépen” (Please indeed / Could you please). The phrase is also common in written Hungarian, including customer communications, emails, and letters, where a formal tone is appropriate.

Pronunciation is roughly ke-REHM, with the stress on the first syllable and the long vowel in the first syllable. The word is part of a broader polite register in Hungarian, which includes phrases like legyen szíves (be so kind) and mivel, as well as formal pronouns in other contexts.

Notes on usage: kérem is neutral and polite, suitable for service encounters, official inquiries, and polite requests in public life. It is not typically used in casual, intimate speech, where kérlek or a simple, informal form would be preferred. In summary, kérem functions as a standard marker of politeness in Hungarian and is a foundational element of formal communication.