magánhangok

Magánhangzók, often translated as vowels, are fundamental sounds in the Hungarian language. They are produced with an open vocal tract, meaning that the airflow from the lungs is not obstructed as it passes through the mouth. This open passage is what distinguishes vowels from consonants, where there is some form of constriction or closure.

Hungarian has a rich vowel system, characterized by both quality and quantity. Vowel quality refers to the distinct sound of each vowel, determined by the position of the tongue and the shape of the lips. For example, 'a' is a front, open vowel, while 'u' is a back, rounded vowel. Vowel quantity, on the other hand, refers to the length of the vowel sound. Hungarian distinguishes between short and long vowels, and this distinction is phonemic, meaning it can change the meaning of a word. For instance, 'lak' (house) is different from 'lakk' (lacquer).

The primary Hungarian vowels are a, á, e, é, i, í, o, ó, ö, ő, u, ú, ü, ű. The acute accent (´) and double acute accent (˝) indicate length and in the case of ö, ő and ü, ű, also a higher tongue position compared to their short counterparts. Understanding the precise pronunciation and function of these magánhangzók is crucial for both speaking and understanding Hungarian correctly. They form the backbone of syllables and play a vital role in the language's melodic and rhythmic qualities.