meghívás

Meghívás is a Hungarian noun meaning invitation—the act of inviting someone to attend an event or participate in an activity, or the invitation itself. The related verb is meghívni, “to invite,” and the noun form is commonly used with the term meghívó to denote the invitation card or message. In everyday language, meghívás can refer to both informal requests and formal invitations.

Etymology and usage: Meghívás derives from meghívni and ultimately from hív, “to call.” It appears in phrases such as meghívást kapni (to receive an invitation), meghívót küldeni (to send an invitation), and meghívva lenni (to be invited). The distinction between the act (meghívás) and the object (meghívó) is a normal part of Hungarian usage.

Forms and etiquette: Invitations can be written as a meghívó (card or letter), or delivered digitally as an e-meghívás or via email. A formal invitation typically includes the event’s date, time, place, purpose, any dress code, and an RSVP request. In Hungarian, common RSVP wording is “Kérjük, jelezze részvételét” or a similar clause requesting a response by a specified date. Proper etiquette also calls for sending invitations with sufficient notice and providing clear instructions for how to respond.

Cultural notes: Invitations are used for social occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and parties, as well as professional events like conferences and meetings. The host bears the responsibility to extend invitations appropriately and to confirm attendance through responses.