A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Budapest
Pronounce Budapest like 'BOO-duh-pest' with stress on the first syllable.
budapest
BOO-duh-pest
/ˈbuːdəˌpɛst/ · bu · da · pest
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also common in news reports about Hungary or its capital city.
Where the word comes from
Budapest was formed in 1873 by the unification of three cities: Buda, Óbuda (Old Buda), and Pest. The name 'Buda' likely comes from a personal name, while 'Pest' is thought to derive from a Slavic word for oven or furnace.
Common ways people get it wrong
- bu-DA-pest Some might stress the second syllable because it's longer, but the primary stress is on the first syllable, 'BOO'.
- BUD-uh-pest The first syllable is a long 'oo' sound like in 'boo', not a short 'u' like in 'bud'.
Frequently asked
How do you say Budapest?
Say it like 'BOO-duh-pest'. The main stress is on the first syllable, 'BOO'.
Is it Bud-a-pest or Buda-pest?
It's pronounced 'BOO-duh-pest'. The first syllable has a long 'oo' sound, and the stress falls on that first syllable.
What's the correct pronunciation of the capital of Hungary?
The capital of Hungary is pronounced 'BOO-duh-pest'. Remember the long 'oo' sound at the beginning and stress that first syllable.
What is the language they speak in Budapest?
The official language spoken in Budapest is Hungarian. While many people in tourist areas speak English, knowing a few Hungarian phrases can be helpful.
How do you say "please" in Budapest?
In Hungarian, "please" is "kérem". It's a polite and useful word to know when visiting Budapest.
How to pronounce Budapest in Hungarian?
Budapest is pronounced roughly as 'boo-dah-pesht' in Hungarian. The stress is on the first syllable.
