forint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Informal (context-dependent)
Quick answer
What does “forint” mean?
The standard unit of currency in Hungary.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The standard unit of currency in Hungary.
A monetary unit; historically a gold coin used in Austria-Hungary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Neutral, purely referential to Hungarian currency.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, appearing in financial, travel, or European news contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “forint” in a Sentence
[Subject] exchanged euros for forints.[Number] forints [Verb] ...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in forex trading and international finance reports (e.g., 'The forint weakened against the euro.').
Academic
Appears in economic history or European studies texts discussing post-communist economies.
Everyday
Used by travellers to Hungary or in conversations about European travel costs.
Technical
Standard term in numismatics and currency exchange platforms.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forint”
- Using 'forint' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'I need some forint').
- Misspelling as 'florint' or 'foriant'.
- Incorrect pluralisation as 'forintes' (correct: 'forints').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in modern usage it refers exclusively to the Hungarian currency. Historically, the term was used for a gold coin in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The standard English plural is 'forints' (e.g., '100 forints').
The ISO 4217 code is HUF.
While cards are widely accepted in cities, having some forint cash is advisable for small vendors, markets, and public transport in rural areas.
The standard unit of currency in Hungary.
Forint is usually formal/informal (context-dependent) in register.
Forint: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒr.ɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːr.ɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FOR INTernational travel to Hungary, you need FORINTS.
Conceptual Metaphor
CURRENCY IS A MEASURING TOOL (for value), CURRENCY IS A FLUID (flows, strengthens, weakens).
Practice
Quiz
What is the forint?