Learn Hungarian Verb Conjugation Fast: Crash Course for Beginners
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Let's go over Hungarian verb conjugation and related concepts, including definite/indefinite conjugation, tenses, and other verbal forms. Please note conjugations do follow vowel harmony and there are also -ik verbs which are also not covered in this post.
1. Definite Conjugation
In Hungarian, definite conjugation is used when the object of the verb is definite (i.e., the speaker and listener know which specific thing or person is being referred to). The verb conjugation changes accordingly.
Example:
-
Látom a könyvet. (I see the book.) - The object is definite ("the book").
Conjugated verb: látom (I see) - Definite form.
Common endings:
- -om, -em, -öm (I)
- -od, -ed, -öd (you singular)
- -ja, -i (he/she/it)
- -juk, -jük (we)
- -játok, -itek (you plural)
- -ják, -ik (they)
2. Indefinite Conjugation
Indefinite conjugation is used when the object is not specific or general.
Example:
-
Látok egy könyvet. (I see a book.) - The object is indefinite ("a book").
Conjugated verb: látok (I see) - Indefinite form.
Common endings:
- -ok, -ek, -ök (I)
- -sz (you singular)
- -ø (he/she/it)
- -unk, -ünk (we)
- -tok, -tek, tök (you plural)
- -nak, -nek (they)
3. Past Tense
Past tense conjugation in Hungarian involves changes in the verb stem and ending. The past tense is typically formed by adding -t, -tt to the verb stem.
Example:
- Látom (I see) → Láttam (I saw)
4. Future Tense; Two Verbs
The future tense in Hungarian is formed using the verb "fog" (to do) combined with the infinitive form of the main verb.
Example:
- Fogok olvasni. (I will read.)
- Fogsz menni? (Will you go?)
This construction uses two verbs, where fog is conjugated and the main verb stays in its infinitive form.
5. Repetition: -gat/-get
The -gat/-get suffix is used to indicate repeated or habitual actions. It often conveys that the action is done intermittently or repeatedly.
Example:
- Beszelgetni (Talking repeatedly or, in other words, a conversation).
6. Usually: szokott
Szokott is used to indicate something habitual or usual. It is used with the infinitive form of a verb to indicate that something is a regular activity.
Example:
- Szokott futni reggel. (He/she usually runs in the morning.)
7. Need/Must: kell
Kell is used to express necessity or obligation. It is often followed by the infinitive form of a verb.
Example:
- Kell tanulnom. (I must study.)
- Nem kell mennem. (I don’t have to go.)
NOTE: these have different endings(nom and nem) which is different than (om or em) you see when used with the word kell.
9. Conditional: Would
The conditional form expresses something that would happen under certain conditions. It is created using the -na/-ne endings, and typically combined with the auxiliary verb "volna".
Example:
- én mennék (I would go)
10. Permission -hat/het
The suffix -hat/het is used to express permission. It is attached to the verb stem and indicates that the action is allowed.
Example:
- Mehetek? (Can I go?)
- Aludhatok itt? (Can I sleep here?)
11. Verbal Prefixes
Verbal prefixes in Hungarian change the meaning of a verb. They can indicate direction, intensity, or completion of the action.
Common prefixes:
- be- (into): bemenni (to go in)
- ki- (out): kimenni (to go out)
- fel- (up): felkelni (to get up)
- le- (down): leülni (to sit down)
12. Splitting Coverbs
Splitting coverbs involve a special grammatical construction in which the verb and its prefix are separated in the sentence. The prefix typically goes at the end of the sentence.
Example:
-
Elmegyek a boltba. (I go to the store.)
- El (prefix) + megyek (verb)
13. Conjunctive/Imperative
-
Imperative mood is used for commands or requests. The verb endings change accordingly.
- Menj! (Go!)
- Ne csináld! (Don’t do it!)
-
Conjunctive mood expresses actions that depend on a condition and often appears in subordinate clauses.
- Ha tudnál segíteni....! (If you could/would help....!)
14. Gemination
Gemination refers to doubling the first consonant of a verb stem to indicate an imperative form.
Example:
- Fut (he/she runs) → Fuss! (Run!)
15. Conjugation Tables
Conjugation tables are essential for understanding the various forms of verbs in different tenses and moods. They include:
Present Tense (Definite vs. Indefinite)
| Pronoun | Definite | Indefinite |
|---|---|---|
| én | látom | látok |
| te | látod | látsz |
| ő | látja | lát |
| mi | látjuk | látunk |
| ti | látjátok | láttok |
| ők | látják | látnak |
- Definite vs. Indefinite Conjugation: Based on whether the object is definite or indefinite.
- Tenses: Past and future tenses, each with specific conjugation rules.
- Repetition (-gat/-get): Indicates repeated actions.
- Szokott: Indicates habitual actions.
- Causative: Indicates causing someone to perform an action.
- Conditional: Expresses what would happen under certain conditions.
- Permission (-hat/het): Expresses permission.
- Verbal Prefixes: Modify verbs to indicate direction or completion.
- Splitting Coverbs: Separates verb and prefix in certain constructions.
- Imperative and Conjunctive: Used for commands and conditional actions.
- Gemination: Doubling consonants in the imperative form.
- Conjugation Tables: Provide verb forms for different tenses and moods.
Understanding these aspects of Hungarian verb conjugation will allow you to use verbs more flexibly and accurately in various contexts.