Hungarian verbal prefixes are small, often one-syllable additions to verbs that completely alter their meaning. If you've ever wondered why Hungarian verbs seem to multiply endlessly, prefixes are the culprits. They’re the secret sauce that makes Hungarian verbs so expressive - and so tricky for learners.
What Are Verbal Prefixes?
In Hungarian, prefixes attach to the beginning of verbs to modify their meaning. Some indicate direction, others add nuance, and a few completely flip the verb’s sense. Unlike English phrasal verbs (like 'give up' or 'take off'), Hungarian prefixes are fused directly to the verb stem.
Fel
[ˈfɛl]“Up”
Common Hungarian Verbal Prefixes
- Be- – Indicates inward movement. 'Bemegy' (go in) vs. 'megy' (go).
- Ki- – Means 'out' or 'completely.' 'Kimegy' (go out) vs. 'megy' (go).
- Le- – Indicates downward movement or reduction. 'Leszáll' (descend) vs. 'száll' (fly).
- Meg- – Often marks completion. 'Megeszik' (eat up) vs. 'eszik' (eat).
- El- – Can mean 'away' or 'off.' 'Elmegy' (go away) vs. 'megy' (go).
Why Prefixes Matter
Without mastering prefixes, you’ll struggle to understand spoken Hungarian. A simple verb like 'megy' (go) morphs into dozens of forms - 'bemegy,' 'kimegy,' 'elmegy' - each with distinct meanings. Natives use them constantly, so recognising them is crucial.
Prefixes vs. Postpositions
Hungarian also uses postpositions (like 'mellé' - next to) to indicate direction. But while postpositions follow nouns, prefixes attach directly to verbs. Compare: 'a ház mellé megy' (go next to the house) vs. 'bemegy a házba' (go into the house).
Prefixes in Action: Examples
| Verb | With Prefix | Meaning Change |
|---|---|---|
| ír (write) | megír | write (to completion) |
| néz (look) | kineéz | look out |
| jön (come) | bejön | come in |
Prefixes in Colloquial Speech
Hungarians love shortening verbs in casual speech. 'Felkel' (get up) becomes 'fekszik,' and 'leül' (sit down) turns into 'ül.' Context usually clarifies, but it’s another reason to immerse yourself in real conversations.
For more Hungarian quirks, check out our guide on Hungarian texting abbreviations.
How to Practise
- Flashcards: Group verbs by prefix (e.g., all 'be-' verbs together).
- Listening: Watch Hungarian films or practise small talk to hear prefixes in action.
- Sentence building: Take a base verb and create sentences with different prefixes.
