Language/Hungarian/Grammar/Imperative-and-gerund-forms

Hungarian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Intermediate Hungarian grammar → Imperative and gerund forms

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on imperative and gerund forms in Hungarian! In this lesson, we will explore different forms of imperative and gerund verbs, which are essential for expressing commands, requests, and actions in progress. As an intermediate Hungarian learner, mastering these forms will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Hungarian. We will delve into the details of each form, provide numerous examples, and offer practice exercises to reinforce your understanding. Let's get started!

Imperative Forms

Forming the Imperative

In Hungarian, the imperative form is used to give commands or make requests. It is formed by removing the personal endings of the verb and adding the appropriate imperative endings, depending on the verb type. There are three types of verbs in Hungarian: -i verbs, -ni verbs, and irregular verbs. Let's take a closer look at each type.

-i Verbs

-i verbs are the most common type of verbs in Hungarian. To form the imperative of -i verbs, remove the -i ending of the infinitive form and add the appropriate imperative ending. Here are some examples:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
tanulni	[ˈtɒnulni]	to study
tanulj	[ˈtɒnui]	study!
enni	[ˈɛnni]	to eat
egyél	[ˈɛɟeːl]	eat!
inni	[ˈinni]	to drink
igyál	[ˈigjaːl]	drink!

-ni Verbs

-ni verbs are another common type of verbs in Hungarian. To form the imperative of -ni verbs, remove the -ni ending of the infinitive form and add the appropriate imperative ending. Here are some examples:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
dolgozni	[ˈdolɡozni]	to work
dolgozz	[ˈdolɡoz]	work!
tanulni	[ˈtɒnulni]	to study
tanulj	[ˈtɒnui]	study!
olvasni	[ˈolvɒʃni]	to read
olvass	[ˈolvɒʃ]	read!

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs have unique imperative forms that do not follow the regular -i or -ni patterns. Here are some examples of irregular verb imperatives:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
lenni	[ˈlɛnni]	to be
légy	[ˈleːɟ]	be!
menni	[ˈmɛnni]	to go
menj	[ˈmeɲ]	go!
jönni	[ˈjønni]	to come
gyere	[ˈɟɛrɛ]	come!

Using the Imperative

The imperative form is commonly used to give commands or make requests in Hungarian. It is important to note that the imperative is typically used in the second person singular or plural, addressing one or multiple individuals directly. Here are some examples:

• Tanulj tovább! - Keep studying!
• Vegyetek részt a rendezvényen! - Take part in the event!
• Ne felejtsd el a születésnapomat! - Don't forget my birthday!

Gerund Forms

Forming the Gerund

The gerund form in Hungarian is used to express actions in progress or ongoing activities. It is formed by adding the -va or -ve ending to the verb stem. The choice between -va and -ve depends on the vowel harmony of the verb stem. Let's look at some examples:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
jár	[ˈjaːr]	to walk
járva	[ˈjaːrvɒ]	walking
ír	[ˈiːr]	to write
írva	[ˈiːrvɒ]	writing
mos	[ˈmoʃ]	to wash
mosva	[ˈmoʃvɒ]	washing

Using the Gerund

The gerund form is used to indicate ongoing actions or activities in Hungarian. It is often used in combination with other verbs to express actions happening at the same time. Here are some examples:

• Olvasva a könyvet, élvezem az időt. - While reading the book, I enjoy the time.
• Járva a parkban, találkoztam egy barátommal. - While walking in the park, I met a friend of mine.
• Mosva az autót, megtisztítom az ablakokat is. - While washing the car, I also clean the windows.

Cultural Insights

In Hungarian culture, the imperative form is commonly used to give direct commands or make requests. Hungarians value direct communication and appreciate clarity in instructions. It is not considered impolite to use the imperative form in appropriate contexts, such as giving directions or asking for assistance. Additionally, the gerund form is often used in everyday speech to describe ongoing activities or actions in progress. Understanding the imperative and gerund forms will not only improve your language skills but also help you navigate social interactions in Hungarian culture.

Practice Exercises

Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Complete the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of imperative and gerund forms in Hungarian. Feel free to refer back to the lesson for guidance.

Exercise 1: Imperative Form Rewrite the following sentences using the imperative form of the verbs provided:

1. "Táncolj a bulin!" (to dance) 2. "Vigyél haza egy süteményt!" (to bring) 3. "Ne beszélj angolul!" (to speak)

Exercise 2: Gerund Form Complete the following sentences by adding the appropriate gerund form of the verbs provided:

1. "A gyerekek az iskolába __________." (to go) 2. "A szakács az ételt __________." (to cook) 3. "Az anya a ruhákat __________." (to wash)

Solutions

Exercise 1: Imperative Form

1. "Táncolj a bulin!" (to dance) -> "Táncolj a bulin!" 2. "Vigyél haza egy süteményt!" (to bring) -> "Vigyél haza egy süteményt!" 3. "Ne beszélj angolul!" (to speak) -> "Ne beszélj angolul!"

Exercise 2: Gerund Form

1. "A gyerekek az iskolába __mennek__." (to go) 2. "A szakács az ételt __főzi__." (to cook) 3. "Az anya a ruhákat __mossa__." (to wash)

Congratulations on completing the practice exercises! You are well on your way to mastering imperative and gerund forms in Hungarian!

Table of Contents - Hungarian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Pronouns and Verb Conjugation

• Personal Pronouns
• Present Tense Verb Conjugation

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

  ---

Questions and Negation

• Asking Questions
• Negation

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Adverbs of Time and Frequency

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods and Drinks
• Ordering at a Restaurant

  ---

Prepositions and Location

• Common Prepositions
• Expressing Location

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Hungarian Customs and Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Foods

  ---

Possessive Pronouns and Plurals

• Possessive Pronouns
• Forming Plurals

  ---

Hobbies and Leisure Activities

• Common Hobbies
• Discussing Interests

  ---

Hungarian History and Geography

• Important Historical Events
• Geography of Hungary

Sources

• Hungarian verbs - Wikipedia
• Expressing need with personal infinitive verbs in Hungarian ...
• A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Hungarian Verb Conjugation
• The adverbal particple: -va/ve [HungarianReference.com ...

Other Lessons

• Nouns
• How to Use Have
• Plurals
• Possessed object
• Plural
• Verbs and tenses
• Future Tense
• Gender
• How to form the feminine