Language/Hungarian/Grammar/Adjectives-and-adverbs

Hungarian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Introduction to Hungarian grammar → Adjectives and adverbs

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on Hungarian adjectives and adverbs! In this lesson, we will explore the rules and usage of adjectives and adverbs in the Hungarian language. Adjectives and adverbs play a crucial role in describing people, places, and objects, allowing us to express our thoughts and opinions in a more nuanced way. By understanding how to use adjectives and adverbs correctly, you will be able to communicate effectively and express yourself more precisely in Hungarian.

This lesson is part of the "Complete 0 to A1 Hungarian Course" and is designed for complete beginners who are starting their journey to learn Hungarian. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in using adjectives and adverbs, helping you to progress further in your Hungarian language learning journey.

Let's begin our exploration of Hungarian adjectives and adverbs!

Adjectives

Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns. In Hungarian, adjectives are an essential part of speech, allowing us to provide additional information about the qualities, characteristics, or features of people, places, or objects. In this section, we will cover the different forms and usage of adjectives in Hungarian.

Forms of Adjectives

In Hungarian, adjectives have different forms depending on the gender, number, and case of the noun they modify. Let's take a look at the various forms of adjectives in Hungarian:

• Positive form: This is the base form of the adjective, used when describing a noun in its normal state. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
szép	[ˈseːp]	beautiful

• Comparative form: This form is used to compare two things or to indicate a higher degree of a quality. To form the comparative, we add the suffix "-bb" to the positive form. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
szebb	[ˈsɛbː]	more beautiful

• Superlative form: This form is used to express the highest degree of a quality. To form the superlative, we add the suffix "-leg" to the positive form. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
legszebb	[ˈlɛɡsɛbː]	most beautiful

Placement of Adjectives

In Hungarian, adjectives generally follow the noun they modify. However, there are some cases where the adjective can precede the noun for emphasis or stylistic reasons. Let's look at some examples:

• "Egy szép ház." (A beautiful house.)
• "Egy nagy kert." (A big garden.)

In these examples, the adjective "szép" (beautiful) and "nagy" (big) follow the noun "ház" (house) and "kert" (garden) respectively. This is the most common word order for adjectives in Hungarian. However, if we want to emphasize the adjective, we can place it before the noun:

• "Egy ház szép." (A beautiful house.)
• "Egy kert nagy." (A big garden.)

In these examples, the adjective "szép" and "nagy" precede the noun "ház" and "kert" respectively, emphasizing the qualities of beauty and size.

Agreement of Adjectives

In Hungarian, adjectives agree with the noun they modify in terms of gender, number, and case. This means that the form of the adjective changes to match the gender, number, and case of the noun it describes. Let's take a look at the agreement of adjectives in Hungarian:

• Gender: Hungarian nouns have two genders - masculine and feminine. Adjectives must agree with the gender of the noun they modify. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
jó tanár	[joː ˈtɑnaːr]	good teacher
jó tanárnő	[joː ˈtɑnaːrnøː]	good female teacher

In this example, the adjective "jó" (good) changes to "jó tanár" when modifying a masculine noun ("tanár" means "teacher" in Hungarian) and "jó tanárnő" when modifying a feminine noun ("tanárnő" means "female teacher" in Hungarian).

• Number: Adjectives also change form to match the number (singular or plural) of the noun they modify. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
kicsi ház	[ˈkit͡ʃi haːz]	small house
kicsi házak	[ˈkit͡ʃi haːzɑk]	small houses

In this example, the adjective "kicsi" (small) changes to "kicsi ház" when modifying a singular noun ("ház" means "house" in Hungarian) and "kicsi házak" when modifying a plural noun ("házak" means "houses" in Hungarian).

• Case: Hungarian nouns have six cases, and adjectives must agree with the case of the noun they modify. Let's look at an example using the accusative case:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
látom a kék autót	[ˈlaːtom ɑ keːk ɑutoːt]	I see the blue car

In this example, the adjective "kék" (blue) changes to "kék autót" to match the accusative case of the noun "autó" (car).

Comparison with Adjectives

In Hungarian, adjectives can be compared using the comparative and superlative forms. Let's explore how to form and use comparative and superlative adjectives in Hungarian:

• Comparative: To form the comparative of an adjective, we add the suffix "-bb" to the positive form. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
jobb	[ˈjobː]	better
kisebb	[ˈkiʃɛbː]	smaller

In these examples, the adjectives "jobb" (good) and "kisebb" (small) are in their comparative forms.

• Superlative: To form the superlative of an adjective, we add the suffix "-leg" to the positive form. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
legjobb	[ˈlɛɡjobː]	the best
legkisebb	[ˈlɛɡkiʃɛbː]	the smallest

In these examples, the adjectives "legjobb" (the best) and "legkisebb" (the smallest) are in their superlative forms.

It's important to note that Hungarian adjectives do not use the words "more" or "most" like in English. Instead, the comparative and superlative forms of adjectives are created by adding suffixes to the positive form.

Demonstrative Adjectives

Demonstrative adjectives are used to indicate or point out specific people, places, or objects. In Hungarian, demonstrative adjectives agree with the noun they modify in terms of gender, number, and case. Let's take a look at the different forms of demonstrative adjectives in Hungarian:

• Singular masculine:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
ez a ház	[ɛz ɑ haːz]	this house
az a ház	[ɑz ɑ haːz]	that house

In this example, the demonstrative adjective "ez" (this) is used to modify the singular masculine noun "ház" (house), and the demonstrative adjective "az" (that) is used to modify the singular masculine noun "ház" (house).

• Singular feminine:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
ez a nő	[ɛz ɑ nøː]	this woman
az a nő	[ɑz ɑ nøː]	that woman

In this example, the demonstrative adjective "ez" (this) is used to modify the singular feminine noun "nő" (woman), and the demonstrative adjective "az" (that) is used to modify the singular feminine noun "nő" (woman).

• Plural:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
ezek a házak	[ɛzɛk ɑ haːzɑk]	these houses
azok a házak	[ɑzok ɑ haːzɑk]	those houses

In this example, the demonstrative adjective "ezek" (these) is used to modify the plural noun "házak" (houses), and the demonstrative adjective "azok" (those) is used to modify the plural noun "házak" (houses).

Demonstrative adjectives in Hungarian help to specify or indicate the noun they modify, providing clarity and precision in communication.

Adverbs

Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing additional information about time, place, manner, or degree. In this section, we will explore the different types of adverbs in Hungarian and their usage.

Types of Adverbs

In Hungarian, adverbs can be categorized into several types based on their function. Let's take a look at some common types of adverbs in Hungarian:

• Adverbs of time: These adverbs indicate when an action occurs. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
ma	[mɑ]	today
holnap	[ˈholnɑp]	tomorrow
tegnap	[ˈtɛɡnɑp]	yesterday

In this example, the adverbs "ma" (today), "holnap" (tomorrow), and "tegnap" (yesterday) indicate specific points in time.

• Adverbs of place: These adverbs indicate where an action occurs. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
itt	[it]	here
ott	[ot]	there
fent	[fɛnt]	up

In this example, the adverbs "itt" (here), "ott" (there), and "fent" (up) indicate specific locations.

• Adverbs of manner: These adverbs describe how an action is performed. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
gyorsan	[ˈɟorʃɑn]	quickly
lassan	[ˈlɑʃɑn]	slowly
halkan	[ˈhɑlkɑn]	quietly

In this example, the adverbs "gyorsan" (quickly), "lassan" (slowly), and "halkan" (quietly) describe the manner in which an action is performed.

• Adverbs of degree: These adverbs indicate the intensity or extent of an action or quality. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
nagyon	[ˈnɑɟon]	very
kevésbé	[ˈkɛveːʃ]	less
teljesen	[ˈtɛljɛʃɛn]	completely

In this example, the adverbs "nagyon" (very), "kevésbé" (less), and "teljesen" (completely) indicate the degree or intensity of an action or quality.

Placement of Adverbs

In Hungarian, adverbs generally follow the verb or adjective they modify. However, there are some cases where the adverb can be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence for emphasis or stylistic reasons. Let's look at some examples:

• "Gyorsan futott." (He ran quickly.)
• "Futott gyorsan." (He quickly ran.)

In these examples, the adverb "gyorsan" (quickly) follows the verb "futott" (ran) in the first sentence, and precedes the verb in the second sentence. Both word orders are grammatically correct, but the placement of the adverb can change the emphasis or focus of the sentence.

Comparison with Adverbs

Similar to adjectives, adverbs in Hungarian can also be compared using comparative and superlative forms. Let's explore how to form and use comparative and superlative adverbs in Hungarian:

• Comparative: To form the comparative of an adverb, we add the suffix "-bb" to the positive form. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
gyorsanabb	[ˈɟorʃɑnɑbː]	faster
lassabban	[ˈlɑʃɑbːɑn]	more slowly

In these examples, the adverbs "gyorsanabb" (faster) and "lassabban" (more slowly) are in their comparative forms.

• Superlative: To form the superlative of an adverb, we add the suffix "-leg" to the positive form. For example:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English
leggyorsabban	[ˈlɛɟːorʃɑbːɑn]	the fastest
leglassabban	[ˈlɛɡlɑʃɑbːɑn]	the most slowly

In these examples, the adverbs "leggyorsabban" (the fastest) and "leglassabban" (the most slowly) are in their superlative forms.

It's important to note that Hungarian adverbs do not use the words "more" or "most" like in English. Instead, the comparative and superlative forms of adverbs are created by adding suffixes to the positive form.

Cultural Insights

Hungarian culture is rich and diverse, and the usage of adjectives and adverbs in the language reflects this cultural richness. Let's explore some cultural insights related to the usage of adjectives and adverbs in Hungarian:

• Regional Variations: Hungarian is spoken not only in Hungary but also in parts of Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, and other neighboring countries. While the grammar and vocabulary of Hungarian remain relatively consistent across these regions, there may be slight variations in the usage and understanding of adjectives and adverbs. These regional differences add depth and diversity to the Hungarian language.

• Historical Influences: The Hungarian language has been shaped by various historical influences, including the Magyar conquest of the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century and subsequent interactions with neighboring cultures and languages. These historical influences have had an impact on the development and usage of adjectives and adverbs in Hungarian, adding layers of complexity and depth to the language.

• Cultural Anecdotes: Hungarian culture is known for its rich traditions, folklore, and artistic expressions. From the beautiful folk costumes to the vibrant music and dance traditions, Hungarian culture is deeply rooted in its history and heritage. Adjectives and adverbs play a crucial role in describing and expressing the nuances of these cultural elements, allowing Hungarians to communicate and celebrate their cultural identity.

Practice Exercises

Now, let's put your knowledge of Hungarian adjectives and adverbs to the test! Complete the following exercises, and check your answers below:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the adjective:

1. A ____(nagy) ház a Tisza partján áll. 2. Az ____(szép) virágok a kertben nőnek. 3. A ____(új) könyvet a könyvesboltban lehet megvásárolni.

Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the adverb:

1. ____(gyors) futott a pálya körül. 2. ____(lassú) beszél és ____(halk) nevet.

Exercise 3: Complete the sentences with the appropriate adverb:

1. ____(gyors) végezte el a feladatot. 2. ____(helyes) válaszokat adott a kérdésekre.

Exercise 4: Translate the following sentences into Hungarian:

1. She sings beautifully. 2. We walked slowly in the park. 3. The cat jumped high.

Exercise 5: Create a sentence using a comparative adjective:

1. __________________________

Exercise 6: Create a sentence using a superlative adverb:

1. __________________________

Exercise 7: Describe your favorite place using adjectives and adverbs:

1. __________________________

Exercise 8: Write a dialogue between two people discussing their weekend plans, using adjectives and adverbs:

1. __________________________

Answer Key

Exercise 1: 1. A nagy ház a Tisza partján áll. 2. Az szép virágok a kertben nőnek. 3. A új könyvet a könyvesboltban lehet megvásárolni.

Exercise 2: 1. Gyorsan futott a pálya körül. 2. Lassan beszél és halkan nevet.

Exercise 3: 1. Gyorsan végezte el a feladatot. 2. Helyesen válaszokat adott a kérdésekre.

Exercise 4: 1. Ő szépen énekel. 2. Lassan sétáltunk a parkban. 3. A macska magasra ugrott.

Exercise 5: 1. Az asztal magasabb, mint a szék. (The table is taller than the chair.)

Exercise 6: 1. A legjobban tetszik nekem az új film. (I like the new movie the most.)

Exercise 7: 1. A kedvenc helyem a tengerpart. (My favorite place is the seaside.)

Exercise 8: 1. A: Mit csinálsz a hétvégén?

  B: Kimegyek a kertbe és virágokat ültetek. (A: What are you doing this weekend? B: I'm going to the garden and planting flowers.)

Congratulations on completing the practice exercises! Keep practicing and exploring the world of Hungarian adjectives and adverbs to enhance your language skills.

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 grammar - Wikipedia

Other Lessons

• Pronouns and possessives
• How to Use Have
• Definite and indefinite articles
• 0 to A1 Course
• Future Tense
• Gender
• Cardinal Numbers
• Plural
• Aspect and mood combinations
• Conditional and subjunctive moods