Language/Hungarian/Grammar/Nouns-and-cases

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Hungarian → Grammar → Nouns and cases

As a Hungarian language teacher for over 20 years, I know that understanding Hungarian grammar can be a challenge. However, learning the basics of Hungarian grammar is essential to becoming fluent in the language. In this lesson, we will focus specifically on one of the most critical aspects of Hungarian grammar: nouns and cases.


Don't miss the chance to check out these pages as you wrap up this lesson: Asking Questions & Cardinal Numbers.

Understanding Hungarian nouns

Nouns are a fundamental part of any language, and Hungarian is no exception. In Hungarian, nouns are words that refer to people, places, things, or concepts. Some examples of Hungarian nouns include

  • Magyarország (Hungary)
  • Ház (House)
  • Szépség (Beauty)
  • Az én anyám (My mother)

As you can see from the examples above, Hungarian nouns can be either singular or plural. Moreover, Hungarian nouns can belong to different noun classes or gender, which plays an essential role in the Hungarian language's inflectional system.

Hungarian cases

In Hungarian, cases are used to describe the relationship between the noun and the action in a sentence. There are six cases in the Hungarian language:

  1. Nominative case: this is the basic, unchanged form used for the subject of a sentence.
  2. Accusative case: used to describe the object of a sentence, or the direct object of the verb.
  3. Dative case: used to indicate the indirect object of a sentence or the person or thing receiving the action.
  4. Instrumental case: used to indicate the tool or instrument used to perform the action of the verb.
  5. Causal-final case: used to describe the purpose or aim of the action or the reason for its being done.
  6. Translative case: used to indicate the change of the state, quality or form of the noun.

Noun endings

A Hungarian noun changes its endings according to the case it is in. Learning these endings is essential to correctly inflect nouns in the Hungarian language. Here are the endings for each case:

Hungarian Pronunciation English
Nominative - -
Accusative -t, -ot, -et -
Dative -nak, -nek, -val, -vel to/for-
Instrumental -al, -el, -tal, -tel with/by
Causal-final -ért, -érték for/because of
Translative -vé, -vá to/into

Using cases in sentences

Here are some examples of Hungarian sentences using different cases:

  • Az autó tiszta. – The car is clean. (nominative case)
  • Szeretem a citromot. – I like the lemon. (accusative case)
  • Adok egy ajándékot az édesanyámnak. – I am giving a gift to my mother. (dative case)
  • Az íróasztal tollal, ceruzával, és papírral tele van. – The writing table is full of pens, pencils, and paper. (instrumental case)
  • A diák a jó jegyért sokat dolgozik. – The student works hard for a good grade. (causal-final case)
  • A madár tojásból fiókává válik. – The bird becomes a chick from an egg. (translative case)

Conclusion

Learning the six cases of Hungarian nouns is essential to becoming fluent in the language. Practicing the use of cases in different sentences can be a great way to master this aspect of Hungarian grammar.

I hope this lesson has been valuable to you. Keep practicing, and don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need any further assistance.

Sources


Now that you've completed this lesson, don't stop learning! Check out these related topics: How to form the feminine & Future Tense.

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