Understanding Definite and Indefinite Articles in Hungarian for English Speakers

What Are Articles in Hungarian?

In Hungarian, articles are small words placed before nouns to indicate whether the noun is specific or general. Like in English, Hungarian uses definite and indefinite articles, but their usage and forms differ.

The Indefinite Article in Hungarian

The indefinite article in Hungarian is "egy". It corresponds to the English "a" or "an" and is used when referring to a non-specific or unknown item.

For example:

• Egy könyv az asztalon. (A book is on the table.)
• Láttam egy macskát. (I saw a cat.)

Note that "egy" can also mean the number "one" depending on context, but when used as an article, it functions like "a" or "an".

The Definite Article in Hungarian

The definite article in Hungarian is "a" or "az". It corresponds to the English "the" and is used when referring to a specific or known item.

The choice between "a" and "az" depends on the initial sound of the following word:

• Use "a" before words starting with a consonant.
• Use "az" before words starting with a vowel.

Examples:

• A könyv az asztalon. (The book is on the table.)
• Az alma piros. (The apple is red.)

Key Differences Between Hungarian and English Articles

While English articles are always "a/an" and "the", Hungarian articles change depending on the initial sound of the noun for the definite article, and the indefinite article "egy" is also the number "one".

Also, Hungarian articles are always used before singular countable nouns, but they are not used before plural nouns or uncountable nouns in the same way as English.

Examples Comparing English and Hungarian Articles

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using "egy" as a definite article - remember it means "a/an" (indefinite) or "one".
• Forgetting to use "az" before vowel-starting words for the definite article.
• Omitting articles where they are necessary in Hungarian, especially before singular countable nouns.