How to Use Modal Verbs in Hungarian for English Speakers

Understanding Modal Verbs in Hungarian

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. In Hungarian, modal verbs function similarly to English but have unique forms and usage rules that English speakers should learn to master the language.

Common Hungarian Modal Verbs

The most frequently used modal verbs in Hungarian include kell (must/need to), tud (can/know how to), lehet (may/can), and szabad (allowed to/may). Each of these verbs modifies the meaning of the main verb to express modality.

Here is a brief overview:

• kell: expresses obligation or necessity (must, have to)
• tud: expresses ability or knowledge (can, know how to)
• lehet: expresses possibility or permission (may, can)
• szabad: expresses permission (allowed to, may)

Using <em>kell</em> to Express Necessity

The modal verb kell is used to indicate that something must be done. It is followed by the infinitive form of the main verb.

Example:
Meg kell tanulnom a magyar nyelvet. – I must learn the Hungarian language.

Expressing Ability with <em>tud</em>

tud is used to express ability or knowledge to do something. It is also followed by the infinitive.

Example:
Tudok beszélni angolul. – I can speak English.

Permission and Possibility with <em>lehet</em> and <em>szabad</em>

Both lehet and szabad can express permission, but szabad is more formal and direct, while lehet can also express possibility.

Examples:
Itt szabad dohányozni? – Is it allowed to smoke here?
Lehet, hogy esni fog. – It may rain.

Negation of Modal Verbs

To negate modal verbs in Hungarian, the word nem is placed before the modal verb.

Example:
Nem kell menned. – You don't have to go.

Modal Verbs and Verb Conjugation

When using modal verbs, the main verb remains in the infinitive form, and the modal verb is conjugated according to the subject.

Example:
Én tudok úszni. – I can swim.
Te tudsz úszni. – You can swim.