How to Use Ordinal Numbers in Hungarian for English Speakers

Understanding Ordinal Numbers in Hungarian

Ordinal numbers indicate the position or order of things in a sequence, such as first, second, or third. In Hungarian, ordinal numbers are used similarly to English but have unique forms and rules that learners should understand.

Forming Ordinal Numbers in Hungarian

Most Hungarian ordinal numbers are formed by adding the suffix -odik or -edik to the cardinal number, depending on vowel harmony and the ending of the number. For example, egy (one) becomes első (first), which is an irregular form. For most other numbers, the suffix is added directly: kettő (two) becomes második (second), három (three) becomes harmadik (third), and so on.

Note that some ordinal numbers are irregular and must be memorized, especially the first few.

Common Irregular Ordinal Numbers

• első – first
• második – second
• harmadik – third
• negyedik – fourth
• ötödik – fifth

Regular Ordinal Numbers Formation

For numbers beyond the irregular ones, the ordinal is usually formed by adding -adik or -edik to the cardinal number stem, following vowel harmony rules. For example:

• hat (six) → hatodik (sixth)
• tíz (ten) → tizedik (tenth)
• huszonhárom (twenty-three) → huszonharmadik (twenty-third)

Using Ordinal Numbers in Sentences

Ordinal numbers in Hungarian are often used with the definite article a or az (the), similar to English. For example:

• a második ház – the second house
• az első nap – the first day
• a tizedik év – the tenth year

When used as nouns, ordinal numbers take a period after the number to indicate ordinality, for example, 1. (first), 2. (second). This is common in dates and lists.

Pronunciation Tips for English Speakers

Hungarian ordinal numbers are pronounced with stress on the first syllable. The suffix -adik or -edik is pronounced clearly. For example, [ˈhɒtodik] for hatodik (sixth). Practicing these will help with fluency.

Summary of Key Points

1. Ordinal numbers show position or order in Hungarian.
2. The first few ordinal numbers are irregular and should be memorized.
3. Most ordinal numbers are formed by adding -adik or -edik to the cardinal number.
4. Ordinal numbers are used with the definite article in sentences.
5. A period after the number indicates ordinality in writing.