How to Use Passive Voice in Hungarian for English Speakers

Understanding Passive Voice in Hungarian

In Hungarian, the passive voice is used less frequently than in English. Instead of a direct passive construction, Hungarian often uses alternative structures to express the same idea. This article will guide English speakers through the common ways to express passive meaning in Hungarian.

What is Passive Voice?

Passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of the sentence is acted upon by the verb. For example, in English: "The book is read by the student." Here, the focus is on the book, which receives the action.

Passive Voice in English vs. Hungarian

While English frequently uses passive voice, Hungarian prefers active constructions or other methods to convey similar meanings. Hungarian does have a passive voice form, but it is less common and often sounds formal or literary.

Forming Passive Voice in Hungarian

The most common way to form passive voice in Hungarian is by using the suffix -atik/-etik attached to the verb stem. This form is called the "passive suffix" and is used mainly with certain verbs.

For example, the verb ír (to write) becomes íratik in passive form, meaning "is written." However, this form is somewhat formal and not used with all verbs.

Examples of Passive Suffix Usage

Here are some examples of verbs with the passive suffix:

• ír (to write) → íratik (is written)
• olvas (to read) → olvastatik (is read)
• épít (to build) → építtetik (is built)

Limitations of the Passive Suffix

Not all verbs can take the passive suffix, and it is mostly used in formal or literary contexts. In everyday speech, Hungarians prefer other ways to express passive meaning.

Alternative Ways to Express Passive Meaning in Hungarian

Since the passive suffix is limited, Hungarian often uses other constructions to express passive ideas.

Using the Third Person Singular with Indefinite Subject

One common method is to use the third person singular active verb form with an indefinite subject, often translated as "one" or "people" in English.

For example, instead of saying "The book is read by the student," Hungarian might say Olvassák a könyvet. which literally means "They read the book." Here, olvassák is third person plural, implying an indefinite subject.

Using the Reflexive Pronoun "-ják/-ik" Forms

Hungarian also uses reflexive or impersonal constructions to express passive meaning. For example, Az ajtót nyitják. means "The door is opened" or "They open the door." This construction is common in spoken Hungarian.

Summary and Tips for English Speakers

- Hungarian passive voice is less common and often replaced by active or impersonal constructions.
- The passive suffix -atik/-etik exists but is mostly formal.
- Using third person plural active verbs with indefinite subjects is a natural way to express passive meaning.
- Practice by recognizing these structures in Hungarian texts and conversations.