How to Use Reflexive Pronouns in Hungarian for English Speakers

Understanding Reflexive Pronouns in Hungarian

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. In Hungarian, reflexive pronouns function differently compared to English, and understanding their usage is essential for mastering the language.

What Are Reflexive Pronouns?

In English, reflexive pronouns include words like "myself," "yourself," and "themselves." Hungarian uses a specific reflexive pronoun "magát" and its variations, but often the reflexive meaning is conveyed through verb conjugation or context rather than a separate pronoun.

The Hungarian Reflexive Pronoun: <span class="ipa">magát</span> and Variations

The base reflexive pronoun in Hungarian is "maga" (formal 'you' or 'oneself'), and its accusative form "magát" is used as the reflexive object. For informal contexts, "magad" (accusative "magadat") is used for 'yourself.' Here are the common reflexive pronouns in Hungarian:

• én magam (myself)
• te magad (yourself - informal)
• ő maga (himself/herself - formal)
• mi magunk (ourselves)
• ti magatok (yourselves - informal plural)
• ők maguk (themselves)

Using Reflexive Pronouns in Sentences

Reflexive pronouns in Hungarian are often used for emphasis or clarity. For example, to say "I see myself," you would say "Látom magam." The verb conjugation and the reflexive pronoun together indicate the action is performed on the subject itself.

Example sentences:

• Én látom magam a tükörben. – I see myself in the mirror.
• Te szereted magad. – You love yourself.
• Ő segíti magát. – He/She helps himself/herself.
• Mi tanítjuk magunkat. – We teach ourselves.
• Ti ismeritek magatokat. – You (plural) know yourselves.
• Ők védik magukat. – They protect themselves.

Reflexive Verbs Without Pronouns

In some cases, Hungarian uses reflexive verbs that imply the reflexive action without explicitly using a reflexive pronoun. For example, the verb "mosakszik" means "to wash oneself." Here, the reflexive meaning is built into the verb itself.

Example:

• Ő mosakszik. – He/She is washing (himself/herself).
• Mi mosakodunk. – We are washing ourselves.

Key Differences Between English and Hungarian Reflexive Pronouns

While English reflexive pronouns are mandatory in reflexive constructions, Hungarian often omits the reflexive pronoun when the verb itself is reflexive or the context is clear. Additionally, Hungarian reflexive pronouns agree with the subject in person and number, and their forms change accordingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

English speakers learning Hungarian sometimes overuse reflexive pronouns or use incorrect forms. Remember to match the reflexive pronoun to the subject and consider whether the verb is already reflexive.

• Do not use magát with informal 'you' – use magad instead.
• Avoid adding reflexive pronouns when the verb is inherently reflexive.
• Ensure reflexive pronouns agree in number and person with the subject.

Summary

Reflexive pronouns in Hungarian are essential for expressing actions performed on oneself. They differ from English in form and usage, often being optional or replaced by reflexive verbs. Mastering these will improve your fluency and understanding of Hungarian grammar.