How to Use Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns in Hungarian

Understanding Reflexive Verbs in Hungarian

Reflexive verbs are verbs where the subject and the object are the same, meaning the action is performed on oneself. In Hungarian, reflexive verbs are often formed by adding the reflexive pronoun magát or its variations, depending on the person and number, or by using specific reflexive verb forms.

What Are Reflexive Pronouns in Hungarian?

Hungarian reflexive pronouns correspond to the English "myself," "yourself," "himself," etc. The most common reflexive pronoun is magát (formal singular and plural), and its variations include magam (myself), magad (yourself, singular informal), maga (yourself, formal singular), magunk (ourselves), magatok (yourselves, plural informal), and maguk (yourselves, formal plural or themselves).

How to Use Reflexive Pronouns with Verbs

In Hungarian, reflexive pronouns usually follow the verb and agree with the subject in person and number. For example, the verb mos means "to wash," and when used reflexively, it means "to wash oneself." The sentence Én mosom magam means "I wash myself."

Examples of Reflexive Verbs in Hungarian

Here are some common reflexive verbs and their usage in Hungarian:

• mosakodik – to wash oneself
  Example: Ő mosakodik. (He/She washes himself/herself.)
• öltözik – to dress oneself
  Example: Mi öltözködünk. (We dress ourselves.)
• fésülködik – to comb one's hair
  Example: Te fésülködsz. (You comb your hair.)
• nevet – to laugh (can be reflexive in some contexts)
  Example: Ő nevet magán. (He/She laughs at himself/herself.)

Differences Between Reflexive and Non-Reflexive Usage

Not all verbs that can be reflexive in English are reflexive in Hungarian, and vice versa. Some verbs change meaning when used reflexively. For example, néz means "to look," but néz magára means "to look at oneself." Understanding context is important.

Position of Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns in Hungarian typically come after the verb or verb phrase. For example, Megnézem magam a tükörben. means "I look at myself in the mirror." The pronoun magam follows the verb megnézem.

Tips for English Speakers Learning Hungarian Reflexive Verbs

• Memorize the reflexive pronouns and their forms.
• Practice common reflexive verbs in sentences.
• Pay attention to verb conjugations and pronoun placement.
• Use context to understand when a verb is reflexive.
• Listen to native speakers to get a feel for natural usage.