How to Use Reported Speech and Indirect Speech in Hungarian

Understanding Reported and Indirect Speech in Hungarian

In Hungarian, reported speech (also called indirect speech) is used to convey what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. This is similar to English, but Hungarian has its own specific rules and verb forms to express this.

Direct vs Indirect Speech

Direct speech repeats the exact words spoken, usually enclosed in quotation marks. For example: He said, "I am tired." Indirect speech, on the other hand, reports the meaning without quoting exactly: He said that he was tired.

Key Differences in Hungarian

Hungarian often uses the conjunction hogy (meaning "that") to introduce indirect speech. The verb in the reported clause usually appears in a different tense or mood to reflect the shift from direct to indirect speech.

Forming Reported Speech in Hungarian

To form reported speech, you typically use the verb mondani (to say) or similar verbs like kérdezni (to ask), followed by a clause introduced by hogy.

Example of direct speech:
Ő azt mondta: "Megyek a boltba." (He said: "I am going to the store.")

Example of indirect speech:
Ő azt mondta, hogy megy a boltba. (He said that he is going to the store.)

Verb Tense Changes in Reported Speech

Hungarian often keeps the present tense in indirect speech if the original statement is still true or relevant. However, past tenses are used if the action is completed or in the past.

Example:
Direct: Ő azt mondta: "Olvasok egy könyvet." (He said: "I am reading a book.")
Indirect: Ő azt mondta, hogy olvas egy könyvet. (He said that he is reading a book.)

If the original statement was in the past tense:
Direct: Ő azt mondta: "Elmentem a boltba." (He said: "I went to the store.")
Indirect: Ő azt mondta, hogy elment a boltba. (He said that he went to the store.)

Common Verbs Used in Reported Speech

Besides mondani (to say), other verbs commonly used in reported speech include:

• kérdezni – to ask
• felelni – to answer
• állítani – to claim
• panaszkodni – to complain
• ígérni – to promise

Examples of Reported Questions and Commands

Reported questions use verbs like kérdezni and are introduced by hogy or question words like mi, hol, mikor.

Example:
Direct: Ő megkérdezte: "Mikor jössz?" (He asked: "When are you coming?")
Indirect: Ő megkérdezte, hogy mikor jössz. (He asked when you are coming.)

Reported commands use verbs like parancsolni (to command) or kérni (to request).

Example:
Direct: Ő azt mondta: "Gyere ide!" (He said: "Come here!")
Indirect: Ő azt mondta, hogy gyere ide. (He said that you should come here.)

Tips for Mastering Reported Speech in Hungarian

• Remember to use hogy to introduce the reported clause.
• Adjust verb tenses appropriately depending on the time frame of the original statement.
• Practice with common verbs like mondani, kérdezni, and felelni.
• Listen to native speakers and note how they use indirect speech in conversation.
• Use exercises and examples to reinforce your understanding.