How to Use the Causative Form in Hungarian for English Speakers

Understanding the Causative Form in Hungarian

The causative form in Hungarian is used to express that someone causes another person or thing to perform an action. It is similar to English constructions like "make someone do something" or "have someone do something." For English speakers learning Hungarian, understanding how to form and use the causative is essential for expressing causation clearly.

What Does the Causative Mean?

In English, you might say, "I made him clean the room." Here, "made" is the causative verb indicating that you caused him to perform the action of cleaning. Hungarian expresses this idea by modifying the verb itself, often by adding specific suffixes to the verb stem.

Forming the Causative in Hungarian

Hungarian forms the causative by adding suffixes such as -tat/-tet or -at/-et to the verb stem. The choice of suffix depends on vowel harmony and the verb's structure.

For example, the verb ír (to write) becomes írat in the causative form, meaning "to make someone write" or "to have someone write."

Similarly, mos (to wash) becomes mostat (to have someone wash something).

Suffixes and Vowel Harmony

Hungarian vowel harmony affects which causative suffix you use. Here are the common suffixes:

• -tat / -tet (back vowels / front vowels)
• -at / -et (used with some verbs)

For example:

• főz (to cook) → főztet (to have someone cook)
• tanul (to learn) → taníttat (to have someone learn)

Using the Causative in Sentences

Once you form the causative verb, you can use it in sentences to indicate causation. The person who causes the action is usually the subject, and the person who performs the action is the object.

Example:

• Az anya megíratja a levelet a fiával. - The mother makes her son write the letter.
• A tanár megtaníttatja a diákokat a leckét. - The teacher has the students learn the lesson.

Note on Verb Conjugation

Causative verbs conjugate like regular verbs in Hungarian. The suffix remains part of the verb stem during conjugation.

Common Causative Verbs in Hungarian

Tips for English Speakers Learning Hungarian Causative

1. Recognize the pattern: Look for the causative suffixes -tat/-tet or -at/-et added to verbs.

2. Practice vowel harmony: Make sure to choose the correct suffix based on the vowels in the verb stem.

3. Use context clues: The causative form often implies "making" or "having" someone do something, so think about who is causing the action.

4. Listen and repeat: Hearing native speakers use causative verbs will help you internalize the forms and usage.