BrixBloks Grammar Apps

In everyday neutral sentences you can think in a simple pattern: who + does what + to what. Later you can move words for emphasis, but in the beginning keep it straight.

Memory tip: If you feel lost, put the subject first, then the verb, then the object. It will usually be OK.

The plural marker in Hungarian is -k. With many words you just add -k, with others a vowel appears or changes. At beginner level, learn the common ones by example.

Memory tip: Learn plurals together with the singular word as a pair. Don’t try to memorise all spelling rules on day one.

Use the 'indefinite' verb form when you talk about something in general. Use the 'definite' form when the object is clear and specific (with 'the', a name, or a pointed thing).

Memory tip: Ask yourself: is this thing specific in my mind? If yes, pick the definite form (usually the longer ending).

For many nouns, you attach a short ending to show who owns it. The patterns change with vowels, but the idea stays the same.

Memory tip: At the start, just notice how Hungarian attaches person endings to the noun. Don’t worry about every variation yet.

Simple yes/no questions can be asked just with intonation, and wh-questions use words like Ki (who), Mi (what), Hol (where). Word order changes later for focus, but beginners can keep it simple.

Memory tip: First, learn the common question words. Then reuse the same sentence patterns you already know.

To say 'not', put nem in front of the verb (or sometimes in front of the whole phrase).

Memory tip: Think: 'nem' = 'not'. Put it before the verb and you are usually safe.

In 1st and 2nd person you see forms of 'van' (vagyok, vagy, vagyunk, vagytok). In the 3rd person (he/she/it, they) in simple sentences it usually disappears.

Memory tip: Don’t panic if you don’t see 'van'. In many simple 'he/she/it is…' sentences, Hungarian drops it.

Common place endings: -ban/-ben (in), -ba/-be (into), -on/-en/-ön (on), -ra/-re (onto). Vowel harmony decides which exact form appears.

Memory tip: At beginner level, learn these endings with a few common nouns (room, table, city) instead of trying to memorise all patterns.

In everyday Hungarian you put basic describing words before the noun: 'big house', 'nice car'. The adjective itself usually does not change shape, but the whole phrase can get plural endings.

Memory tip: Learn adjectives together with a simple noun: 'nagy ház', 'kis szoba'. This way you remember both word order and meaning.

To talk about finished actions you usually add -t or -tt to the verb stem and then add the personal ending. Many common verbs are regular enough to learn by example.

Memory tip: At the start, focus on 'I' and 'you' forms of frequent verbs like 'megy' (go), 'jön' (come), 'eszik' (eat), 'iszik' (drink).

You can say 'I will do' with fog + infinitive, but in everyday speech speakers also use the present tense with a future time expression.

Memory tip: For now, learn one clear model with fog and one with simple present + time word. Both are understood.

These small verbs come in personal forms and are followed by another verb in the infinitive. Together they express ability, obligation, or desire.

Memory tip: Learn tud, kell and akar with one simple sentence each. You will see these verbs all the time in real conversations.

To compare two things you can say 'A nagyobb, mint B'. For 'the biggest', you usually use leg- + -bb on the adjective.

Memory tip: Start with csak three adjectives: jó (good) – jobb – legjobb; nagy (big) – nagyobb – legnagyobb.

In the familiar singular you often see -j (or its variants) on the verb, and for plural you add -tok/-tek/-tök type endings. Polite forms use the formal you.

Memory tip: Learn a few high-frequency imperatives you will actually use: Gyere!, Várj!, Nézd!, Hallgass!, Kérem.