Wh-Questions: Master making questions starting with 'who', 'what', 'where', 'when', 'why', and 'how'
In this lesson, we will learn how to form questions using the wh-words 'who', 'what', 'where', 'when', 'why', and 'how' in Hungarian. Mastering these question words will help you have meaningful conversations and gather information effectively. Let's dive in!
1. Basic question word formation
In Hungarian, forming wh-questions is straightforward. You simply need to place the corresponding question word at the beginning of the sentence. Here are the basic question words and their Hungarian counterparts:
- Who? - Ki?
- What? - Mi?
- Where? - Hol?
- When? - Mikor?
- Why? - Miért?
- How? - Hogyan?
2. Examples
Let's see some examples of how to use these question words in sentences:
- Who is he? - Ki ő?
- What is your name? - Mi a neved?
- Where is the train station? - Hol van az állomás?
- When does the concert start? - Mikor kezdődik a koncert?
- Why are you sad? - Miért vagy szomorú?
- How can I help you? - Hogyan segíthetek neked?
3. Using question words with verbs
To form more specific questions using these question words, you can simply add the verb you are asking about after the question word. Here are a few examples:
- Who is eating? - Ki eszik?
- What do you want? - Mit szeretnél?
- Where did they go? - Hová mentek?
- When will she arrive? - Mikor fog megérkezni?
- Why did he leave? - Miért ment el?
- How is she feeling? - Hogyan érzi magát?
4. Advanced question formation
In some cases, you may want to ask questions that require a more complex sentence structure. Here are a few examples:
- To whom did you give the book? - Kinek adtad oda a könyvet?
- What are you thinking about? - Mire gondolsz?
- From where did they come? - Honnan jöttek?
- Since when have you been learning Hungarian? - Mióta tanulsz magyarul?
- For what reason did he quit his job? - Miért hagyta ott a munkáját?
- How did you solve the problem? - Hogyan oldottad meg a problémát?
5. Practice makes perfect
The best way to become comfortable with making wh-questions is through practice. Start by forming simple questions and gradually incorporate more complex structures. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as they are a natural part of the learning process.
Congratulations! You now have the tools to confidently ask questions starting with 'who', 'what', 'where', 'when', 'why', and 'how' in Hungarian. Keep practicing and soon you'll be asking questions like a native speaker!