Subjunctive Mood in Hungarian

In Hungarian grammar, the subjunctive mood is used to express various states of unreality, uncertainty, doubt, wishes, desires, and hypothetical situations. It is important to note that the subjunctive mood is not as commonly used in Hungarian as it is in some other languages.

1. Present Subjunctive

The present subjunctive in Hungarian is used to express desires, wishes, or unreal conditions in the present. It is formed by using the present tense stem of the verb and adding the following endings:

• For -ni verbs:

  • Singular:
    • én: -jak
    • te: -j
    • ő: -jon
  • Plural:
    • mi: -junk
    • ti: -jatok
    • ők: -janak

• For irregular verbs, the endings may differ.

Remember that the verb stem can sometimes change in the subjunctive mood.

Examples:

• If only I could speak Hungarian. = Bárcsak tudnék magyarul beszélni.
• I wish you were here. = Bárcsak itt lennél.

2. Past Subjunctive

The past subjunctive in Hungarian is used to express hypothetical or unreal conditions in the past. It is formed by taking the past tense stem of the verb and adding the following endings:

• For -ni verbs:

  • Singular:
    • én: -tam
    • te: -tál
    • ő: -t
  • Plural:
    • mi: -tunk
    • ti: -tátok
    • ők: -tak

• For irregular verbs, the endings may differ.

Examples:

• If I had studied more, I would have passed the exam. = Ha többet tanultam volna, átmentem volna a vizsgán.
• I wish I had known that. = Bárcsak tudtam volna azt.

3. Use of Subjunctive Mood with Modal Verbs

In Hungarian, the subjunctive mood is often used in combination with modal verbs to express possibility, necessity, or obligation. The modal verb is in the present indicative, while the main verb is in the present subjunctive.

Examples:

• You should go to the doctor. = El kellene menned az orvoshoz.
• He can't come to the party. = Nem jöhetne a buliba.

4. Expressing Commands or Requests

In Hungarian, the subjunctive mood can be used to express commands or requests in a polite or formal way. This is done by using the modal verbs "kérem" or "szeretném" followed by the present subjunctive form of the verb.

Examples:

• Please have a seat. = Kérem, üljön le.
• I would like you to help me. = Szeretném, ha segítenél nekem.

5. Expressing Doubt or Uncertainty

The subjunctive mood can also be used to express doubt or uncertainty in Hungarian. This is often done by using the verb "kérdés" (question) followed by the present subjunctive form of the verb.

Example:

• I doubt that he knows the answer. = Kérdés, hogy ismeri-e a választ.

Remember, the subjunctive mood is not as commonly used in Hungarian as in some other languages, so it is important to be aware of the specific contexts and phrases where it is appropriate to use it.

That concludes our guide on the subjunctive mood in Hungarian. Mastering the usage of this mood can significantly enhance your language skills and allow you to express various states of unreality with confidence.