Hungarian

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Etymology

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From -ná (conditional suffix)-k (personal suffix).

Pronunciation

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Suffix

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-nák

  1. (personal conditional suffix) Forms the third-person plural present tense of verbs (conditional mood, definite conjugation).
    olvas (to read)-nák → ‎olvasnák (they would read)
    Nem olvasnák a könyvet, ha nem lenne érdekes.They would not read the book if it weren't interesting.
  2. (personal conditional suffix, proscribed) Occasionally used to form the first-person singular present tense of back-vowel verbs (conditional mood, indefinite conjugation). This usage is usually considered a grave offence; it is called nákolás.
    Synonym: (standard variant) -nék

Usage notes

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  • (personal conditional suffix) Variants:
    -nák is added to most back-vowel verbs
    vár (to wait)-nák → ‎várnák (they would expect)
    A szülők azt várnák, hogy a gyerekek tanuljanak.The parents would expect the children to study.
    -nék is added to most front-vowel verbs
    kér (to ask)-nék → ‎kérnék (they would ask)
    A szüleim azt kérnék, hogy hívd fel őket.My parents would (like to) ask you to call them.
    -anák is added to back-vowel verbs ending in two consonants or in a long vowel t (exceptions: áll, száll, varr, forr, lát)
    mond (to say)-anák → ‎mondanák (they would say)
    Nem mondanák, ha nem lenne igaz.They would not say it if it weren't true.
    tanít (to teach)-anák → ‎tanítanák (they would teach)
    Ők tanítanák a gyerekeket.They would teach the children.
    -enék is added to front-vowel verbs ending in two consonants or in a long vowel t
    fest (to paint)-enék → ‎festenék (they would paint)
    Ők festenék a házat.They would paint the house.
    segít (to help)-enék → ‎segítenék (they would help)
    Ők segítenék a családot.They would help the family.

See also

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