Learning Hungarian can be an exciting adventure, especially because it introduces you to a unique way of structuring sentences. One of the fascinating aspects of Hungarian grammar is its use of postpositions. Unlike prepositions in English, which come before the noun, postpositions follow the noun. Understanding how to use these linguistic elements can significantly enhance your comprehension and fluency in Hungarian. In this article, we will explore the usage and provide examples of some common Hungarian postpositions, shedding light on how they function within the language.
What are Postpositions?
In English, we are accustomed to prepositions like “in,” “on,” “under,” and “with,” which are placed before the noun. In Hungarian, these words are known as postpositions because they appear after the noun. For example, instead of saying “on the table,” you would say “az asztalon,” where “asztal” means “table” and “on” is “on.” It’s a simple yet fundamentally different concept that requires getting used to for English speakers.
Common Hungarian Postpositions
Hungarian postpositions can be broadly classified into various categories based on their functions, such as place, time, manner, and cause. Let’s delve into some of the most frequently used postpositions and their applications.
Place Postpositions
1. Alatt (under)
– Az asztal alatt van egy macska. (There is a cat under the table.)
– A híd alatt folyt a folyó. (The river flowed under the bridge.)
2. Felett (above)
– Az ég felett repült a madár. (The bird flew above the sky.)
– A polc felett van egy kép. (There is a picture above the shelf.)
3. Mellett (next to, beside)
– A ház mellett parkoltam le. (I parked next to the house.)
– Ülj mellém! (Sit next to me!)
4. Előtt (in front of)
– Az iskola előtt találkoztunk. (We met in front of the school.)
– Állt a tükör előtt. (He stood in front of the mirror.)
5. Mögött (behind)
– A fa mögött elbújt. (He hid behind the tree.)
– Az ajtó mögött várt. (She waited behind the door.)
Time Postpositions
1. Előtt (before)
– Az óra előtt beszélgettek. (They chatted before the class.)
– A vacsora előtt megmostam a kezem. (I washed my hands before dinner.)
2. Után (after)
– Az óra után találkozunk. (We will meet after class.)
– Vacsora után sétáltunk. (We walked after dinner.)
3. Közben (during)
– Az óra közben nem beszélgethetsz. (You cannot chat during the class.)
– A film közben elaludt. (He fell asleep during the movie.)
Manner Postpositions
1. Szerint (according to)
– Az utasítások szerint járt el. (He acted according to the instructions.)
– A terv szerint haladunk. (We are proceeding according to the plan.)
2. Nélkül (without)
– Nélküled nem megyek. (I won’t go without you.)
– Cukor nélkül kérem a teát. (I would like the tea without sugar.)
3. Ért (for)
– Érted mindent megteszek. (I will do everything for you.)
– Az ügyért dolgozunk. (We are working for the cause.)
Special Cases and Irregularities
While most postpositions follow the noun directly, there are some special cases and irregularities to be aware of. For instance, when a pronoun replaces the noun, the postposition often attaches to the pronoun as a suffix. Here are some examples:
1. Beneath – alatta
– A könyv az asztal alatt van. (The book is under the table.)
– Alatta van. (It is under it.)
2. Behind – mögötte
– Az autó a ház mögött áll. (The car is behind the house.)
– Mögötte áll. (It is behind it.)
3. Without – nélküle
– Nem megyek nélküled. (I won’t go without you.)
– Nélküle megyek. (I will go without him/her.)
Combining Postpositions with Cases
Hungarian postpositions often work hand-in-hand with cases, and this combination can modify the meaning of sentences. Here are some common combinations:
1. Alatt + Genitive
– Az épület alatt (under the building)
– Az asztal alatt (under the table)
2. Mellett + Dative
– A ház mellett (next to the house)
– A bolt mellett (next to the store)
3. Után + Accusative
– Az óra után (after the class)
– A film után (after the movie)
Common Challenges and Tips
Learning Hungarian postpositions can be challenging due to their unique structure and usage. Here are some tips to help you master them:
1. Practice with Real-life Examples
– Create sentences using postpositions in different contexts. Practice speaking them out loud to get comfortable with their placement.
2. Use Flashcards
– Create flashcards with Hungarian postpositions on one side and their English translations on the other. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory.
3. Listen and Imitate
– Listen to native Hungarian speakers using postpositions in conversations. Try to imitate their usage and pronunciation.
4. Write Regularly
– Writing sentences and short paragraphs using postpositions will help you internalize their usage and improve your writing skills.
Examples in Context
To provide a clearer understanding, let’s look at some sentences that incorporate various postpositions in context:
Place Postpositions
– Az autó a ház mellett parkol. (The car is parked next to the house.)
– A könyv az asztal felett van. (The book is above the table.)
– A macska a kanapé mögött rejtőzik. (The cat is hiding behind the sofa.)
Time Postpositions
– A találkozó után megyünk vacsorázni. (We will go for dinner after the meeting.)
– Az edzés előtt mindig bemelegítünk. (We always warm up before the training.)
Manner Postpositions
– A recept szerint készítem az ételt. (I am preparing the food according to the recipe.)
– Nélküled nem tudom megcsinálni. (I can’t do it without you.)
Conclusion
Hungarian postpositions are essential components of the language that contribute to its richness and expressiveness. Though they may seem daunting at first, consistent practice and exposure will make them second nature over time. By understanding their usage and practicing with real-life examples, you can effectively incorporate postpositions into your Hungarian language skills, enhancing your ability to communicate more naturally and accurately. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find yourself navigating the intricacies of Hungarian grammar with confidence.
