Hungarian · Unit 18
Unit 18: Fekete kocsit vett
Volume 2
He bought a black car
Basic Sentences I
- 1
I hear that you have a new car. When did you buy it?
Hallom,I'm told, from what I hearhogyhow; thatújnewkocsijacarvan.I'm busy, I've something to doMikorwhenvette?monument - 2
Two weeks ago. However, it's not a new but a used one.
Kéttwohéttelfour weeksezelőtt.formerly, in former timeDebutnemunless, exceptúj,newhanembuthasznált.used - 3
How much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?')
Mennyiértfor how muchvette?How much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?') - 4
Forty thousand forints. They gave me 25,000 forints for my old car, although it was in pretty bad condition. That's why I bought another car.
Negyvenezerfortyforintért.forint (Hungarian currency)Atherégioldkocsimértcarhuszonötezer12:25forintot330 forints.adtak,they gavejóllehetalthough, notwithstandingelégenough, quiterosszbad, out of orderállapotbanconditionvolt.came up (in discussion)Azérttherefore, for that reasonvettemI boughtegya, an; onemásikotherkocsit.car, vehicle
- használt
- used
- Mennyiért
- for how much
- jóllehet
- although
- A
- condition
- 5
When are you going to show it to me?
Mikorwhenmutatjashow (v)meglet me examine him, her, itathekocsiját?car - 6
Whenever you wish, but just now it's still in the garage. They're repairing the transmission and replacing the spark plugs.
Akármikor,at any time, whenever you wishdebutmostnowmégstill, yet, in addition, evenathegarázsbangaragevan.I'm busy, I've something to doJavítjákrepair (v)athesebességváltóttransmissionésandújnewgyertyákatspark plug, candletesznekobtain, acquireathemotorba.engine - 7
How many thousand kilometers does the car have?
Hányhow manyezerthousandkilométerkilometervanI'm busy, I've something to doathekocsiban?car, vehicle - 8
Eighty-five thousand. That's why I took it to the garage to be checked before I go on a trip in it. I wouldn't like to have trouble somewhere on the road.
8585ezer.thousandEzérttherefore, for this reasonvittemI tookathekocsitcar, vehicleathegarázsbagarageátvizsgálni,to examine, checkmielőttbeforehasználom.use (v)Nemunless, exceptszeretném,I'd likehogyhow; thatvalaholsomewhere, anywhereazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'országútonhighwaylegyenbe so kind, will you kindlyvalamisome, somethingbaja.What's the matter with you?
- átvizsgálni
- to examine, check
- 9
How many cylinders does the car have?
Hányhow manyhengerescylindermotorenginevanI'm busy, I've something to doathekocsiban?car, vehicle - 10
Six. It has a fifty-eight horsepower motor. My previous car had only four cylinders with forty horsepower.
Hathengeres.six5858lóerőshorsepowermotorenginevanI'm busy, I've something to dobenne.in, inside, withinAzthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'előzőpreviouskocsimbancarcsakonlynégyhengeres,four4040lóerőshorsepowermotorenginevolt.came up (in discussion) - 11
With this car you can easily climb any high hill. Does the car have good tires?
Ezzelwith thisathekocsivalcar, vehicleakármilyenany kind, whatsoevermagastall, highhegyremountainkönnyeneasilyfeluptudknowmajdthen, latermenni.to goVannak-eare (they are, there are)jógoodgumijairubber, tireathekocsijának?car
- lóerős
- horsepower
- benne
- in, inside, within
- előző
- previous
- 12
The two front tires are good but I'll have to change the back ones. The tires are badly worn but I can still use the inner tubes.
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'elsőfirstkéttwogumirubber, tirejó,gooddebutathehátsórear, backgumikatrubber, tirekiwho; outkellis needed, wanted, necessarycserélnem.change (v)Athekülsőoutside, exteriorgumikrubber, tiremáralready, beforenagyonverykopottak,worndebutathebelsőketinside, innermégstill, yet, in addition, eventudomas far as I knowhasználni.to use
- hátsó
- rear, back
- külső
- outside, exterior
- 13
You'll probably be able to find good used tires in one of the auto supply stores while they're repairing the car. Why don't you see if you can get them where I bought my tires?
Biztosansurely, certainlytalálfindjógoodhasználtusedgumikatrubber, tirevalamelyikone or the otheralkatrész-üzletben,partmialattwhilejavítjákrepair (v)athekocsit.car, vehicleMiértwhynemunless, exceptnézilooks atmeglet me examine him, her, itott,there (in that place)aholwhereénIvettemI boughtathegumikat?rubber, tire - 14
All right. Did you get them in the store where we both went the other day?
Jó,goodmegnézem.I look atAbbanin thatazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'üzletbenshopvette,How much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?')ahovato wheremúltkorthe other day, latelyegyütttogethermentünk?we went
- valamelyik
- one or the other
- mialatt
- while
- múltkor
- the other day, recently
- ahova
- where (whither), wherever
- 15
Yes. How much gasoline does your car use?
Igen.yesMennyihow muchbenzintgasolinefogyasztuse up, consumeathekocsija?car - 16
I haven't found out yet. However, the man from whom I bought the car told me that it takes about 18 liters for every hundred kilometers.
Mégstill, yet, in addition, evennemunless, exceptpróbáltamI triedki.who; outDebutazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'ember,man, human beingakitőlwhovettemI boughtathekocsitcar, vehicleaztit meansmondta,say, tellhogyhow; that100100kilométerenkilometerkb.about1818litertliterfogyaszt.use up, consume - 17
That's not bad. What are the brakes like on the car? It's dangerous to drive with bad brakes!
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'nemunless, exceptrossz.bad, out of orderMilyenekwhat's it like, what kind, sort ofathekocsicar, vehiclefékjei?brakeRosszbad, out of orderfékekkelbrakeveszélyesdangeroushajtani!to drive - 18
They work all right. Both the hand brake and the foot brake are in good condition. But I believe I'll have to change one wheel bearing.
Kitűnőenexcellent, superiorműködnek.they work, they functionAthekézifékhand brakeésandathelábféklegjógoodállapotbanconditionvan.I'm busy, I've something to doDebutaztit meanshiszem,I believeathekormánybansteering wheel; government, cabinetegya, an; onegolyóscsapágyatball bearingskiwho; outkellis needed, wanted, necessarycserélni.to change
- 19
I wonder whether they can get bearings in the garage. It's usually hard to get them anywhere except by ordering them from the factory.
Kíváncsicuriousvagyok,I amtudnak-eknowathegarázsbangaragecsapágyatbearingsszerezni.to get, obtainSeholnowhere, no placesemneither, nor, not; not ... eitherlehetit's possiblekapni,to get, receivehacsakunless, exceptnemunless, exceptrendelikorder (v)meglet me examine him, her, itvalamelyikone or the othergyárban.factory - 20
They've already sent for them. The mechanic also ordered a transmission gear.
Máralready, beforemegrendelték.let me examine him, her, itSőt,indeed, moreoveratheszerelőmechanicegya, an; onefogaskereketpike-perch (of Lake Balaton)isalsorendeltorder (v)athesebességváltóhoz.transmission - 21
You'll have to replace many parts in your car. Wouldn't it have been better if you had bought a new automobile?
Sokmuch, many, lotalkatrésztpartkellis needed, wanted, necessarykicserélnito changeathekocsiján.carNemunless, exceptletthe would have been richvolnawould bejobb,better; righthaifegya, an; oneújnewkocsitcar, vehiclevesz?make use of, take advantage of
- Kíváncsi
- curious
- hacsak
- if only, if by any means
- nem
- unless, except
- Sőt
- indeed, moreover
- szerelő
- mechanic
- 22
Don't be funny. The battery is brand new. The motor was recently overhauled. When the car is repaired anyone would give 50,000 forints for it, even if the body is a bit run down.
Nedon't swimvicceljen!jokeAzthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'akkumulátorbatteryvadonatújbrand-newathekocsiban.car, vehicleAthemotortenginenemréglately, recently, not long agogenerálozták.overhaul (a motor)Haifathekocsicar, vehiclekészreadylesz,(he, she, it) will beakárkianybodyadgiveértefor him, her, it50.00050000forintot330 forints.mégeven ifakkoreven ifis,even ifhaeven ifathekarosszériájabody (of car)egya, an; onekicsitsmallkopott.worn
- a
- carburetor
- ha
- even if
- 23
I hope you got a good bargain. Don't forget to put antifreeze in the radiator. It'll be freezing before long.
Remélem,I hopejógoodüzletetget a bargaincsinált.do, makeNedon't swimfelejtsenforgetelaway, offfagyállóantifreezefolyadékotantifreezetennito putathehűtőbe.radiator, cooling apparatusNemsokárasoon, before longfagynito freezefog.catch, hold - 24
Of course I won't forget. I also want to have the oil changed and the car lubricated before winter. We intend to make a lot of trips with the car in the spring.
Dehogyoh no, by no meansfelejtemforgetel!away, offTélwinterelőttbefore, in front ofkiwho; outakaromwant (v)azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'olajatoilisalsocserélnito changeésandlezsíroznito lubricateathekocsit.car, vehicleTavasszalin springsokatDo you smoke very much?akarunkwantkirándulnito make, to go on an excursionathekocsival.car, vehicle
- Dehogy
- oh no, by no means
- lezsírozni
- to lubricate
- 25
But just drive carefully. People who don't obey traffic regulations are very likely to have accidents.
Csakonlyazutánafterwardsóvatosancareful, cautioushajtson!drive (v)Azokthoseazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'emberek,man, human beingakikwhonemunless, excepttartjákkeep pacebein, intoatheközlekedésitrafficszabályokat,regulationkönnyeneasilybalesetetaccidentcsinálnak.you, they do, make - 26
I've been driving for ten years and I know traffic regulations well enough. I haven't had any accidents up to now. But unfortunately last week a policeman gave my wife a ticket.
Tíztenévyearótasincevezetek,drive (v); leadígyso, like thiselégenough, quitejólwellismeremI knowatheközlekedésitrafficszabályokat.regulationEddiguntil, up to now; up to this pointmégstill, yet, in addition, evennemunless, exceptcsináltamdo, makeegya, an; onebalesetetaccidentsem.neither, nor, not; not ... eitherDebutathemúltpast, lasthétennext weeksajnosunfortunatelyathefeleségemetmy wifefelírtagive a ticket (police); prescribe (doctor); write downatherendőr.police (man) - 27
Why? What did she do?
Miért?whyMitwhatcsinált?Why? What did she do?
- 28
I worked overtime and she came to my office to get me ('for me'). Unfortunately she left the car in a no-parking zone.
Túlóráztambeyond, over; tooésandértemunderstandjöttcameathehivatalomba.office, bureauSajnosunfortunatelyottthere (in that place)hagytaleave, let, allowathekocsit,car, vehicleaholwheretilosprohibitedvoltcame up (in discussion)parkolni.to park - 29
Didn't she see the "No Parking" sign?
Nemunless, exceptláttaseeathetáblát,stop signhogyhow; thattilosprohibitedparkolni?to park - 30
She didn't notice it because it was already dark. She had to pay a fine of 30 forints.
Nemunless, exceptvetteHow much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?')észre,mind, brain, reason, sensemertbecausemáralready, beforesötétdarkvolt.came up (in discussion)Harmincthirtyforintforint (Hungarian currency)bírságotfine, penaltykellettis needed, wanted, necessaryfizetnie.to pay
- értem
- for me
- parkolni
- to park
- 31
That happens sometimes. Once I didn't stop at a red light and the police caught me. It cost me 50 forints.
Ezthisnéhasometimesmegtörténik.let me examine him, her, itEgyszeronceénInemunless, exceptálltamstand (v)meglet me examine him, her, itegya, an; onepirosredlámpánállampésandmegfogottcatch, holdatherendőr.police (man)5050forintombaforint (Hungarian currency)került.get, arrive (somewhere) - 32
It certainly is expensive to have a car.
Bizonycertainlydrágaexpensivedologwork, task; thing, matter, stuff, objectgépkocsitcartartani!to keep, hold - 33
I hear that you have a new car. When did you buy it?
Hallom,I'm told, from what I hearhogyhow; thatújnewkocsijacarvan.I'm busy, I've something to doMikorwhenvette?monument - 34
Two weeks ago. However, it's not a new but a used one.
Kéttwohéttelfour weeksezelőtt.formerly, in former timeDebutnemunless, exceptúj,newhanembuthasznált.used - 35
How much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?')
Mennyiértfor how muchvette?How much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?') - 36
Forty thousand forints. They gave me 25,000 forints for my old car, although it was in pretty bad condition. That's why I bought another car.
Negyvenezerfortyforintért.forint (Hungarian currency)Atherégioldkocsimértcarhuszonötezer12:25forintot330 forints.adtak,they gavejóllehetalthough, notwithstandingelégenough, quiterosszbad, out of orderállapotbanconditionvolt.came up (in discussion)Azérttherefore, for that reasonvettemI boughtegya, an; onemásikotherkocsit.car, vehicle - 37
When are you going to show it to me?
Mikorwhenmutatjashow (v)meglet me examine him, her, itathekocsiját?car - 38
Whenever you wish, but just now it's still in the garage. They're repairing the transmission and replacing the spark plugs.
Akármikor,at any time, whenever you wishdebutmostnowmégstill, yet, in addition, evenathegarázsbangaragevan.I'm busy, I've something to doJavítjákrepair (v)athesebességváltóttransmissionésandújnewgyertyákatspark plug, candletesznekobtain, acquireathemotorba.engine - 39
How many thousand kilometers does the car have?
Hányhow manyezerthousandkilométerkilometervanI'm busy, I've something to doathekocsiban?car, vehicle - 40
Eighty-five thousand. That's why I took it to the garage to be checked before I go on a trip in it. I wouldn't like to have trouble somewhere on the road.
8585ezer.thousandEzérttherefore, for this reasonvittemI tookathekocsitcar, vehicleathegarázsbagarageátvizsgálni,to examine, checkmielőttbeforehasználom.use (v)Nemunless, exceptszeretném,I'd likehogyhow; thatvalaholsomewhere, anywhereazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'országútonhighwaylegyenbe so kind, will you kindlyvalamisome, somethingbaja.What's the matter with you? - 41
How many cylinders does the car have?
Hányhow manyhengerescylindermotorenginevanI'm busy, I've something to doathekocsiban?car, vehicle - 42
Six. It has a fifty-eight horsepower motor. My previous car had only four cylinders with forty horsepower.
Hathengeres.six5858lóerőshorsepowermotorenginevanI'm busy, I've something to dobenne.in, inside, withinAzthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'előzőpreviouskocsimbancarcsakonlynégyhengeres,four4040lóerőshorsepowermotorenginevolt.came up (in discussion) - 43
With this car you can easily climb any high hill. Does the car have good tires?
Ezzelwith thisathekocsivalcar, vehicleakármilyenany kind, whatsoevermagastall, highhegyremountainkönnyeneasilyfeluptudknowmajdthen, latermenni.to goVannak-eare (they are, there are)jógoodgumijairubber, tireathekocsijának?car - 44
The two front tires are good but I'll have to change the back ones. The tires are badly worn but I can still use the inner tubes.
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'elsőfirstkéttwogumirubber, tirejó,gooddebutathehátsórear, backgumikatrubber, tirekiwho; outkellis needed, wanted, necessarycserélnem.change (v)Athekülsőoutside, exteriorgumikrubber, tiremáralready, beforenagyonverykopottak,worndebutathebelsőketinside, innermégstill, yet, in addition, eventudomas far as I knowhasználni.to use - 45
You'll probably be able to find good used tires in one of the auto supply stores while they're repairing the car. Why don't you see if you can get them where I bought my tires?
Biztosansurely, certainlytalálfindjógoodhasználtusedgumikatrubber, tirevalamelyikone or the otheralkatrész-üzletben,partmialattwhilejavítjákrepair (v)athekocsit.car, vehicleMiértwhynemunless, exceptnézilooks atmeglet me examine him, her, itott,there (in that place)aholwhereénIvettemI boughtathegumikat?rubber, tire - 46
All right. Did you get them in the store where we both went the other day?
Jó,goodmegnézem.I look atAbbanin thatazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'üzletbenshopvette,How much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?')ahovato wheremúltkorthe other day, latelyegyütttogethermentünk?we went - 47
Yes. How much gasoline does your car use?
Igen.yesMennyihow muchbenzintgasolinefogyasztuse up, consumeathekocsija?car - 48
I haven't found out yet. However, the man from whom I bought the car told me that it takes about 18 liters for every hundred kilometers.
Mégstill, yet, in addition, evennemunless, exceptpróbáltamI triedki.who; outDebutazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'ember,man, human beingakitőlwhovettemI boughtathekocsitcar, vehicleaztit meansmondta,say, tellhogyhow; that100100kilométerenkilometerkb.about1818litertliterfogyaszt.use up, consume - 49
That's not bad. What are the brakes like on the car? It's dangerous to drive with bad brakes!
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'nemunless, exceptrossz.bad, out of orderMilyenekwhat's it like, what kind, sort ofathekocsicar, vehiclefékjei?brakeRosszbad, out of orderfékekkelbrakeveszélyesdangeroushajtani!to drive - 50
They work all right. Both the hand brake and the foot brake are in good condition. But I believe I'll have to change one wheel bearing.
Kitűnőenexcellent, superiorműködnek.they work, they functionAthekézifékhand brakeésandathelábféklegjógoodállapotbanconditionvan.I'm busy, I've something to doDebutaztit meanshiszem,I believeathekormánybansteering wheel; government, cabinetegya, an; onegolyóscsapágyatball bearingskiwho; outkellis needed, wanted, necessarycserélni.to change - 51
I wonder whether they can get bearings in the garage. It's usually hard to get them anywhere except by ordering them from the factory.
Kíváncsicuriousvagyok,I amtudnak-eknowathegarázsbangaragecsapágyatbearingsszerezni.to get, obtainSeholnowhere, no placesemneither, nor, not; not ... eitherlehetit's possiblekapni,to get, receivehacsakunless, exceptnemunless, exceptrendelikorder (v)meglet me examine him, her, itvalamelyikone or the othergyárban.factory - 52
They've already sent for them. The mechanic also ordered a transmission gear.
Máralready, beforemegrendelték.let me examine him, her, itSőt,indeed, moreoveratheszerelőmechanicegya, an; onefogaskereketpike-perch (of Lake Balaton)isalsorendeltorder (v)athesebességváltóhoz.transmission - 53
You'll have to replace many parts in your car. Wouldn't it have been better if you had bought a new automobile?
Sokmuch, many, lotalkatrésztpartkellis needed, wanted, necessarykicserélnito changeathekocsiján.carNemunless, exceptletthe would have been richvolnawould bejobb,better; righthaifegya, an; oneújnewkocsitcar, vehiclevesz?make use of, take advantage of - 54
Don't be funny. The battery is brand new. The motor was recently overhauled. When the car is repaired anyone would give 50,000 forints for it, even if the body is a bit run down.
Nedon't swimvicceljen!jokeAzthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'akkumulátorbatteryvadonatújbrand-newathekocsiban.car, vehicleAthemotortenginenemréglately, recently, not long agogenerálozták.overhaul (a motor)Haifathekocsicar, vehiclekészreadylesz,(he, she, it) will beakárkianybodyadgiveértefor him, her, it50.00050000forintot330 forints.mégeven ifakkoreven ifis,even ifhaeven ifathekarosszériájabody (of car)egya, an; onekicsitsmallkopott.worn - 55
I hope you got a good bargain. Don't forget to put antifreeze in the radiator. It'll be freezing before long.
Remélem,I hopejógoodüzletetget a bargaincsinált.do, makeNedon't swimfelejtsenforgetelaway, offfagyállóantifreezefolyadékotantifreezetennito putathehűtőbe.radiator, cooling apparatusNemsokárasoon, before longfagynito freezefog.catch, hold - 56
Of course I won't forget. I also want to have the oil changed and the car lubricated before winter. We intend to make a lot of trips with the car in the spring.
Dehogyoh no, by no meansfelejtemforgetel!away, offTélwinterelőttbefore, in front ofkiwho; outakaromwant (v)azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'olajatoilisalsocserélnito changeésandlezsíroznito lubricateathekocsit.car, vehicleTavasszalin springsokatDo you smoke very much?akarunkwantkirándulnito make, to go on an excursionathekocsival.car, vehicle - 57
But just drive carefully. People who don't obey traffic regulations are very likely to have accidents.
Csakonlyazutánafterwardsóvatosancareful, cautioushajtson!drive (v)Azokthoseazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'emberek,man, human beingakikwhonemunless, excepttartjákkeep pacebein, intoatheközlekedésitrafficszabályokat,regulationkönnyeneasilybalesetetaccidentcsinálnak.you, they do, make - 58
I've been driving for ten years and I know traffic regulations well enough. I haven't had any accidents up to now. But unfortunately last week a policeman gave my wife a ticket.
Tíztenévyearótasincevezetek,drive (v); leadígyso, like thiselégenough, quitejólwellismeremI knowatheközlekedésitrafficszabályokat.regulationEddiguntil, up to now; up to this pointmégstill, yet, in addition, evennemunless, exceptcsináltamdo, makeegya, an; onebalesetetaccidentsem.neither, nor, not; not ... eitherDebutathemúltpast, lasthétennext weeksajnosunfortunatelyathefeleségemetmy wifefelírtagive a ticket (police); prescribe (doctor); write downatherendőr.police (man) - 59
Why? What did she do?
Miért?whyMitwhatcsinált?Why? What did she do? - 60
I worked overtime and she came to my office to get me ('for me'). Unfortunately she left the car in a no-parking zone.
Túlóráztambeyond, over; tooésandértemunderstandjöttcameathehivatalomba.office, bureauSajnosunfortunatelyottthere (in that place)hagytaleave, let, allowathekocsit,car, vehicleaholwheretilosprohibitedvoltcame up (in discussion)parkolni.to park - 61
Didn't she see the "No Parking" sign?
Nemunless, exceptláttaseeathetáblát,stop signhogyhow; thattilosprohibitedparkolni?to park - 62
She didn't notice it because it was already dark. She had to pay a fine of 30 forints.
Nemunless, exceptvetteHow much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?')észre,mind, brain, reason, sensemertbecausemáralready, beforesötétdarkvolt.came up (in discussion)Harmincthirtyforintforint (Hungarian currency)bírságotfine, penaltykellettis needed, wanted, necessaryfizetnie.to pay - 63
That happens sometimes. Once I didn't stop at a red light and the police caught me. It cost me 50 forints.
Ezthisnéhasometimesmegtörténik.let me examine him, her, itEgyszeronceénInemunless, exceptálltamstand (v)meglet me examine him, her, itegya, an; onepirosredlámpánállampésandmegfogottcatch, holdatherendőr.police (man)5050forintombaforint (Hungarian currency)került.get, arrive (somewhere) - 64
It certainly is expensive to have a car.
Bizonycertainlydrágaexpensivedologwork, task; thing, matter, stuff, objectgépkocsitcartartani!to keep, hold
Közmondások - Proverbs
Ahol: a- before a question word
Sajnos ott hagyta a kocsit, ahol tilos volt parkolni. Unfortunately she left the car in a no-parking zone.
Ahol is 'where' at the head of a clause. Many words that begin a clause are a question word with a- in front.
Hol, ahol. Hova, ahova. Ki, aki. Mikor, amikor. Milyen, amilyen.
Before, while, although
Ezért vittem a kocsit a garázsba átvizsgálni, mielőtt használom. That's why I took it to the garage to be checked before I go on a trip in it.
Some words that begin a clause are built on postpositions: mielőtt, before. Mialatt, while. Miután, after. Other words of this kind: bár and jóllehet, although. Még akkor is, even if.
The tables pair each word in a- with its question word, then list the words built on postpositions, then the others.
Subordinate Clauses and Clause Introducers, 1 of 4
Subordinate Clauses and Clause Introducers, 2 of 4
Subordinate Clauses and Clause Introducers, 3 of 4
Subordinate Clauses and Clause Introducers, 4 of 4
Somewhere, any time, everyone
Nem szeretném, hogy valahol az országúton legyen valami baja. I wouldn't like to have trouble somewhere on the road.
Valahol and valami are compounds. Most words of this kind join vala-, akár-, bár- or minden- to a question word. Valahol, somewhere. Valami, something. Mindenki, everybody.
The forms in akár- mean 'any': akárki, anyone. Akármikor, whenever you wish.
The table gives the four kinds side by side, one question word to a row.
Indefinite Forms, 1 of 4
Indefinite Forms, 2 of 4
Indefinite Forms, 3 of 4
Indefinite Forms, 4 of 4
Nobody, nowhere: sem- and se-
Sehol sem lehet kapni. You cannot get them anywhere.
Most negatives are sem- or se- with a question word: semmi, nothing. Sehol, nowhere. Before k, sem- becomes sen-: senki, nobody.
The table lists them. Soha, never, is one of them.
Negatives
- 65
However much is said, it comes down to one thing in the end.
Százhundredszónakwordisalsoegya, an; oneathevége.end (n) - 66
Whoever does not work should not eat either.
Akiwhonemunless, exceptdolgozik,work (v)nedon't swimisalsoegyék.one; a (an) - 67
If a remark is not about you, do not take it to yourself.
Kinekto whomnemunless, exceptinge,shirtnedon't swimvegyebuymagára.you; yourself, himself, herself - 68
Do not give up an old friend for a new one.
Újnewbarátértfriendelaway, offnedon't swimhagydleave, let, allowatherégit.old - 69
If God is with us, who can be against us?
HaifIstenGodvelünk,with uskiwho; outellenünk?against
C. Subordinate Clauses and Clause Introducers
In preceding units we have had many examples of dependent (or subordinate) clauses. You may have noticed that most of these were introduced by the word hogy. This unit contains many additional clause introducers; several are formed directly from interrogatives:
| | |
aki | ki | ahova | hova
ami | mi | ahol | hol
amely | mely | ahonnan | honnan
amelyik | melyik | amerre | merre
| | ameddig | meddig
amilyen | milyen | amióta | mióta
amekkora | mekkora | amikor | mikor
| | ahogyan | hogyan
amennyi | mennyi | ahogy | hogy
ahány | hány | |
Notice the following which are based on postpositions:
|
mielőtt | before
mialatt | while
miközben | while
miután | after
mióta | since
mihelyt | as soon as
Other subordinate conjunctions and clause introducers:
|
bár | although
dacára | notwithstanding
hacsak | if only
jóllehet | although
még akkor is | even ifD. Indefinite Forms
The following compound forms (often called 'indefinite forms') are frequently used in Hungarian. Note that most of the words in the list are compounds of vala-, akár-, bár- or minden- (mind-) plus an interrogative:
| | |
valaki | akárki | bárki | mindenki
valami | akármi | bármi | -
valamelyik | akármelyik | bármelyik | mindegyik
valamilyen | akármilyen | bármilyen | -
valamiféle | akármiféle | bármiféle | mindenféle
valamekkora | akármekkora | bármekkora | -
valamennyi | akármennyi | bármennyi | -
valahány | akárhány | - | -
valahova | akárhova | bárhova | mindenhova
valahol | akárhol | bárhol | mindenhol
valahonnan | akárhonnan | bárhonnan | mindenhonnan
valamerre | akármerre | bármerre | -
valameddig | akármeddig | bármeddig | -
valamikor | akármikor | bármikor | mindenkor
valahogy | akárhogy | bárhogy | mindenhogy
valahogyan | akárhogyan | bárhogyan | mindenhogyan
valaha | - | - | -E. Negatives
Many negative forms are likewise compounds with an interrogative as a base. Among the negatives following, most fit the pattern sem- (sen before k) or se- plus an interrogative:
|
senki | sehova
semmi | sehol
semelyik | sehonnan
| semerre
semmilyen | semeddig
semmiféle | semmikor
semekkora | soha
| sehogy
semennyi | sehogyan
sehány | semmiképpenNotes on Grammar: The Suffix -ért
For: -ért
Mennyiért vette? How much did you pay for it? Negyvenezer forintért. Forty thousand forints.
The ending -ért is 'for': in exchange for, for the sake of, because of, on behalf of. Ötven forintért vette. He bought it for fifty forints.
A családjáért dolgozik. He works for his family. Miért, 'for what', is 'why': Miért tanul magyarul? Why do you study Hungarian?
For me: értem
Túlóráztam és értem jött a hivatalomba. I worked overtime and she came to my office to get me.
With personal endings, -ért stands as a word of its own: értem, for me. Érte, for him or her. Értünk, for us.
The table gives the six forms.
The Suffix -ért
- 70
I'm going for Mary.
MáriáértMarymegyek.I go - 71
He bought it for fifty forints.
Ötvenfiftyforintértforint (Hungarian currency)vette.How much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?') - 72
He works for his family.
Athecsaládjáértfamilydolgozik.work (v) - 73
Why do you study Hungarian?
Miértwhytanullearn, studymagyarul?in Hungarian - 74
They fight for the country.
Athehazáérthome; fatherlandharcolnak.they fight
A. The Suffix -ért
The causal ending -ért corresponds to English 'for' (in exchange for, for the purpose of, for the sake of, by reason of, because of, on behalf of).
Máriáért megyek. I'm going for Mary.
Ötven forintért vette. He bought it for fifty forints.
A családjáért dolgozik. He works for his family.
Miért tanul magyarul? Why do you study Hungarian?
A hazáért harcolnak. They fight for the country.
The causal form of personal pronouns:
|
értem | értünk
érted | értetek
érte | értükNotes on Grammar: The Interrogative Particle -e
Whether: -e
Kíváncsi vagyok, tudnak-e a garázsban csapágyat szerezni. I wonder whether they can get bearings in the garage.
The particle -e asks whether something is so. It goes on the predicate: a verb, an adjective or a noun. In writing it takes a hyphen.
Nem tudom, hogy igaz-e. I don't know if it's true. Látta-e Évát? Have you seen Eve?
Vajon: I wonder
Vajon hol van most? I wonder where he is now.
Before a statement, vajon is 'I wonder'. At the head of a dependent clause it is 'whether' or 'if'. With vajon, -e is often left out.
Vajon eljön Péter? I wonder if Peter is coming. A question with a question word never takes -e. Hol van az állomás? Where is the station?
- 75
He asks me whether I'm going.
Aztit meanskérdezi,ask (a question)hogyhow; thatmegyek-e.I go - 76
Have you seen Eve?
Látta-eseeÉvát?Eve - 77
I don't know if it's true.
Nemunless, excepttudom,as far as I knowhogyhow; thatigaz-e.true, real - 78
He was curious about whether that boy was John.
Kíváncsicuriousvolt,came up (in discussion)János-eJohnazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'athegyerek.child - 79
I wonder if Péter is coming.
VajonI wonder, whether, ifeljöncomes along(-e)this month'sPéter?Peter - 80
I wonder if he has learned the lesson.
VajonI wonder, whether, ifmegtanultalet me examine him, her, it(-e)this month'satheleckét?lesson - 81
I wonder if they will transfer him to Europe.
VajonI wonder, whether, ifáthelyeziktransfer (v)(-e)this month'sEurópába?Europe - 82
I don't know whether we can buy the house.
Nemunless, excepttudom,as far as I knowvajonI wonder, whether, ifmeglet me examine him, her, ittudjuk-eknowvennito buy, takeatheházat.house - 83
I wonder who can tell.
VajonI wonder, whether, ifkiwho; outtudjaknowmegmondani?to tell - 84
I wonder where he is now.
VajonI wonder, whether, ifholwherevanI'm busy, I've something to domost?now - 85
Where's the railroad station?
HolwherevanI'm busy, I've something to doazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'állomás?the railroad station
B. The Interrogative Particle -e
In Hungarian the interrogative particle -e is usually suffixed to the predicate (verb, adjective, noun).
Azt kérdezi, hogy megyek-e. He asks me whether I'm going.
Látta-e Évát? Have you seen Eve?
Nem tudom, hogy igaz-e. I don't know if it's true.
Kíváncsi volt, János-e az a gyerek. He was curious about whether that boy was John.
Note that in the written form -e is hyphenated to the predicate.
The word vajon commonly introduces an indirect question. Before an independent statement it corresponds to English 'I wonder'; as the first element of a dependent clause, it has the same meaning as 'whether' or 'if'. In this connection, when vajon is used, -e is often omitted. Also, -e never occurs in a question introduced with a question word.
Vajon eljön (-e) Péter?
Vajon megtanulta (-e) a leckét?
Vajon áthelyezik (-e) Európába?
Nem tudom, vajon meg tudjuk-e venni a házat.
Vajon ki tudja megmondani?
Vajon hol van most?
Hol van az állomás?Substitution Drill
- 86
I'm curious about whether they can get one.
KíváncsicuriousvagyokI amtudnak-eknowszerezni.to get, obtain - 87
I asked her if she was coming.
Kérdeztem,ask (a question)hogyhow; thatjön-e.come
- 88
I asked her if she was coming.
Kérdeztem,ask (a question)hogyhow; thatjön-e.come - 89
He asked me whether I knew him.
Aztit meanskérdezte,ask (a question)hogyhow; thatismerem-e?I know - 90
I don't know whether we're going.
Nemunless, excepttudom,as far as I knowhogyhow; thatmegyünk-e.we go
- 91
I don't know whether we're going.
Nemunless, excepttudom,as far as I knowhogyhow; thatmegyünk-e.we go - 92
I wonder whether she's coming.
VajonI wonder, whether, ifjön-e?come - 93
He sent his son for bread.
Elküldtesent (him) awayathefiáthis sonkenyérért.bread
- 94
He sent his son for bread.
Elküldtesent (him) awayathefiáthis sonkenyérért.bread
Variation Drill
- 95
I paid 9 forints for the meat.
Kilencnineforintot330 forints.fizettempayathehúsért.for meat - 96
Are you going back for your wife?
Visszamegygo back, returnathefeleségéért?wife - 97
He sent his wife for me.
Elküldtesent (him) awayathefeleségétwifeértem.understand - 98
There's someone in the living room.
ValakisomebodyvanI'm busy, I've something to doathenappaliban.living room
- 99
There's someone in the living room.
ValakisomebodyvanI'm busy, I've something to doathenappaliban.living room - 100
Is something wrong?
VanI'm busy, I've something to dovalamisome, somethingbaj?trouble, ill, evil - 101
Put the flowers into one vase or the other.
Tegyeput down (command)athevirágotflowervalamelyikone or the othervázába.vase - 102
I've already seen this man somewhere.
Máralready, beforeláttamI saweztGood, I'll buy this one.azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'embertman, human beingvalahol.somewhere, anywhere
- 103
I've already seen this man somewhere.
Máralready, beforeláttamI saweztGood, I'll buy this one.azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'embertman, human beingvalahol.somewhere, anywhere - 104
They opened all the bags.
Valamennyievery, all of themcsomagotluggage, parcelkinyitották.open (v) - 105
I did ('wrote') the homework somehow.
Valahogyansomehowmegírtamlet me examine him, her, itatheházihomeworkfeladatot.they're doing their homework - 106
Anyone will give 40,000 forints for it.
Akárkianybodyadgiveértefor him, her, it4040ezerthousandforintot.330 forints.
- 107
Anyone will give 40,000 forints for it.
Akárkianybodyadgiveértefor him, her, it4040ezerthousandforintot.330 forints. - 108
You can't take just anything in your luggage.
Nemunless, exceptlehetit's possibleakármitanything at allvinnito carry, takeathecsomagjában.luggage, parcel - 109
Any book will do for me.
Bármelyikalthoughkönyvbookjógoodlesz.(he, she, it) will be - 110
No matter how much he offers, I'm not going to give it.
Akármennyithowever muchígér,promise (v)nemunless, exceptadomI give itoda.there (to that place)
- 111
Whenever I ask him, he doesn't say anything.
Bármikorat any time, whenever you wishkérdezem,ask (a question)csakonlyhallgat.listen; be silent - 112
I'll buy it at any price.
Akármilyenany kind, whatsoeveráronat a pricemegveszem.I buy - 113
However much he may want to, he can't buy it.
Akárhogyanhowever, in any wayisalsoakarja,wantsnemunless, excepttudjaknowmegvenni.let me examine him, her, it - 114
I have a good time wherever I may be.
Akárholanywherevagyok,I amjólwellérzemI feelmagam.myself
- 115
I have a good time wherever I may be.
Akárholanywherevagyok,I amjólwellérzemI feelmagam.myself - 116
I saw nobody.
Nemunless, exceptláttamI sawsenkitnobodysem.neither, nor, not; not ... either - 117
Nothing was left.
Nemunless, exceptmaradtstay, remainsemminothingsem.neither, nor, not; not ... either - 118
It didn't rain anywhere.
Seholnowhere, no placesemneither, nor, not; not ... eitheresettcaseazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'eső.rain
- 119
It didn't rain anywhere.
Seholnowhere, no placesemneither, nor, not; not ... eitheresettcaseazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'eső.rain - 120
Everybody, who is anybody, was there.
Mindenkieverybodyottthere (in that place)volt,came up (in discussion)akiwhovalaki.somebody - 121
A man came in while he was waiting in the corridor.
Mialattwhileathefolyosóncorridorvárt,wait (v)bejöttcame inegya, an; oneember.man, human being - 122
They left before I came.
Elmentek,they left; you (plural) leavemielőttbeforemegjöttem.let me examine him, her, it
- 123
They left before I came.
Elmentek,they left; you (plural) leavemielőttbeforemegjöttem.let me examine him, her, it - 124
I'm going even if it rains.
Elmegyek,go away, leavemégeven ifakkoreven ifis,even ifhaeven ifesik.fall, drop; it rains - 125
He didn't come although he promised.
Nemunless, exceptjöttcameel,away, offjóllehetalthough, notwithstandingmegígérte.promise (v) - 126
Where you go I'll go too.
ÉnIisalsoodamegyek,there (to that place)ahovato wheremagayou; yourself, himself, herselfmegy.(she) gets married - 127
The man from whom I got it has already left.
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'ember,man, human beingakitőlwhokaptam,get, receivemáralready, beforeelment.went away, left
- 128
The man from whom I got it has already left.
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'ember,man, human beingakitőlwhokaptam,get, receivemáralready, beforeelment.went away, left - 129
I don't know the man who is standing in front of the church.
Aztit meansatheférfit,man, maleakiwhoathetemplomchurchelőttbefore, in front ofáll,stand (v)nemunless, exceptismerem.I know - 130
I came when the teacher came.
Akkorthen, at that timejöttem,I cameamikorwhenathetanárteacher, professorjött.came
Transformation Drill
- 133
Valaki van az ajtónál.
Somebody is at the door.
Translation Drill
- 134
Szabó took his car to the garage to be checked.
Szabótailorbevittetook it inátvizsgálnito examine, checkathekocsijátcarathegarázsba.garage - 135
Last week he had a lot of trouble on the road with the engine.
Athemúltpast, lasthétennext weeksokmuch, many, lotbajaWhat's the matter with you?voltcame up (in discussion)athemotorralengineazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'országúton.highway - 136
The car was quite old and he had used it a lot.
Athekocsicar, vehicleelégenough, quiterégioldvoltcame up (in discussion)ésandsokatDo you smoke very much?használta.used - 137
He wanted to buy another car with a smaller engine.
Akartwant (v)egya, an; onemásikotherkocsitcar, vehiclevenni,to buy, takekisebbsmaller, lessmotorral.engine - 138
But he never had enough money to buy another car.
Debutsohasemnevervoltcame up (in discussion)nekito him (her)elégenough, quitepénzemoneyegya, an; onemásikotherkocsitcar, vehiclevenni.to buy, take - 139
The six-cylinder engine used a lot of gasoline.
Athehathengeressixmotorenginesokmuch, many, lotbenzintgasolinefogyasztott.use up, consume - 140
His friend had a four-cylinder engine in his car.
Athebarátjánakfriendnégyhengeresfourmotorenginevoltcame up (in discussion)athekocsijában.car - 141
It used only 15 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers.
Nekito him (her)100100kilométerenkilometercsakonly1515literliterbenzingasolinekellett.is needed, wanted, necessary - 142
The mechanic in the garage told him they'd have to replace a lot of parts in his car.
Atheszerelőmechanicathegarázsbangarageaztit meansmondta,say, tellhogyhow; thatsokmuch, many, lotalkatrésztpartkellis needed, wanted, necessarykicserélnito changeathekocsijában.car - 143
One of the gears in the transmission was broken.
Athesebességváltóbantransmissionegya, an; onefogaskerékgeareltörött.break (v) - 144
One of the wheel bearings had to be changed also.
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'egyikone of thegolyóscsapágyatball bearingsisalsokiwho; outkellettis needed, wanted, necessarycserélni.to change - 145
The spark plugs were very old and worn out.
Athegyertyákspark plug, candleathemotorbanenginenagyonveryöregekoldésandhasználtakusedvoltak.came up (in discussion) - 146
The hand brake had to be repaired also.
Athekézifékéthand brakeisalsomeglet me examine him, her, itkellettis needed, wanted, necessaryjavítani.to repair
- 147
The engine was overhauled five years ago.
Athemotortengineötfiveévvela half a yearezelőttformerly, in former timegenerálozták.overhaul (a motor) - 148
Lately he has not gone on longer trips in his car.
Mostanábanlately, nowadaysnemunless, exceptmentwentathekocsivalcar, vehiclehosszabblongerútra.on a journey, on the road - 149
He was afraid that any minute the engine would go dead.
Félt,be afraid, fearhogyhow; thatakármelyikwhichever, anypercbenminutemegállstop (v)athemotor.engine - 150
He always had trouble with the car.
Mindigalwaysvalamisome, somethingbajaWhat's the matter with you?voltcame up (in discussion)athekocsival.car, vehicle - 151
He recently bought two tires and an inner tube.
Nemréglately, recently, not long agovettmonumentkéttwokülsőoutside, exteriorésandegya, an; onebelsőinside, innergumit.rubber, tire - 152
But his third tire wasn't good either.
Debutatheharmadikthirdgumijarubber, tiresemneither, nor, not; not ... eithervoltcame up (in discussion)jó.good - 153
Once he got a flat tire downtown and had to change the tire in the middle of the street.
Egyszeronceathebelvárosbandowntowndefektetbreakdown, flat tire, defectkapottget, receiveésandazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'utcastreetközepénmiddlekellettis needed, wanted, necessarykicserélnieto changeathekereket.wheel, tire - 154
The traffic stopped and the policeman went there.
Atheforgalomtraffic; trade, commercemegálltstop (v)ésandodamentthere (to that place)atherendőr.police (man) - 155
The policeman told him that it was dangerous to drive with such a bad tire.
Atherendőrpolice (man)aztit meansmondta,say, tellhogyhow; thatilyensuch, of this kindrosszbad, out of ordergumivalrubber, tireveszélyesdangeroushajtani.to drive - 156
Up until then Szabó had never gotten a ticket.
Szabóttailormégstill, yet, in addition, eveneddiguntil, up to now; up to this pointsohasemneverírtawrote itfelupatherendőr.police (man) - 157
He always drove carefully and that's why he never had an accident.
Mindigalwaysóvatosancareful, cautioushajtottdrive (v)ésandezérttherefore, for this reasonnemunless, exceptcsináltWhy? What did she do?mégstill, yet, in addition, evensohasemneverbalesetet.accident - 158
However, he had to go everywhere in the city in his car.
Pedighowever, but, yet, nevertheless, on the other handathevárosbanthe citymindenhovaeverything, allathekocsijávalcarkellettis needed, wanted, necessarymennie.to go - 159
Every day after work he went for his wife.
Mindennapevery day, dailyelmentwent away, leftathefeleségéértwifemunkawork, labor, jobután.after, following
- 160
It was very hard to park where his wife's office was.
Ott,there (in that place)aholwhereathefeleségeyour, his wifehivatalaoffice, bureauvolt,came up (in discussion)nagyonverynehézdifficult, heavyvoltcame up (in discussion)parkolni.to park - 161
They had 'No Parking' signs on both sides of the street.
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'utcastreetmindkétall, every, eacholdalánside; page'parkolnito parktilos'prohibitedtáblastop signvolt.came up (in discussion) - 162
If anybody parked there, he had to pay a fine of 30 forints.
Haifvalakisomebodyottthere (in that place)parkolt,park (v)3030forintforint (Hungarian currency)bírságotfine, penaltykellettis needed, wanted, necessaryfizetnie.to pay - 163
Szabó always obeyed the traffic regulations.
Szabótailormindigalwaysbetartottakeep, observeatheközlekedésitrafficszabályokat.regulation
Response Drill
- 164
When did Fekete buy his car?
MikorwhenvetteHow much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?')Feketeblack; black coffeeathekocsiját?car - 165
Did he buy a new or a used car?
Újnewvagyorhasználtusedkocsitcar, vehiclevett?monument - 166
How much did he pay for the car?
MennyiértHow much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?')vetteHow much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?')athegépkocsit?car - 167
How much did they give for his old car?
Mennyithow muchadtakthey gaveatherégioldautójáért?automobile - 168
What was his old car like, and what is his new car like?
Milyenwhat's it like, what kind, sort ofvoltcame up (in discussion)atherégioldésandmilyenwhat's it like, what kind, sort ofazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'újnewkocsija?car - 169
When will Fekete show the car to Kemény?
Mikorwhenmutatjashow (v)meglet me examine him, her, itFeketeblack; black coffeeathekocsitcar, vehicleKeménynek?hard - 170
How many thousand kilometers has the car already run?
Hányhow manyezerthousandkilométertkilometerszaladtrunmáralready, beforeathekocsi?car, vehicle - 171
Why did Fekete take the car to the garage?
Miértwhyvittetook it, carried itFeketeblack; black coffeeathekocsitcar, vehicleathegarázsba?garage - 172
What are they repairing on the car in the garage?
Mitwhatjavítanakrepair (v)athekocsincar, vehicleathegarázsban?garage
- 173
How many cylinders and how many horsepower does the engine in the car have?
Hányhow manyhengerescylinderésandhányhow manylóerőshorsepowermotorenginevanI'm busy, I've something to doathekocsiban?car, vehicle - 174
What was the engine like in his old car?
Milyenwhat's it like, what kind, sort ofvoltcame up (in discussion)athemotorengineatherégioldkocsijában?car - 175
Does the car have good tires?
Vannakare (they are, there are)athekocsinakcar, vehiclejógoodkülsőoutside, exteriorgumijai?rubber, tire - 176
Are the front tires or the rear tires worn?
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'elsőfirstvagyorathehátsórear, backgumikrubber, tirekopottak?worn - 177
Do the tires or the inner tubes have to be replaced?
Athekülsőoutside, exteriorvagyorathebelsőinside, innergumikatrubber, tirekellis needed, wanted, necessarykicserélni?to change - 178
How much gasoline does the car use?
Mennyithow muchfogyasztuse up, consumeathekocsi?car, vehicle - 179
What kind of brakes does the car have?
Milyenwhat's it like, what kind, sort offékekbrakevannakare (they are, there are)athekocsin?car, vehicle - 180
What condition is the hand brake in?
Milyenwhat's it like, what kind, sort ofállapotbanconditionvanI'm busy, I've something to doathekézifék?hand brake - 181
What has to be replaced in the transmission?
Mitwhatkellis needed, wanted, necessarykicserélnito changeathesebességváltóban?transmission
- 182
Where does the mechanic want to buy ball bearings?
Holwhereakarwant (v)golyóscsapágyatball bearingsvennito buy, takeatheszerelő?mechanic - 183
What other part did he order from the factory?
Milyenwhat's it like, what kind, sort ofmáselse, other, differentalkatrésztpartrendeltorder (v)mégstill, yet, in addition, evenathegyárból?factory - 184
What other new parts does the car have?
Milyenwhat's it like, what kind, sort ofújnewalkatrészekpartvannakare (they are, there are)mégstill, yet, in addition, evenathekocsin?car, vehicle - 185
When the car is ready, who will give 50,000 forints for it?
Haifkészreadylesz(he, she, it) will beathekocsi,car, vehiclekiwho; outadgiveértefor him, her, it5050ezerthousandforintot?330 forints. - 186
What has to be put in the car before winter?
Mitwhatkellis needed, wanted, necessarytélwinterelőttbefore, in front oftennito putathekocsiba?car, vehicle - 187
What kind of car do you have?
Magánakis becoming to you, suits youmilyenwhat's it like, what kind, sort ofkocsijacarvan?I'm busy, I've something to do - 188
How old is your car?
Hányhow oldéveshow oldathekocsija?car - 189
How much did you buy your car for?
MennyiértHow much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?')vetteHow much did you pay for it? ('For how much did you buy it?')athekocsiját?car - 190
Have you had much trouble with your car?
Sokmuch, many, lotbajaWhat's the matter with you?voltcame up (in discussion)athekocsival?car, vehicle
- 191
How much does your car use?
Mennyithow muchfogyasztuse up, consumeathekocsija?car - 192
Has a policeman ever given you a ticket?
Felírtagive a ticket (police); prescribe (doctor); write downmáralready, beforemagátbehave wellatherendőr?police (man) - 193
How much of a fine did you have to pay?
Mennyihow muchbírságotfine, penaltykellettis needed, wanted, necessaryfizetnie?to pay
Conversation Practice 1
- 194
I heard that you bought a new car.
Hallottam,hearhogyhow; thatújnewkocsitcar, vehiclevett.monument - 195
I didn't buy a new one, but a used one.
Nemunless, exceptújat,a new one (object)hanembuthasználtatusedvettem.I bought - 196
How many cylinders does the engine in your car have?
Hányhow manyhengerescylindermotorenginevanI'm busy, I've something to doathekocsijában?car - 197
It has a six-cylinder, seventy-two horsepower engine.
Hathengeres,six7272lóerőshorsepowermotorenginevanI'm busy, I've something to dobenne.in, inside, within - 198
Didn't you have to buy any new parts?
Nemunless, exceptkellettis needed, wanted, necessaryújnewalkatrészeketpartvenni?to buy, take - 199
Yes, I did. They replaced the starter and the radiator.
Debutigen.yesAzthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'önindítótself-starterésandathehűtőtradiator, cooling apparatuskicserélték.exchange (v) - 200
Are the lights on the car good?
Jógoodathevilágításlight, illuminationathekocsin?car, vehicle - 201
Good enough; there's a new battery in the car.
Elégenough, quitejó;goodújnewakkumulátorbatteryvanI'm busy, I've something to doathekocsiban.car, vehicle
Conversation Practice 2
- 202
How much does your car use?
Mennyithow muchfogyasztuse up, consumeathekocsija?car - 203
It goes 100 kilometers on 15 liters of gasoline.
100100kilométertkilometermegy(she) gets married1515literliterbenzinnel.gasoline - 204
That's quite a lot. Why don't you replace the carburetor?
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'elégenough, quitesok.much, many, lotMiértwhynemunless, exceptcserélichange (v)kiwho; outathekarburátort?carburetor - 205
I'll buy a new one in the spring. Right now I want to buy two tires.
Tavasszalin springveszekI buyegya, an; oneújat.a new one (object)Mostnowkéttwogumitrubber, tireakarokI wantvenni.to buy, take - 206
Are your tires bad?
Rosszakbad, out of orderathegumijai?rubber, tire - 207
The tires on the two rear wheels are worn.
Athehátsórear, backkéttwokerékenwheel, tireathekülsőoutside, exteriorgumikrubber, tirekopottak.worn - 208
How do the brakes work?
Hogyhow; thatműködnekthey work, they functionathefékek?brake - 209
Excellently. Both the hand brake and the foot brake work well.
Kitűnően.excellent, superiorAthekézifékhand brakeisalsoésandathelábféklegisalsojólwellműködik.work, run, function, operate
Conversation Practice 3
- 210
Why did you take your car to the garage?
Miértwhyvittetook it, carried itathekocsijátcarathegarázsba?garage - 211
The transmission is bad; it has to be repaired.
Rosszbad, out of orderathesebességváltó,transmissionmeglet me examine him, her, itkellis needed, wanted, necessaryjavítani.to repair - 212
What's wrong with the transmission?
MiWhat's the matter with you?bajaWhat's the matter with you?vanWhat's the matter with you?athesebességváltónak?transmission - 213
A gear and a bearing have to be replaced.
Egya, an; onefogaskereketpike-perch (of Lake Balaton)ésandegya, an; onecsapágyatbearingskiwho; outkellis needed, wanted, necessarycserélni.to change - 214
Will they change the oil in the engine too?
Kicserélikexchange (v)azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'olajatoilisalsoathemotorban?engine - 215
Yes, and they'll lubricate the car.
Igen,yesésandlezsírozzáklubricateathekocsit.car, vehicle - 216
When are you going to put antifreeze in the radiator?
Mikorwhenteszobtain, acquirefagyállóantifreezefolyadékotantifreezeathehűtőbe?radiator, cooling apparatus - 217
Next week. I don't want the water to freeze in the radiator.
Jövőfuture, cominghéten.next weekNemunless, exceptakarom,want (v)hogyhow; thatmegfagyjonlet me examine him, her, itathehűtőbenradiator, cooling apparatusathevíz.water
Narrative
- 218
Kovács had wanted to buy a car for a long time.
Kovácssmith, blacksmithrégótalong since, for agesszeretettlike, love (v)volnawould bevennito buy, takeegya, an; onekocsit.car, vehicle - 219
For two years he had been saving money for it.
Kéttwoéveyeargyűjtöttegather, accumulate, collectráon, ontoathepénzt.money - 220
Now he had 30,000 forints altogether and decided not to wait any longer.
Mostnowegyütttogethervoltcame up (in discussion)3030ezerthousandforintjaforint (Hungarian currency)ésandelhatározta,decidehogyhow; thatnemunless, exceptvárwait (v)tovább.further, ahead - 221
New cars are very expensive in Hungary, so he wanted to buy a used one.
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'újnewkocsikcar, vehicleMagyarországonin Hungarynagyonverydrágák,expensiveezérttherefore, for this reasonhasználtatusedakartwant (v)venni.to buy, take - 222
He thought that if he got a used car, they would repair it in the garage and he would have a good car.
Úgyso, like thatgondolta,thinkhaifkapget, receiveegya, an; onehasználtusedkocsit,car, vehiclekijavítjákthey repair itathegarázsbangarageésandlesz(he, she, it) will beegya, an; onejógoodautója.automobile - 223
He looked at the classified ads in the newspapers.
Megnéztelook atazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'újságokbannewspaper, newsazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'apróhirdetéseket.classified advertisement - 224
Many used cars were for sale.
Sokmuch, many, lothasználtusedkocsicar, vehiclevoltcame up (in discussion)eladó.seller, salesclerk - 225
Kovács had a friend who was an auto mechanic, and he asked him to go with him to look at the cars.
Kovácsnaksmith, blacksmithvoltcame up (in discussion)egya, an; oneautószerelőautomobilebarátja,friendaztit meansmegkérte,let me examine him, her, ithogyhow; thatmenjengo (command)velewith him (her, it)megnéznito look atathekocsikat.car, vehicle - 226
First they went to Buda, where a young man wanted to sell his car.
Előszörthe first time; the first placeBudáraBudamentek,they went; you (plural) goaholwhereegya, an; onefiatalemberyoung; youthfulakartawant (v)eladnito sellathekocsiját.car - 227
It was a small car, with a four-cylinder, forty horsepower engine.
Ezthiskissome, a littlekocsicar, vehiclevolt,came up (in discussion)négyhengeres,four4040lóerőshorsepowermotorral.engine - 228
It hadn't run much, because the odometer showed only 50,000 kilometers.
Nemunless, exceptszaladtrunsokat,Do you smoke very much?mertbecauseathekilométerkilometerórájaspeedometercsakonly5050ezerthousandkilométertkilometermutatott.show (v) - 229
The tires were quite worn, especially on the two front wheels.
Athegumikrubber, tireelégenough, quitekopottakwornvoltak,came up (in discussion)különösenspeciallyazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'elsőfirstkéttwokeréken.wheel, tire - 230
The engine worked well, but the battery was already old.
Athemotorenginejólwellműködött,worked, functionedazonbannevertheless, howeverazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'akkumulátorbatterymáralready, beforeöregoldvolt.came up (in discussion) - 231
The owner of the car said that the engine uses 14 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers.
Athekocsicar, vehicletulajdonosaowneraztit meansmondta,say, tellhogyhow; thatathemotorengine1414literliterbenzintgasolinefogyasztuse up, consume100100kilométeren.kilometer - 232
That's not much, Kovács thought, but he would rather have bought a big car.
Ezthisnemunless, exceptsok,much, many, lotgondoltathinkKovács,smith, blacksmithdebutőshe, heinkábbratheregya, an; onenagybig, largekocsitcar, vehicleszeretettlike, love (v)volnawould bevenni.to buy, take - 233
Then they went to the suburbs, where a doctor wanted to sell his car.
Utánaafter him (her, it); afterwardselmentekthey left; you (plural) leaveathekülvárosba,suburbaholwhereegya, an; oneorvosdoctorakartawant (v)athekocsijátcareladni.to sell - 234
This was already a big car, with a six-cylinder engine.
Ezthismáralready, beforenagybig, largekocsicar, vehiclevolt,came up (in discussion)hathengeressixmotorral.engine - 235
The engine was sixty horsepower.
Athemotorengine6060lóerőshorsepowervolt.came up (in discussion) - 236
The doctor had used his car a lot, so Kovács knew that a few parts would have to be replaced on the car.
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'orvosdoctorsokatDo you smoke very much?használtausedazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'autóját,his carígyso, like thisKovácssmith, blacksmithtudta,knowhogyhow; thategypára few, some, one or twoalkatrésztpartkiwho; outkellis needed, wanted, necessarycserélnito changeathekocsin.car, vehicle - 237
But if he can buy it cheaply, it's still worth it, his friend said, because the car is in quite good condition and can be repaired.
Debuthaifolcsóncheapmeglet me examine him, her, ittudjaknowvenni,to buy, takemégstill, yet, in addition, evenmindigalwaysmegériit's worth while-mondtasay, tellathebarátjafriend-mertbecauseathekocsicar, vehicleelégenough, quitejógoodállapotbanconditionvanI'm busy, I've something to doésandkiwho; outlehetit's possiblejavítani.to repair
- 238
This car had good tires, and there was a spare tire in the trunk too.
Ezenon thisathekocsincar, vehiclejógoodgumikrubber, tirevoltakcame up (in discussion)ésandathecsomagtartóbantrunkvoltcame up (in discussion)egya, an; onepótkerékspare tireis.also - 239
Kovács and his mechanic friend wanted to try out the car.
Kovácssmith, blacksmithésandazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'autószerelőautomobilebarátjafriendkiwho; outakartákwant (v)próbálnito tryathekocsit.car, vehicle - 240
They got into the car and set off.
Beültekthey got in; they sat down inathekocsibacar, vehicleésandelindultak.they set off - 241
There was a little trouble with the transmission.
Athesebességváltóvaltransmissionegya, an; onekissome, a littlebajtrouble, ill, evilvolt.came up (in discussion) - 242
The mechanic said that a gear and a bearing would have to be replaced and new spark plugs bought, but that wouldn't cost much.
Atheszerelőmechanicaztit meansmondta,say, tellhogyhow; thategya, an; onefogaskereketpike-perch (of Lake Balaton)ésandegya, an; onecsapágyatbearingskiwho; outkellis needed, wanted, necessarycserélnito changeésandújnewgyertyákatspark plug, candlevenni,to buy, takedebutazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'nemunless, exceptkerülget, arrive (somewhere)sokba.much, many, lot - 243
The carburetor on the car was new, so according to the doctor the car used little gasoline.
Athekarburátorcarburetorújnewvoltcame up (in discussion)athekocsin,car, vehicleezérttherefore, for this reasonazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'orvosdoctorszerintaccording tokeveseta little, little (object)fogyasztottuse up, consumeathekocsi.car, vehicle - 244
Kovács liked the car, because it ran smoothly and was clean inside too.
Athekocsicar, vehicletetszettpleased; (I) likedKovácsnak,smith, blacksmithmertbecausesimáneven, plain, smoothszaladtrunésandbelülinsideisalsotisztacleanvolt.came up (in discussion) - 245
On the streets where Kovács was driving, the traffic was heavy.
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'utcákon,streetaholwhereKovácssmith, blacksmithhajtott,drive (v)nagybig, largevoltcame up (in discussion)atheforgalom.traffic; trade, commerce - 246
Horse-drawn carts, cars, trucks, streetcars, buses, bicycles and motorcycles were going everywhere in great numbers.
Rengetega lot of, enormous, immenselovaskocsi,(horse) carriageautó,automobileteherautó,truckvillamos,streetcarautóbusz,buskerékpárbicycle(bicikli)bicycleésandmotorkerékpárenginejártattend schoolmindenhol.everywhere, at all points, all over - 247
Kovács had been driving for a long time and was a good driver, so the heavy traffic didn't make him nervous.
Kovácssmith, blacksmithrégótalong since, for agesvezetettdrive (v); leadésandjógoodvezetőchief, leader; drivervolt,came up (in discussion)ígyso, like thisnemunless, exceptidegesítettemake nervousőthim, herathenagybig, largeforgalom.traffic; trade, commerce - 248
When pedestrians or bicycles went by him, he always slowed down, because he didn't want anything to happen by accident.
Amikorwhengyalogosokpedestrianvagyorbiciklikbicyclesmentekthey went; you (plural) goelaway, offmellette,next to, beside, bymindigalwayslelassult,slow downmertbecausenemunless, exceptakarta,want (v)hogyhow; thatvéletlenülaccidentallyvalamisome, somethingbajtrouble, ill, eviltörténjen.break - 249
Meanwhile it occurred to Kovács that his driver's license would soon expire.
KözbenmeanwhileKovácsnaksmith, blacksmitheszébeit occurs to her/him; it comes to his/her mindjutott,it occurs to her/him; it comes to his/her mindhogyhow; thatnemsokárasoon, before longlejárexpireathehajtásidriver's licenseigazolványa.driver's license - 250
He decided to go and renew it the next day.
Elhatározta,decidehogyhow; thatmásnapnext dayelmegygo away, leaveésandmegújítja.renew
- 251
After a short while he turned around and drove back to the doctor's apartment.
Egya, an; onekissome, a littleidőduring the entire timemúlvaafter, to, till (with reference to time)megfordultturnésandvisszahajtottbackazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'orvosdoctorlakásához.apartment - 252
The doctor asked 32,000 forints for the car.
Azthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'orvosdoctor3232ezerthousandforintot330 forints.kértask, request, wantathekocsiért.for the car - 253
Kovács began to bargain with him.
Kovácssmith, blacksmithalkudnito bargainkezdettstart, beginvele.with him (her, it) - 254
In the end they agreed on 30,000 forints.
Végülfinally3030ezerthousandforintbanIt costs four forints.megegyeztek.let me examine him, her, it - 255
Kovács was very happy that he got the car for 30,000, and paid the doctor the price of the car at once.
Kovácssmith, blacksmithnagyonveryörült,be glad, delighted, pleasedhogyhow; that3030ezerértthousandmegkaptalet me examine him, her, itathekocsitcar, vehicleésandmindjártimmediately, right awaykifizettepaid itathekocsicar, vehicleárátpriceazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'orvosnak.doctor - 256
Then they got into the car again and went for Kovács's wife, to show the car to her too.
Azutánafterwardsmegintagainbeültekthey got in; they sat down inathekocsibacar, vehicleésandelmentekthey left; you (plural) leaveKovácssmith, blacksmithfeleségéért,wifehogyhow; thatnekito him (her)isalsomegmutassáklet me examine him, her, itathekocsit.car, vehicle - 257
Kovács's mechanic friend promised that he would order the parts right away, and when they came he would call Kovács.
Kovácssmith, blacksmithszerelőmechanicbarátjafriendmegígérte,promise (v)hogyhow; thatazonnalimmediately, at oncemegrendelilet me examine him, her, itazthe (before a vowel); also 'that' in 'az a ...'alkatrészeketpartésandhaifmegjönnek,let me examine him, her, itfelhívjaring up, call upKovácsot.smith, blacksmith - 258
Then he would tell him when to bring the car to the garage to be repaired.
Akkorthen, at that timemajdthen, latermegmondja,tell, sayhogyhow; thatmikorwhenvigyetake it (formal)bein, intoathekocsitcar, vehiclejavítanito repairathegarázsba.garage
The particulars
- The course
- Foreign Service Institute, Hungarian Basic Course, Washington, 1962. Public domain. The teaching pages, the glosses and the narration of lines the tape lacks are ours.
- Reading aloud
- Digital narration, directed by 1732 Studios.
- The book
- Gulliver’s Fifth and Sixth Voyages, the work this course leads to, free to read here.
- Data
- JSON · Markdown · A guide for agents