legesleg-

Absolute Superlative

Level 2

The leglegesleg- prefix is a hyper-emphatic version of the superlative. While leg- means 'most' and legesleg- means 'the very most,' leglegesleg- adds a layer of subjective exaggeration, often translated as 'the absolute, very, very most.'

How It Works

In Hungarian, the superlative degree is built recursively for emphasis:

  • Superlative: leg- + comparative (e.g., legjobb - best)
  • Emphatic Superlative: legesleg- + comparative (e.g., legeslegjobb - the very best)
  • Hyper-Emphatic Superlative: leglegesleg- + comparative (e.g., leglegeslegjobb - the absolute very best)

Morphology and Syntax:
The prefix itself is invariable and does not follow vowel harmony. However, the adjective it attaches to is normally in its comparative form; a few words such as utolsó (last) take it directly, as in the third example. Crucially, superlatives in Hungarian almost always require the definite article (e.g., a leglegeslegjobb).

Usage and Register:
The leglegesleg- and legesleg- forms are informal and highly expressive. They are common in children's speech or casual conversation. In formal writing, academic papers, or business contexts, only the standard leg- prefix is appropriate. If you need to add formal emphasis, use the construction a lehető leg- (the best possible), such as a lehető legjobb megoldás (the best possible solution).

Examples (4)

  1. Ez a leglegeslegjobb süti, amit valaha ettem!

    This is the absolute very, very best cake I have ever eaten!

    Word by Word: This the absolute-very-best cake, which ever I-ate!

    Here, the speaker uses the hyper-emphatic form to show extreme enthusiasm for the cake.

  2. Ő a leglegeslegszebb lány az iskolában.

    She is the absolute most beautiful girl in the school.

    Word by Word: She the absolute-most-beautiful girl the school-in.

    The prefix emphasizes that there is no one else even close to her level of beauty in the speaker's eyes.

  3. A leglegeslegutolsó pillanatban értünk oda.

    We got there at the very, very last moment.

    Word by Word: The absolute-very-last moment-at reached-we there.

    Used here to emphasize how close they were to being late.

  4. Ez volt a leglegeslegrosszabb napom.

    This was my absolute very worst day.

    Word by Word: This was the absolute-very-worst day-my.

    Negative adjectives can also take this prefix to show extreme frustration or disappointment.

Common Mistakes

  • Attaching the prefix to the base adjective instead of the comparative form.

    *leglegeslegszép
    leglegeslegszebb

    Just like the standard superlative, you must use the comparative form (ending in -bb) as the base.

  • Using the pattern in formal or professional writing.

    Different MeaningA leglegeslegfontosabb szempont a biztonság.
    A legfontosabb szempont a biztonság.

    In a formal context like a safety report, the hyper-emphatic form sounds childish or unprofessional. Stick to 'legfontosabb'.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

legesleg-Level 2Absolute Superlative

Learn This First

To understand the absolute superlative, you must first be familiar with how Hungarian forms standard superlatives using the 'leg-' prefix and the comparative '-bb' suffix. The 'leglegesleg-' form is simply a repetitive, emphatic variation of these established structures.