-ul/-ül (határozórag)

As / in a Language

Level 2

The -ul/-ül suffix is most famous for languages (e.g., magyarul - in Hungarian), but it also describes how something is done (badly, bravely) or a temporary role (as a wife, as a gift).

How It Works

The essive-modal case is a versatile tool in Hungarian with three main functions:

  • Language Use: This is the standard way to express speaking, writing, or understanding a language. Unlike English, which uses 'in' or no preposition, Hungarian uses this case. Example: Angolul beszélek (I speak English).
  • Manner (Adverbial): While most adverbs are formed with -an/-en, a specific group of adjectives uses -ul/-ül. This includes words like rosszul (badly) and vitézül (bravely). It is also the standard way to form adverbs from privative adjectives, such as váratlanul (unexpectedly).
  • State or Result: It indicates a state or result, often used with verbs of taking, naming, or giving. Example: feleségül vesz (to take as a wife) or ajándékul ad (to give as a gift).

Morphological Notes:
1. Stem-final vowel lengthening applies: francia becomes franciául.
2. It does not use linking vowels: rossz + ul = rosszul.
3. It is distinct from -ként, which focuses on a specific role or capacity (functioning as) rather than a state or result.

Examples (5)

  1. Beszélsz magyarul?

    Do you speak Hungarian?

    Word by Word: Speak-you Hungarian-manner?

    This is the most common use of the suffix, indicating the language being spoken.

  2. Sajnos ma nagyon rosszul érzem magam.

    Unfortunately, I feel very bad today.

    Word by Word: Unfortunately today very bad-manner feel-I myself.

    The word 'rosszul' is a common adverbial use of this case to describe a state or feeling.

  3. Péter feleségül vette Katit.

    Peter took Kati as his wife.

    Word by Word: Peter wife-as took Kati-acc.

    This demonstrates the 'role' function, specifically in the idiomatic expression for marriage.

  4. Nem tudok franciául.

    I don't know French.

    Word by Word: Not know-I French-manner.

    Note how the final 'a' in 'francia' lengthens to 'á' before the suffix.

  5. Például ezt nem értem.

    For example, I don't understand this.

    Word by Word: Example-as this-acc not understand-I.

    The word 'például' (for example) is a very common lexicalized use of this case.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the accusative case (-t) for languages when speaking.

    Beszélek magyart.
    Beszélek magyarul.

    While you use the accusative to say you are 'learning' a language (Tanulom a magyart), you must use -ul/-ül for the act of speaking or understanding.

  • Forgetting to lengthen the final -a or -e.

    franciaul
    franciául

    In Hungarian, a final 'a' or 'e' lengthens to 'á' or 'é' before most suffixes, including -ul/-ül.

  • Using -ként for language skills.

    Different MeaningNémetként beszélek.
    Németül beszélek.

    '-ként' means 'in the capacity of'. 'Németként beszélek' would mean 'I am speaking as a German person (representative)', not that you are using the German language.

How It Connects

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

-ul/-ül (határozórag)Level 2As / in a Language

Learn This First

To become confident with the essive-modal -ul/-ül suffix, you must first understand Hungarian vowel harmony to select the correct variant. Since its most frequent use is describing language ability, familiarity with the verb 'tud' (to know) is essential for practical application.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

-ul-ül