mindkettő

Both

Level 3

Hungarian uses two main forms for 'both': mindkét (used as an adjective before a noun) and mindkettő (used as a pronoun standing alone). Both are derived from mind (all) and kettő (two).

How It Works

1. The Attributive Form: mindkét
When 'both' modifies a noun, use mindkét. In Hungarian, numerals and most quantifiers require the noun to stay in the singular form. Even though you are talking about two things, the noun remains singular.
Example: mindkét szem (both eyes, literally 'both eye').

2. The Pronominal Form: mindkettő
When 'both' stands alone as a pronoun, use mindkettő. This form behaves like a noun and can take various case suffixes. It follows front-rounded vowel harmony (e.g., mindkettőben).

3. The 'a' Variation
You will often hear mind a két or mind a kettő. The addition of the definite article 'a' adds emphasis and is very common in spoken Hungarian. There is no significant change in meaning.

4. People vs. Objects
While mindkettő can refer to people, Hungarian often uses the adverbial form mindketten when referring to two people acting together as the subject. Note that mindkettő usually takes a singular verb, while mindketten takes a plural verb.

Examples (5)

  1. Mindkét lány a városban lakik.

    Both girls live in the city.

    Word by Word: Both girl the city-in lives.

    Here 'mindkét' is used because it precedes the noun 'lány' (girl), which remains in the singular form.

  2. Melyik almát kéred? Mindkettőt!

    Which apple do you want? Both (of them)!

    Word by Word: Which apple-ACC want-you? Both-ACC!

    Since 'both' stands alone, we use 'mindkettő'. It takes the accusative suffix -t because it is the direct object.

  3. Mind a két oldalt elolvastam.

    I read both sides.

    Word by Word: All the two side-ACC read-I.

    This uses the emphatic 'mind a két' variation. The noun 'oldal' (side) is singular but takes the accusative case.

  4. Mindkettőjüket ismerem.

    I know both of them.

    Word by Word: Both-of-them-ACC know-I.

    This shows 'mindkettő' with a possessive suffix and the accusative case to refer to people.

  5. Mindkét könyv az asztalon van.

    Both books are on the table.

    Word by Word: Both book the table-on is.

    Notice that 'könyv' (book) and the verb 'van' (is) are both singular, despite referring to two items.

Common Mistakes

  • Using a plural noun after 'mindkét'.

    mindkét könyvek
    mindkét könyv

    In Hungarian, nouns following any numeral or quantifier (like 'both') must remain in the singular form.

  • Using 'mindkettő' directly before a noun.

    mindkettő ház
    mindkét ház

    The form 'mindkettő' is a pronoun and cannot modify a noun. Use the shortened attributive form 'mindkét' instead.

  • Applying case suffixes to 'mindkét' when it precedes a noun.

    mindkétet könyvet látok
    mindkét könyvet látok

    When 'mindkét' is an attribute, it never takes suffixes. Only the noun at the end of the phrase receives the case ending.

How It Connects

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

mindkettőLevel 3Both

Learn This First

To understand 'mindkettő' (both), you need to be familiar with the cardinal number 'kettő' (two) and how Hungarian uses the 'mind-' prefix to express totality. Additionally, you must understand the distinction between independent pronouns and attributive modifiers, as 'mindkettő' stands alone while 'mindkét' requires a following noun.

Words in This Pattern

mindkettőmindkét