Commands with Prefixed Verbs
When giving a command (imperative mood) in Hungarian, the verbal prefix (like el-, be-, meg-) is normally separated and placed after the verb.
How It Works
This phenomenon is known as igekötő-hátravetés (prefix-postpositioning). It is the standard rule for everyday commands.
1. The Rule of Focus
In Hungarian, the most important information (the focus) must stand immediately before the verb. In the imperative mood, the action itself is considered the focus. Because the verb cannot be in front of itself, the prefix is 'pushed' out of the way to the position immediately following the verb.
2. Writing and Pronunciation
Unlike in neutral statements where the prefix and verb are written as one word (e.g., megeszed), in a command they are written as two separate words (e.g., edd meg). The prefix does not change its form or follow vowel harmony based on the verb; it remains a standalone unit.
3. Negative Commands
When using the negative imperative particle 'ne', the prefix usually stays after the verb. The order becomes: Ne + Verb + Prefix (e.g., Ne menj el!).
4. Stylistic Nuance
While rare, keeping the prefix in front during a command (e.g., Megállj! instead of Állj meg!) creates a very aggressive, threatening, or archaic tone. For everyday requests and instructions, move the prefix to the back.
Examples (5)
- Hívd fel az anyukádat!
Call (up) your mother!
Word by Word: Call up the mother-your!
The prefix 'fel-' (up) moves after the imperative verb 'hívd' (call).
- Edd meg a vacsorádat!
Eat (up) your dinner!
Word by Word: Eat up the dinner-your!
The perfective prefix 'meg-' moves after the verb 'edd' (eat).
- Ne menj el még!
Don't go away yet!
Word by Word: Not go away yet!
In a negative command, the prefix 'el-' remains after the verb.
- Vegyétek le a cipőt!
Take off your shoes! (plural)
Word by Word: Take-you-all off the shoe-acc!
The directional prefix 'le-' (down/off) follows the plural imperative verb.
- Gyere be a házba!
Come into the house!
Word by Word: Come in the house-into!
The prefix 'be-' (in) follows the irregular imperative 'gyere' (come).
Common Mistakes
Keeping the prefix attached to the front of the verb in a command.
Elmenj a boltba!Menj el a boltba!Beginners often treat the prefixed verb as an inseparable unit. In commands, the prefix must move to the back.
Writing the post-posed prefix as a suffix attached to the verb.
Menjel!Menj el!The prefix is a separate word when it follows the verb. It should not be attached to the verb stem.
Using 'nem' instead of 'ne' for negative commands.
Nem menj el!Ne menj el!Commands require the specific negative particle 'ne', which also triggers prefix separation.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To become confident with commands with prefixed verbs, you first need to know how to form the imperative mood in Hungarian. Additionally, you must be familiar with verbal prefixes and the general concept that these prefixes detach and move behind the verb in specific contexts, such as positive commands.
Related Patterns
- -jImperative and Subjunctive
This pattern explains how to conjugate the verb itself before moving the prefix.
Level 2 - neNegative Commands
Negation in commands also requires prefix separation and uses a different particle than standard negation.
Level 2 - Focus Position
The underlying reason for prefix movement is the requirement for the 'focus' to be right before the verb.
Level 2 - Verbal Prefixes
Provides a list of common prefixes that undergo this movement.
Level 2 - Neutral Prefix Position
Contrasts the command word order with the standard 'prefix + verb' order used in neutral statements.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice Commands with Prefixed Verbs in Bubblegum
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