Definite Imperative

The definite imperative is formed by adding the mood marker -j to the verb stem, followed by the definite endings. However, the -j often undergoes assimilation depending on the last letter of the verb stem.

1. The Endings:
The choice between paired endings depends on vowel harmony (e.g., a back-vowel verb like vár takes -ja, while a front-vowel verb like kér takes -je).

• 1sg: -jam / -jem (e.g., Várjam? - Should I wait for it?)
• 2sg (Short): -d (The most common form: Add! - Give it!)
• 2sg (Long): -jad / -jed (Often sounds more forceful, demanding, or patronizing in direct commands, or used in subjunctive clauses: Adjad már! - Give it already!)
• 3sg: -ja / -je (Used for formal 'you' commands: Írja alá! - Sign it!)
• 1pl: -juk / -jük (Várjuk meg! - Let's wait for it!)
• 2pl: -játok / -jétek (Várjátok meg! - Wait for it! [plural])
• 3pl: -ják / -jék (Nézzék meg! - Look at it! [formal plural])
• 1sg -> 2sg/pl: -jalak / -jelek (e.g., Várjalak? - Should I wait for you?)

2. Stem Changes:
For almost all regular verbs, the -j marker is omitted in the 2sg short definite form, and the -d is added directly to the stem (e.g., vár + d = várd, néz + d = nézd). For the small class of verbs ending in a vowel, the 'd' is doubled (e.g., lő -> lődd). Additionally, verbs already ending in -d naturally result in a double -dd because the -d ending is added directly to the stem (e.g., ad -> add, mond -> mondd, küld -> küldd).

In the other forms, the -j marker often undergoes assimilation. If a verb ends in a sibilant (-s, -sz, -z, or -dz), the -j assimilates to the stem consonant (e.g., néz + j + e = nézze). For verbs ending in -t, the -t + -j combination alters the stem. If the -t follows a short vowel, it becomes -s- in the 2sg short definite form (e.g., nyit -> nyisd), and -ss- in other forms (e.g., nyissa). If it follows a long vowel or consonant, the -t + -j becomes -ts- (e.g., tanít -> tanítsd). However, there are important exceptions: verbs ending in -st or -szt drop the 't' entirely. In the 2sg short definite form, the 'd' is added directly without doubling (e.g., fest -> fesd), while in other forms the 's' or 'sz' is doubled (e.g., fesse). Additionally, the verbs lát (to see) and bocsát (to forgive/let go) behave like short-vowel verbs despite having a long vowel (e.g., lát -> lásd, lássa).

3. Irregular Verbs:
Several common verbs (like eszik, iszik, tesz, vesz, visz, hisz) have irregular verb stems. Their definite imperative forms use a 'd' or 'gy' stem (e.g., eszik -> edd, egye, együk; iszik -> idd, igyad, igya, igyuk; tesz -> tedd, tegye, tegyük; vesz -> vedd, vegye; visz -> vidd, vigye).

4. Word Order:
When giving a direct command with a verbal prefix, the prefix must move after the verb (e.g., Megvárom -> Várd meg!). This is a crucial rule for imperative prefix separation. However, when these forms are used for the subjunctive mood in subordinate clauses (e.g., Azt akarom, hogy megvárd), the prefix usually remains attached to the front of the verb.

5. Negative Commands:
To form a negative command, use the word ne instead of nem. When negating a verb with a prefix, the prefix separates and moves after the verb, resulting in a ne + verb + prefix word order (e.g., Ne csináld meg! - Don't do it!).