-lak/-lek

I … You Ending

Level 1

The -lak/-lek suffix is a unique Hungarian ending that combines the subject 'I' and the object 'you' into a single word. It is used in informal speech (tegezés).

How It Works

In Hungarian, verbs usually change based on the subject (I, you, he/she) and whether the object is definite or indefinite. However, the -lak/-lek ending is a 'special' third category.

1. Usage:
It translates to 'I ... you'. Crucially, it covers both the singular 'you' (téged) and the plural 'you' (titeket). You must use context to know if one or more people are being addressed.

2. Vowel Harmony:

  • -lak: Used with back-vowel verbs (e.g., vár → várlak).
  • -lek: Used with front-vowel verbs (e.g., kér → kérlek).

3. Phonological Rules:
If a verb stem ends in two consonants (like fest) or a long vowel + t (like tanít), a link vowel (-a- or -e-) is usually added for easier pronunciation: festelek (I paint you), tanítalak (I teach you).

Note: A major exception is the verb lát (to see), which does not take a link vowel: látlak (I see you).

4. Social Register:
This ending is strictly informal. It is used with friends, family, and children. It is never used with formal pronouns like Ön or Maga.

Examples (5)

  1. Szeretlek.

    I love you.

    Word by Word: I-love-you.

    The most famous use of the suffix. 'Szeret' is a front-vowel verb, so it takes '-lek'.

  2. Várlak a ház előtt.

    I am waiting for you in front of the house.

    Word by Word: I-wait-you the house in-front-of.

    'Vár' is a back-vowel verb, so it takes '-lak'. Note that the pronoun 'téged' is omitted because the suffix makes it clear.

  3. Kérlek, segíts nekem!

    Please, help me!

    Word by Word: I-ask-you, help to-me!

    'Kérlek' literally means 'I ask you' and is the standard way to say 'please' in informal Hungarian.

  4. Látlak titeket!

    I see you guys!

    Word by Word: I-see-you you-all-ACC!

    Here, the plural pronoun 'titeket' is added for emphasis to show the suffix refers to multiple people.

  5. Teljesen megértelek.

    I understand you completely.

    Word by Word: Completely PERF-understand-I-you.

    Demonstrates the use of a link vowel '-a-' because the stem 'mond' ends in two consonants.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the suffix with formal address (Ön/Maga).

    Önt szeretlek.
    Szeretem Önt.

    The -lak/-lek suffix is inherently informal. When speaking formally, you must use the 3rd person definite conjugation.

  • Confusing it with the 1st person definite ending.

    Szeretem téged.
    Szeretlek (téged).

    '-em' means 'I [verb] it/him/her'. To say 'I [verb] you', you must use '-lek'.

  • Ignoring vowel harmony.

    Szeretlak.
    Szeretlek.

    'Szeret' contains front vowels (e), so it must take the front-vowel version of the suffix (-lek).

How It Connects

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

-lak/-lekLevel 1I … You Ending

Learn This First

To become confident with the -lak/-lek suffix, you need to understand two-way vowel harmony to choose the correct form. You also need a foundation in Hungarian verb conjugation and the concept of pro-drop, as this suffix uniquely combines the first-person subject and second-person object into a single ending.

Words in This Pattern

-lak-lek