szeret + Infinitive

Like to

Level 1

szeret (conjugated) + verb stem + -ni

How It Works

To express that you like doing something in Hungarian, you combine the verb szeret with an infinitive.

1. Conjugating 'szeret'
The verb szeret must be conjugated to match the person doing the action. The choice between indefinite and definite conjugation depends on the object of the second verb:

  • Indefinite: Szeretek olvasni. (I like to read - no specific object).
  • Definite: Szeretem olvasni a könyvet. (I like to read the book - specific object).
  • I ... You: If the subject is 'I' and the object of the infinitive is 'you', use the -lak/-lek ending: Szeretlek hallgatni. (I like to listen to you).

2. Forming the Infinitive
The second verb takes the -ni suffix:

  • Most verbs simply add -ni: tanul → tanulni (to study).
  • Most verbs ending in two consonants or a long vowel + -t require a linking vowel based on vowel harmony: -ani for back-vowel stems and -eni for front-vowel stems. For -ik verbs like játszik, you must first drop the -ik to find the verb stem (játsz-) before adding the suffix: játszani. Another example is fűt → fűteni. There are highly common exceptions that just take -ni, such as lát (látni) and verbs ending in double consonants like áll (állni) or varr (varrni).
  • A handful of core verbs have irregular infinitive forms, such as megy → menni (to go), eszik → enni (to eat), iszik → inni (to drink), lesz → lenni (to be/become), and tesz → tenni (to put/do).

3. Verbal Prefixes
If the infinitive has a verbal prefix (like el-, fel-, be-), its position changes based on the sentence structure. In a neutral sentence, the prefix splits from the infinitive and jumps in front of the conjugated verb: El szeretek menni (I like to go away). In negative sentences, the prefix stays attached to the infinitive: Nem szeretek elmenni. If you want to emphasize the verb szeret, the prefix also stays attached: Szeretek elmenni.

4. Meaning and Nuance
While szeret can mean 'to love', when paired with an infinitive, it is the standard way to say 'I like to [do]'. It is the primary way to talk about hobbies and preferences.

5. 'Szeret' vs. 'Szeretne' and Questions
Do not confuse szeret (like to) with the conditional form szeretne (would like to). English speakers frequently make the mistake of using szeret when ordering food or expressing an immediate desire (e.g., 'I want a coffee'). For these situations, always use szeretne or akar. Also, when using question words (like mit or hol), the conjugated verb directly follows the question word, and any verbal prefix stays attached to the infinitive: Mit szeretsz csinálni? (What do you like to do?).

Examples (6)

  1. Szeretek főzni.

    I like to cook.

    Word by Word: I-like to-cook.

    Here, 'szeretek' is in the indefinite form because there is no specific object.

  2. Szeretem nézni a filmet.

    I like watching the movie.

    Word by Word: I-like to-watch the movie-ACC.

    Because 'a filmet' is a definite object, the verb 'szeret' must use the definite conjugation (szeretem).

  3. Péter nem szeret korán kelni.

    Peter does not like to get up early.

    Word by Word: Peter not likes early to-get-up.

    To negate the sentence, nem is placed directly before 'szeret'.

  4. El szeretek menni a boltba.

    I like to go to the shop.

    Word by Word: Away I-like to-go the shop-into.

    In a neutral sentence, a verbal prefix like 'el-' splits from the infinitive and jumps in front of the conjugated verb 'szeret'.

  5. Szeretünk zenét hallgatni.

    We like listening to music.

    Word by Word: We-like music-ACC to-listen-to.

    Since 'zenét' (music) is an indefinite object, 'szeretünk' stays in the indefinite form.

  6. Nem szeretek felkelni.

    I don't like to get up.

    Word by Word: Not I-like up-to-get.

    In negative sentences, the verbal prefix (fel-) remains attached to the infinitive.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the indefinite conjugation when the infinitive has a definite object.

    Szeretek olvasni a könyvet.
    Szeretem olvasni a könyvet.

    In Hungarian, the conjugation of 'szeret' must match the definiteness of the object that follows the infinitive. If you are reading 'the book' (definite), you must use 'szeretem' (definite).

  • Using 'tetszik' to describe liking an activity.

    Nekem tetszik úszni.
    Szeretek úszni.

    'Tetszik' is used for things that are aesthetically pleasing to the senses (looks, sounds). For actions and hobbies, 'szeret' is the correct choice.

How It Connects

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

szeret + InfinitiveLevel 1Like to

Learn This First

To use 'szeret + infinitive', you need to know how to conjugate the main verb 'szeret' for different subjects and how to form the infinitive of the activity you like doing.

Words in This Pattern

szeret