Grammar Topic
Present, Past, and Future Participles
A participle is a word formed from a verb that acts like an adjective. In English, examples include “reading,” “written,” or “to-be-read.” In Hungarian, participles usually stand before the noun they describe.
1. Present participle: -ó / -ő
This describes an action happening now or a person/thing that performs the action. It is formed by adding -ó or -ő to the verb stem.
- ül (to sit) -> ülő (sitting)
- áll (to stand) -> álló (standing)
- olvas (to read) -> olvasó (reading; also reader)
Many of these forms have become independent nouns: író (writer), eladó (salesperson).
2. Past participle: -t / -tt
This describes an action that has already been completed. Its form matches the 3rd-person singular past tense form of the verb.
- megfőzött leves - cooked soup
- eladott autó - sold car
- megírt levél - written letter
3. Future participle: -andó / -endő
This is mostly used in formal language and means “that is to be done” or “that should be done.”
- elolvasandó könyv - a book to be read
- teendő - something to be done; task, duty
Reading Practice
- A szökőkútnál álló fiatalember várja a barátnőjét. [The young man standing by the fountain is waiting for his girlfriend/female friend.]
- A fotelban ülő idős úr újságot olvas. [The elderly gentleman sitting in the armchair is reading a newspaper.]
- Nagyon finom a megfőzött kávé. [The brewed coffee is very delicious.]
- A levél angolul van megírva. [The letter is written in English.]
- Kérem, küldje el a feldolgozott adatokat. [Please send the processed data.]
- Sok a teendőm ma. [I have a lot to do today.]
- A diák által megírandó házi feladat. [The homework to be written by the student.]
- A sírva nevető nő. [The woman laughing while crying.]