Language Journal #4

[Polina Shitikova]

   In my language journal #4, I have decided to talk about some of the complex Hungarian prefixes. In Hungarian grammar, prefixes such as "el-", "meg-", "fel-", and "le-" are used to modify verbs, indicating various aspects of action, direction, completion, or intensity. Let me explain the difference between them in more detail. 

• "El-" (Direction, Completeness):

1. 1. • The prefix "el-" typically indicates the direction of movement away from the speaker or the starting point of an action.
      • It can also denote the completion or accomplishment of an action.
      • Example: "Elindulni" (to depart, to start), "Elolvasni" (to read through, to finish reading), "Elhagyni" (to leave behind).

• "Meg-" (Completion, Intensity):

1. 1. • The prefix "meg-" often expresses the completion or thoroughness of an action.
      • It can also indicate intensity or emphasis.
      • Example: "Megcsinálni" (to complete, to finish), "Megvárni" (to wait for complete), "Megért" (to understand thoroughly).

• "Fel-" (Direction, Beginning):

1. 1. • The prefix "fel-" usually indicates the direction of movement upwards or the starting point of an action.
      • It can also denote the beginning or initiation of an action.
      • Example: "Felmenni" (to go up, to climb), "Felébredni" (to wake up), "Felhívni" (to call up, to initiate a call).

• "Le-" (Direction, Completion):

1. • The prefix "le-" typically indicates the direction of movement downwards or completion of an action.
   • It can also denote diminishment or reduction.
   • Example: "Lemenni" (to go down, to descend), "Lecsukni" (to close down, to shut), "Leírni" (to write down, to record).

   These prefixes are highly used in Hungarian grammar and can be added to a wide range of verbs to modify their meanings. I personally sometimes get confused between the usage of "el-" and "meg-". In some cases, "el-'' signifies the completion or achievement of an action. For instance: "Elvégezni a feladatot" (to finish the task) OR "Elérni az álmait" (to achieve one’s dreams). On the other hand, the prefix "meg-" often indicates the completion or thoroughness of an action, or it can emphasize the intensity of the action. Examples include: "Megnézni a filmet" (to watch the movie completely) OR "Megijedni valamitől" (to get scared of something). Most probably you can see how in the above examples these prefixes are similar, and a little bit confusing. I find this topic pretty challenging but at the same time very fascinating!