Alkalmazzuk a szabályt.

The verb is alkalmazzuk.

Its dictionary form is alkalmazni, which can mean to apply, to use, or in some contexts to employ. In this sentence, it means to apply.

Hungarian often uses the first person plural imperative/subjunctive to express English let's ....

So alkalmazzuk can mean let's apply it or, with the object stated, let's apply the rule.

A useful thing to know is that this form can also look identical to we apply it. Context tells you which meaning is intended.

Because Hungarian has two main kinds of verb conjugation:

• indefinite conjugation
• definite conjugation

Here the object is a szabályt = the rule, which is a definite object, so the verb must also be in the definite form.

Compare:

• alkalmazunk = we apply / we are applying (no definite object, or something general)
• alkalmazzuk = we apply it / let's apply it / let's apply the ...

So alkalmazzuk a szabályt matches the definite object a szabályt.

Because alkalmazzunk is the indefinite first person plural imperative/subjunctive form, while a szabályt is a definite object.

So:

• alkalmazzunk = let's apply something nonspecific
• alkalmazzuk = let's apply something specific

Since a szabályt means the rule, Hungarian uses alkalmazzuk.

The verb stem ends in z: alkalmaz-.

When Hungarian adds certain endings, the spelling often shows a doubled consonant. That is why you get alkalmazzuk with zz. It is pronounced with a longer z sound than a single z.

This is a normal pattern in Hungarian.

Hungarian has two forms of the definite article:

• a before consonant sounds
• az before vowel sounds

szabályt starts with sz, which is a consonant sound, so the correct article is a.

The -t is the accusative ending, which marks the direct object of the verb.

So:

• szabály = rule
• szabályt = rule as the thing being acted on

Since the rule is what is being applied, Hungarian marks it with -t.

Yes, it can.

This form is ambiguous by itself, because alkalmazzuk can be understood as either:

• we apply it / we are applying it
• let's apply it

So Alkalmazzuk a szabályt can mean either We apply the rule or Let's apply the rule.

Usually the situation makes it clear. In an explanation, exercise, or instruction, it will often mean Let's apply the rule.

Yes. Hungarian word order is flexible, and changing it often changes the emphasis rather than the basic meaning.

For example:

• Alkalmazzuk a szabályt. = neutral
• A szabályt alkalmazzuk. = stronger emphasis on the rule

So your sentence is a natural, neutral way to say it.

A few key points:

• sz is pronounced like English s
• á is a long vowel
• ly is pronounced like j in modern Hungarian
• the final t is pronounced

So szabályt is approximately saw-baayt or suh-BAAYT, though English-style spellings are only rough guides.

Not exactly. It is an inclusive form, meaning the speaker includes themself: let's ...

So Alkalmazzuk a szabályt means something like you and I / we should apply the rule.

If you wanted to tell one person Apply the rule!, you would use a different form, for example:

• Alkalmazd a szabályt! = informal singular
• Alkalmazza a szabályt! = formal singular