Learn Hardcore Hungarian: A macska kicsi.

In Hungarian, the verb "to be" (van) is usually omitted in the third-person singular present tense when expressing that something "is" a certain way. So instead of saying "A macska van kicsi," you simply say "A macska kicsi."

What does the "A" in "A macska" mean, and why is it used here?

"A" is the definite article in Hungarian used before words starting with a consonant sound. It corresponds to "the" in English. Since "macska" begins with a "m," which is a consonant, we use "A" rather than "Az."

Is "macska" singular or plural in this sentence?

"Macska" here is in the singular form, meaning "cat." Hungarian nouns don't change their form to mark the singular, so "macska" can mean "cat" in general if context allows, but with an article "A," it typically refers to one specific cat.

How is "kicsi" functioning in this sentence, and can it be modified?

"Kicsi" is an adjective meaning "small." It describes the cat in its basic form. You can modify it (for example, "nagyon kicsi," meaning "very small"), but in this basic sentence, it just states the cat's characteristic without any additional intensity.

Is word order flexible in Hungarian for this sentence? Could it be "Kicsi a macska"?

Yes, Hungarian word order is relatively flexible. You could say "Kicsi a macska," which emphasizes the adjective "kicsi." However, "A macska kicsi" is the most neutral way, simply stating that "The cat is small."