Én látok egy tanárt.

I see a teacher.

Breakdown of Én látok egy tanárt.

• tanár: the teacher
• én: I
• látni: to see
• egy: a

Questions & Answers about Én látok egy tanárt.

Why is “Én” used here if Hungarian often drops subject pronouns?

In Hungarian, the verb conjugation usually indicates the subject, so pronouns (like Én) are often omitted. However, including Én can add emphasis or clarity, especially if you want to stress the fact that I (and not someone else) see the teacher.

Why do we say “egy tanárt” instead of “egy tanár”?

In Hungarian, a direct object typically takes the accusative suffix -t. Therefore, tanár (teacher) becomes tanárt when it is the object of the verb.

Why is the indefinite article “egy” used here?

Hungarian uses egy similarly to the English a or an to indicate an indefinite object. You’re referring to a teacher rather than the teacher.

What is the function of “látok” in the sentence?

Látok is the first-person singular, indefinite present tense form of the verb lát (to see). Since the object is indefinite (a teacher), we use the indefinite conjugation (látok) instead of the definite form (látom).

Can the sentence be shortened?

Yes. Because Hungarian verb endings convey the subject, you can drop Én and simply say Látok egy tanárt. The meaning remains the same, but Én látok egy tanárt. sounds more emphatic or explicit.