A tanterem tágas, sok diák fér el benne.

to be

Breakdown of A tanterem tágas, sok diák fér el benne.

• diák: the student
• tanterem: the classroom
• tágas: spacious
• sok: many
• férni: to fit

Questions & Answers about A tanterem tágas, sok diák fér el benne.

What does the word tanterem mean, and why is it used for “classroom”?

Tanterem is a compound of tan (related to learning) and terem (room), so literally it refers to a room designated for studying—hence a classroom.

How should I understand tágas in this context?

Tágas is an adjective meaning spacious or roomy. Here it describes the classroom as having ample space.

Why is there a comma before sok diák fér el benne?

In Hungarian, it’s common to use a comma before a clause that provides additional information. The phrase sok diák fér el benne (many students can fit in it) is somewhat like a separate statement about the result of having a spacious classroom.

What exactly does the phrase sok diák fér el benne mean?

It literally translates to many students fit in it. Fér refers to fitting into a space, and benne means in it/inside it. So the sentence emphasizes that the classroom has enough room for many students.

Why not just say sok diák elfér? What is el doing here?

In Hungarian, elfér is a single verb form meaning to fit. However, you can also separate fér and the prefix el. In this sentence, sok diák fér el benne, the verb and the prefix are split, yet the meaning is essentially the same: many students can fit (in it). This flexibility with verbal prefixes is common in Hungarian.