A diák a tanárra vár a tanterem előtt.

the teacher

Breakdown of A diák a tanárra vár a tanterem előtt.

• diák: the student
• tanterem: the classroom
• előtt: in front of
• várni: to wait for
• -ra: on

Questions & Answers about A diák a tanárra vár a tanterem előtt.

Why does the word tanár have the suffix -ra in tanárra?

In Hungarian, certain verbs require the object of waiting or looking to carry a specific suffix, indicating the target or direction of the action. The verb vár (to wait) typically takes the -ra/re suffix to show whom or what one is waiting for. Thus, tanárra is used to indicate that the student waits for the teacher.

Why is there an a before diák and tanárra?

Hungarian uses definite articles (a or az) before singular nouns in many contexts, similar to “the” in English. The presence of a before diák and tanárra indicates they’re specific nouns: someone known in the context (the student, the teacher) rather than any random student or teacher.

Can vár be used in other contexts besides waiting for a person?

Yes, vár can be used to wait for just about anything—people, events, or even abstract concepts, as long as it makes sense within the context. The object of waiting would still typically take the -ra/re suffix, for example: a buszra vár (waiting for the bus).

How is a tanterem előtt structured and why is előtt at the end?

In Hungarian, the place or direction can come at the end of a sentence to add emphasis or describe where something happens. Előtt is a postposition (it comes after the noun), so a tanterem előtt literally translates as “in front of the classroom.”

Could you say A tanárra vár a diák a tanterem előtt instead?

Yes, Hungarian word order is relatively flexible. You can move the words around to emphasize different parts of the sentence. However, the sentence you gave would place more emphasis on tanárra, hinting strongly that it’s specifically the teacher for whom the student is waiting. The meaning remains largely the same, though.