Learn Hardcore Hungarian: Ha Ön nem kérdez, nem tudok választ adni. - If you formal, singular do not ask, I cannot give an answer.

Ha means if and introduces a conditional clause. When the ha-clause comes first, Hungarian uses a comma before the main clause: Ha … , …. You can optionally add akkor (then) in the second clause for emphasis: Ha Ön nem kérdez, (akkor) nem tudok…

Why is Ön capitalized, and what register is it?

Ön is the formal singular you. In letters and very polite contexts, it’s often capitalized to show respect; in neutral prose you may see ön in lowercase. It always takes third‑person verb agreement (see next question).

Why is it kérdez (3rd person) and not kérdezel (2nd person)?

With the formal Ön, Hungarian uses third‑person singular verb forms: Ön kérdez. With informal te, you’d say: Ha (te) nem kérdezel, …. The pronoun itself is usually omitted unless you want to stress it.

Can I omit Ön?

Yes: Ha nem kérdez, nem tudok… is grammatical. Without Ön, the subject could also be read as he/she, so you keep Ön if you need to make it clear you mean “you (formal).”

Why are there two nem? Is that a double negative?

No. Each clause has its own verb to negate: nem kérdez and nem tudok. Hungarian doesn’t cancel negation across clauses here; you simply negate both actions.

Why nem tudok and not nem adok?

nem tudok (választ adni) = I’m not able to (I can’t), due to circumstances (no question asked).
nem adok (választ) = I do not give (I won’t), which suggests refusal.
nem adhatok (választ) = I’m not allowed/permitted to give an answer.

Here, ability/unpossibility is intended, so nem tudok fits best.

Does tudok mean “I know” or “I can” here?

Here it means “I can/am able to” because it’s followed by an infinitive (adni). Contrast:

Tudok választ adni. = I can give an answer.
Tudom a választ. = I know the answer. (Here tudom is “I know,” with a definite object.)

Why is adni (to give) at the end, and can I move it?

With modal-like verbs such as tud, the infinitive typically follows the object: nem tudok [object] [infinitive] → nem tudok választ adni. You can also say nem tudok adni választ; both are correct, but object-before-infinitive is very common and usually sounds more natural.

Why is it választ with a -t at the end?

That -t is the accusative ending: válasz (answer, noun) → választ (answer as a direct object). Note that választ is homonymous with the verb “(he/she) chooses,” but here it’s clearly the noun plus -t in the fixed expression választ adni (“to give an answer”).

Could I use válaszolni instead of választ adni?

Yes. Nem tudok válaszolni is at least as common and a bit more compact. Both are fine:

választ adni (vmire) = to give an answer (to something)
válaszolni (vmire) = to answer (something)

Can I reorder for emphasis, e.g., Választ nem tudok adni?

Yes. Fronting választ stresses the object: Választ nem tudok adni, de tanácsot igen. This means “An answer I can’t give, but advice I can,” highlighting the contrast.

Why isn’t it tudom (definite) since there’s an object?

The object (választ) belongs to the infinitive adni, not to the finite verb tudok. Therefore tudok stays in the indefinite form. Using tudom would change the meaning to “I know it,” as in Tudom a választ.

Could/should this be in the conditional mood with -na/-ne?

For a real, general condition, Hungarian uses present in both clauses (as in the sentence). For a more hypothetical or polite conditional, use -na/-ne/-ná/-né in both:

Ha Ön nem kérdezne, nem tudnék választ adni. (“If you didn’t ask, I wouldn’t be able to give an answer.”)

Is there an “unless” version?

Yes: Hacsak Ön nem kérdez, nem tudok választ adni. This is the natural “unless you ask…” formulation.

Why present tense—doesn’t English use future for this idea?

Hungarian often uses present in conditionals where English uses future. You can add a future auxiliary for emphasis: Ha Ön nem kérdez, nem fogok tudni választ adni, but the simple present is normal and sufficient.

Do I need to say kérdést explicitly (like “ask a question”)?

No. kérdez already implies asking a question. Alternatives:

Ha Ön nem kérdez, … (most natural)
Ha Ön nem tesz fel kérdést, … (explicit “ask a question”) Avoid the tautological-sounding kérdést kérdez in careful style; prefer feltesz (egy) kérdést.

Should I use the prefix meg- (megkérdez) here?

Not in this bare pattern. megkérdez typically needs an explicit object (whom/what you ask): megkérdezi a kollégáját (valamiről). For the generic “if you don’t ask,” plain kérdez is idiomatic.

Can I add a reference like “to this” (erre/rá)?

Yes:

Nem tudok erre választ adni.
Nem tudok erre válaszolni. With a clitic: Nem tudok rá válaszolni. Placement is usually before the noun/verb phrase as shown (erre/rá
- …).

Why not Nem tudok adnom?

Because tud doesn’t take the personal infinitive. Use the plain infinitive: tudok adni. The personal infinitive appears with verbs like kell: mennem kell (“I have to go”), but not with tud.