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Questions & Answers about A tanár választ ad.
Is választ here a noun or the verb that means “chooses”?
It’s the noun válasz (answer) marked with the accusative -t: választ = “an answer” as a direct object. It is not the verb választ (he/she chooses). The following verb ad (gives) shows that választ is the object here.
Why does válasz become választ?
Hungarian marks a direct object with the accusative suffix -t. For many polysyllabic nouns ending in -sz, the -t attaches directly: válasz → választ. Do not insert a linking vowel here (so not “válaszot”).
Why is there no egy before választ? Would egy választ be wrong?
Hungarian often omits egy with a non-specific direct object: választ ad is perfectly normal. Adding egy is possible but adds a nuance like “one (single/particular) answer” or places emphasis on the numeral idea of “one.”
Why is the object placed before the verb (… választ ad)?
In neutral sentences with a non-specific (indefinite) object, Hungarian typically places the object immediately before the verb: Subject – Object – Verb. Hence: A tanár választ ad. This is the default, not emphasis.
Can I say A tanár ad választ instead? Is it wrong?
It’s not ungrammatical, but it’s not the neutral word order. A tanár választ ad is the usual neutral phrasing. A tanár ad választ can appear in contexts with special focus or in certain questions/negation patterns, but as a bare statement it sounds marked.
What’s the difference between választ ad and válaszol?
- választ ad = “gives an answer” (light-verb construction with a direct object).
- válaszol = “answers” (simple verb). Both are common. When you name what is being answered, Hungarian uses -ra/-re:
- választ ad a kérdésre
- válaszol a kérdésre
How do I say “to the question” with this? Is it dative?
Use the sublative suffix -ra/-re with the thing answered: a kérdésre (to the question), not dative. You can also add a recipient in dative if needed: a diáknak (to the student).
- A tanár a diáknak választ ad a kérdésre.
What if I mean “the answer,” not just “an answer”?
Make the object definite and switch the verb to definite conjugation:
- A tanár adja a választ. You’ll also often hear the perfective verb-prefix version:
- A tanár megadja a választ. The prefix meg- adds a sense of completion/successful delivery.
How do I negate this?
- Neutral negation: A tanár nem ad választ. (“The teacher doesn’t give an answer.”) Note that nem occupies the pre-verbal slot, so the object follows the verb.
- If you want to stress the lack of an answer: A tanár választ nem ad. (“He gives no answer.”)
How do I say “gives answers / many answers”?
- Plural object: válaszokat ad (accusative plural).
- With quantifiers: sok választ ad, több választ ad. Examples:
- A tanár sok választ ad.
- A tanár válaszokat ad.
Do I need a subject ending or pronoun on A tanár?
No. Subjects are unmarked in Hungarian, and pronouns are usually dropped. A tanár is just “the teacher” as the subject; no extra ending is needed, and adding ő is unnecessary unless you want to emphasize “he/she.”
Why A and not Az? When do I use az?
Use a before consonant-initial words and az before vowel-initial words:
- A tanár (teacher)
- Az orvos (doctor)
- Az autó (car)
Can I say Egy tanár választ ad?
Yes. That means “A teacher gives an answer,” introducing a new, indefinite subject. It contrasts with A tanár (“the teacher”), which refers to a known/previously mentioned teacher.
Where does the prefix go if I use megad?
In neutral sentences the prefix is attached: megadja a választ. With focus or negation, the prefix splits and follows the verb:
- Nem adja meg a választ.
- Csak holnap adja meg a választ.
Are there other common “light-verb + noun” pairs like választ ad?
Yes, many:
- tanácsot ad (gives advice)
- magyarázatot ad (gives an explanation)
- segítséget ad/nyújt (gives/provides help)
- példát ad (gives an example) They behave similarly: the noun takes accusative -t when it’s a direct object.