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Questions & Answers about Ne felejtsd el a találkozót!
What does the word ne do here, and how is it different from nem?
Ne makes a negative imperative or prohibition: “Don’t …”.
Nem negates statements: “not/no.”
- Statement: Nem felejtem el. = I don’t forget it.
- Prohibition: Ne felejtsd el! = Don’t forget (it)!
Why is it felejtsd and not just felejts?
Hungarian verbs have indefinite vs. definite conjugation. Because the object is definite (a találkozót “the meeting”), you use the definite imperative form: felejtsd (2nd person singular, definite). With no definite object, you would use felejts (indefinite).
How is felejtsd formed from the verb felejt?
- Stem: felejt
- 2sg imperative marker is -j, but after a final -t it surfaces as -s: felejts
- Add -d for the definite conjugation: felejtsd
So: felejt + (imperative -j → -s) + (definite -d) = felejtsd.
What is the role of el in felejtsd el?
El- is a verbal prefix (preverb) that here makes the verb “to forget” the usual, idiomatic form: elfelejt (vmit) = to forget (something). In imperatives and negatives, this prefix typically moves after the verb: Ne felejtsd el …. Without the prefix, felejteni can occur but is much less idiomatic in this meaning.
Why is el after the verb and not before it (why not Ne elfelejtsd …)?
Hungarian verbal prefixes normally precede the verb, but they move after the verb in negation, imperative, questions, and certain focus structures. Hence: Ne felejtsd el …, not “Ne elfelejtsd …”
Can I drop el and say Ne felejtsd a találkozót!?
It’s understandable but not idiomatic. The standard way to say “forget something” is with the prefix: elfelejt vmit. So prefer Ne felejtsd el a találkozót!
What does the -t on találkozót mark?
It’s the accusative case ending marking the direct object.
- Nominative: a találkozó = the meeting
- Accusative: a találkozót = the meeting (as object)
Why is it a találkozót and not az találkozót?
Hungarian uses a before consonant-initial words and az before vowel-initial words. Találkozó begins with a consonant (t), so a is correct. Example contrast: az ülés (“the meeting/session”) because ülés starts with a vowel.
Do I need a word for “about,” like “Don’t forget about the meeting”?
No. Hungarian takes a direct object: elfelejt (valamit). So Ne felejtsd el a találkozót! is exactly “Don’t forget the meeting,” and that covers “about” in English.
Are there alternative, equally natural word orders?
Yes. Word order can shift for emphasis:
- Neutral: Ne felejtsd el a találkozót!
- Object-focused: A találkozót ne felejtsd el! (puts strong emphasis on “the meeting”) Both are correct; choose based on what you want to emphasize.
How would I say this politely/formally?
Use the formal 2nd person (3rd person morphology):
- Singular formal (Ön): Ne felejtse el a találkozót!
- Plural formal (Önök): Ne felejtsék el a találkozót! For a polite softener, add: Kérem, ne felejtse el …
How do I address more than one person informally?
Use the 2nd person plural imperative:
- Ne felejtsétek el a találkozót!
How do I say “Don’t forget to …” with a verb?
Use Ne felejts (el) + infinitive …. With a bare infinitive the verb is usually indefinite (felejts):
- Ne felejts el szólni! = Don’t forget to let (me/us) know! With a fuller infinitive phrase you’ll hear both, but Ne felejts el elhozni a könyvet! and Ne felejtsd el elhozni a könyvet! are both common in practice.
Is there a stronger warning form?
Yes: El ne felejtsd a találkozót! This fronted prefix is a set pattern meaning “Whatever you do, don’t forget the meeting!”—more emphatic than the neutral order.
What’s the difference between találkozó, találkozás, megbeszélés, and randi?
- találkozó: a (scheduled) meeting/appointment; very common and neutral.
- találkozás: the act of meeting (more abstract/eventive).
- megbeszélés: a discussion/meeting (often work-related).
- randi: a date (informal/romantic).
Here, találkozót fits “the meeting/appointment.”
Can I omit the object and just say “Don’t forget!”?
Yes: Ne felejtsd el! is common and means “Don’t forget (it)!” The object is understood from context.
Any pronunciation tips?
- Stress is always on the first syllable of each content word: NE felejtsd EL a TA-lál-ko-zót (the article a is unstressed).
- á and ó are long vowels in találkozót.
- In felejtsd, the cluster -tsd is pronounced quickly as one group; don’t insert a vowel between the consonants.
Is Ne feledd also possible?
Yes. Ne feledd (a találkozót)! uses the verb feled “to forget” (more formal/literary). It’s a common shorter reminder: Ne feledd! = “Don’t forget!”