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Questions & Answers about Ez nem probléma.
What does each word mean in Ez nem probléma?
- Ez = this
- nem = not
- probléma = problem Whole sentence: This is not a problem.
How do you pronounce Ez nem probléma?
- Stress is always on the first syllable of each word: EZ nem PRO-blé-ma.
- e (in ez, nem) is like the e in bet.
- é (in probléma) is a long closed e, like the vowel in café, but not a diphthong.
- Final a (in probléma) is a short back vowel, similar to the o in British hot.
- r (in probléma) is a quick tap.
Why is there no form of the verb to be (van)?
In present tense, third person, when the predicate is a noun or adjective, Hungarian normally drops van. So:
- Ez probléma. = This is a problem.
- Ez nem probléma. = This is not a problem. You do use van for existence or location:
- Van probléma. = There is a problem.
- A könyv az asztalon van. = The book is on the table.
Can I say Ez nem van probléma?
No. That is ungrammatical. Say:
- Ez nem probléma. = This is not a problem. (classification) Or, for existence:
- Nincs probléma. = There is no problem.
What is the difference between Ez nem probléma and Nincs probléma?
- Ez nem probléma. denies that this particular thing counts as a problem. It’s about classification of this.
- Nincs probléma. states that there is no problem at all (existential). Use it to answer Is there a problem? type questions.
Do I need an article like egy here? What about a/az?
- Predicative nouns after an implied copula usually have no article: Ez probléma. / Ez nem probléma.
- egy can appear for emphasis or contrast: Ez nem egy probléma, hanem egy feladat. (not a problem but a task)
- With a definite meaning use a/az: Ez nem a probléma. (This is not the problem we mean.)
How do I say This is the problem?
Use the demonstrative plus the definite article:
- Ez a probléma. = This is the problem. Note Hungarian uses the definite article with demonstratives before a noun: ez a könyv (this book), az az ember (that person).
Where does nem go, and how does word order change the meaning?
- Neutral negation: Ez nem probléma. (This isn’t a problem.)
- To contrast the subject (it’s not this that’s the problem): Nem ez a probléma.
- To contrast the predicate (it’s not the problem, but something else): Ez nem a probléma, hanem a tünet. The negation nem comes right before the focused element.
When should I use ez versus az?
- ez = this (near the speaker): Ez nem probléma.
- az = that (farther away or previously mentioned): Az nem probléma. Plurals: ezek (these), azok (those).
How do I say it in the plural?
- Ezek nem problémák. = These are not problems. For existence:
- Nincsenek problémák. = There are no problems. (plural of nincs)
How do I say It’s not a problem for me?
Use the dative for the person affected:
- Nekem nem probléma. More formal: Számomra nem probléma. For other persons: Neked/Önnek/nekünk etc. + nem probléma.
Is it natural to drop Ez and just say No problem?
Yes, in replies you can simply say:
- Nem probléma. Even more idiomatic:
- Semmi gond.
- Semmi baj. As a response to thanks, Hungarians also commonly use Szívesen. (you’re welcome) or Nincs mit. (don’t mention it).
Are there synonyms for probléma with different tones?
- gond = issue, worry, very common and neutral: Semmi gond.
- baj = trouble, a bit stronger: Nincs baj.
- Slang: nem gáz, nem para = no problem/not a big deal (informal).
How can I intensify or soften the sentence?
- Strong negation: Egyáltalán nem probléma. (not a problem at all)
- Colloquial strong: Egy cseppet sem probléma.
- Soften: Nem nagy probléma. (not a big problem)
- Emphasize ease: Egyáltalán nem gond.
Why is it probléma with é, and what’s the difference between a and á?
- é marks a long closed e sound; it’s distinct from short e.
- a is a short back vowel (like British hot), while á is a long fronted a (like the a in father but longer). Here we have probléma with é and a short a at the end.
Should it be Ez or Ezt here?
Use Ez because it’s the subject. Ezt is the object form:
- Subject: Ez nem probléma. (This is not a problem.)
- Object: Ezt nem értem. (I don’t understand this.)