Questions & Answers about Ez a hét hosszú.
Why is there no word for “is” in Ez a hét hosszú?
In Hungarian, the verb “to be” (lenni) is usually omitted in the present tense, 3rd person (he/she/it, they) when it links a noun or pronoun to an adjective or a noun.
So:
- Ez a hét hosszú.
= This week is long.
(Literally: This the week long.)
There is no separate word for “is” here; Hungarian simply leaves it out.
You would only use a form of van (is/are) in special cases, e.g.:
- when expressing location:
A könyv az asztalon van. – The book is on the table. - when emphasizing existence:
Van egy ötletem. – I have an idea. (literally: There is an idea of mine.)
What does Ez a hét hosszú literally mean word-for-word?
Breakdown:
- Ez – this
- a – the (definite article)
- hét – week
- hosszú – long
So literally: “This the week long.”
Natural English: “This week is long.”
Why do we say Ez a hét, not just Ez hét?