Let’s LearnHungarian

Lesson 31 of 74 · B1, Unit 2: Real conversations

Would, could, and hypotheticals

You've already used one conditional form without knowing it: szeretnék ('I would like'), from every menu and hotel-desk phrase so far. This lesson gives you the whole pattern behind it — how to say 'would' or 'could' for any verb and any person.

The conditional marker is -ná-/-né- (vowel harmony decides which), squeezed between the verb stem and the personal ending — except for 'I', which is always -nék no matter the verb: tudnék ('I could'), kérnék ('I would ask').

By the end you can:

  • form the conditional mood: -na/-ne (or -nék for 'I') plus personal endings
  • use lenne and volna, the conditional of 'to be'
  • build real hypothetical sentences with ha ('if')
  • ask polite questions and requests using the conditional: tudnál, szeretnél

Unlock the full lesson

The full lesson — 5 sections of explanation, its 15 words with audio, a dialogue, flashcards, a quiz and spaced review. The first three lessons are free. A subscription unlocks every lesson.

See plans