befejez

§ Understanding 'Befejez'

Hungarian Word

befejez

Definition

Finishes, completes, ends (transitive verb)

CEFR Level

A1

The verb 'befejez' is a common and important word in Hungarian. It means 'to finish' or 'to complete' something. It's a transitive verb, which means it usually takes a direct object – you finish *something*.

§ Basic Usage with Accusative Case

When you use 'befejez', the thing being finished will be in the accusative case. In Hungarian, this often means adding the '-t' or '-at/-et/-ot/-öt' ending to the noun. Don't worry too much about the exact ending for now; just know that the word for the object will change.

§ Don't confuse 'befejez' with 'végzett'

Many English speakers learning Hungarian tend to use 'végzett' (finished/completed) interchangeably with 'befejez'. While they can sometimes overlap, 'befejez' specifically means to finish something that was started, often with an emphasis on bringing it to an end. 'Végzett' can imply completing a task, but also to have graduated or completed a course of study, or to be done with something in a more general sense. Think of 'befejez' as the active act of finishing a specific process.

Translation hint: We will finish the project next week.

Translation hint: He already finished with the work (he's done with it).

§ Incorrect verb conjugation

Hungarian verbs are tricky, and 'befejez' is no exception. It's a '-z' ending verb, which means its conjugation follows a specific pattern. A common mistake is to misapply regular '-sz' endings or forget the objective conjugation entirely. Remember to pay close attention to whether the object of the verb is definite or indefinite.

Correct Indefinite Conjugation (e.g., 'befejezek' - I finish [something, not specific])

• Én befejezek
• Te befejezel
• Ő befejez
• Mi befejezünk
• Ti befejeztek
• Ők befejeznek

Correct Definite Conjugation (e.g., 'befejezem' - I finish it/the specific thing)

• Én befejezem
• Te befejezed
• Ő befejezi
• Mi befejezzük
• Ti befejezzétek / befejezitek
• Ők befejezik

Translation hint: Tomorrow I will finish the book (specific book).

Translation hint: If I have time, I will finish a task (any task).

§ Omitting the prefix 'be-'

'Befejez' is a verb with a verbal prefix, 'be-'. This prefix is crucial to its meaning of 'finishing' or 'completing'. Sometimes, learners forget to include it, leading to a different meaning or an incomplete thought. The base verb 'fejez' on its own doesn't carry the same sense of completion.

Translation hint: He couldn't finish the sentence.

If you said 'Nem tudta fejezni a mondatot', it would sound unnatural and incorrect in this context. The 'be-' prefix clearly indicates the action of bringing something to an end.

§ Using 'befejez' with states, not actions

'Befejez' is used for actions, processes, or tasks that have a clear beginning and end. It's not typically used for states of being or conditions. For example, you wouldn't say 'I finished being sad' with 'befejez'. You'd use a different construction for such a sentiment.

Translation hint: They will finish the painting in the afternoon.

Here, 'painting' is an action/process that can be finished. Trying to use 'befejez' with an unfinishable state will lead to an incorrect sentence.

When you're learning Hungarian, you'll find that many English words have several Hungarian equivalents. 'To finish' is a great example. The word befejez is one of the most common ways to say 'to finish' in Hungarian, especially at the A1 level. But it's good to know some alternatives and when to use them.

§ Befejez: The Go-To "Finish"

Befejez means to complete or bring something to an end. Think of finishing a task, a project, a book, or a conversation. It implies a sense of completion.

Definition

To finish, complete, conclude (a task, activity, or project).

§ Befejez vs. Befejeződik (Passive)

While befejez is active (someone finishes something), befejeződik is its passive form, meaning 'something finishes itself' or 'comes to an end'. You'll hear this often for events or processes.

§ Befejez vs. Végződik/Elmúlik (Ending of an event/time)

Végződik also means 'to end' or 'to finish', usually for events, periods of time, or processes. It's very similar to befejeződik and often interchangeable when talking about events naturally coming to a close.

Elmúlik is used for time passing or something fading away, like a feeling, pain, or a period of time. It has a stronger sense of disappearance or passing than just ending.

§ Befejez vs. Elkészül (Completion of an item)

Elkészül means 'to be ready' or 'to be completed', especially for something that is made or prepared, like food, a report, or a building.

§ Befejez vs. Abbahagy (Stopping an action)

Abbahagy means 'to stop' or 'to cease doing something'. It doesn't necessarily imply completion, just that an action is interrupted or no longer continued.

§ Summary of usage

• Befejez: To actively complete a task, project, book, conversation.
• Befejeződik/Végződik: For events, periods of time, or processes naturally coming to an end.
• Elmúlik: For time passing, feelings fading, or something disappearing.
• Elkészül: For something being made or prepared becoming ready/completed.
• Abbahagy: To stop an action, not necessarily completing it.

Don't worry too much about perfect usage at A1. Focus on befejez and gradually add the others as you hear them and get more comfortable. The more you read and listen, the clearer these distinctions will become.