Overview
The Hungarian word 'gondol' is a versatile and fundamental verb meaning 'to think' or 'to consider.' Understanding its various conjugations, nuances, and common collocations is crucial for mastering Hungarian.
Conjugation:
Hungarian verbs are highly inflected, and 'gondol' follows regular conjugation patterns for 'ik' verbs (though 'gondol' itself is not an 'ik' verb, it shares some similarities in how endings attach). Here are some key conjugations:
- Present Tense (Definite Conjugation - when the object is definite or a pronoun):
- én gondolom (I think it/him/her)
- te gondolod (you think it/him/her)
- ő/ön gondolja (he/she/it/you formal think it/him/her)
- mi gondoljuk (we think it/him/her)
- ti gondoljátok (you plural think it/him/her)
- ők/önök gondolják (they/you formal plural think it/him/her)
- Present Tense (Indefinite Conjugation - when the object is indefinite or there's no object):
- én gondolok (I think)
- te gondolsz (you think)
- ő/ön gondol (he/she/it/you formal thinks)
- mi gondolunk (we think)
- ti gondoltok (you plural think)
- ők/önök gondolnak (they/you formal plural think)
- Past Tense:
- én gondoltam (I thought)
- te gondoltál (you thought)
- ő/ön gondolt (he/she/it/you formal thought)
- Future Tense: Hungarian typically expresses future tense using the present tense with a time adverbial or the auxiliary verb 'fog' + infinitive (e.g., 'gondolni fogok' - I will think).
Usage and Nuances:
- 1To think/believe: This is the most common meaning. 'Azt gondolom, hogy...' (I think that...). 'Mit gondolsz?' (What do you think?).
- 1To consider/reflect: 'Gondolj a jövődre!' (Think about your future!). 'Jól gondold meg!' (Think it over carefully!).
- 1To intend/plan: While 'tervez' is more common for planning, 'gondol' can sometimes imply intention. 'Gondoltam, hogy elmegyek.' (I thought I'd go / I intended to go).
- 1To remember/recall (with 'rá'): 'Eszedbe jut' is more direct for 'to remember,' but 'rá gondol' can mean 'to think of/about' someone/something, often with a sense of remembrance or concern. 'Rá gondolok.' (I'm thinking of him/her/it).
Common Expressions and Collocations:
- Gondolni valakire/valamire: To think of/about someone/something (often with affection, concern, or remembrance).
- Gondolom: I think so / I guess (often used as an interjection).
- Meggondol: To reconsider, to think over carefully. 'Meggondoltad magad?' (Have you changed your mind?).
- Kigondol: To figure out, to invent, to devise (a plan).
- Elgondol: To imagine, to conceive.
- Belegondol: To delve into, to immerse oneself in thought.
- Végiggondol: To think something through completely.
- Gondolat: Thought (noun derived from 'gondol').
- Gondolkodik: To ponder, to be deep in thought (a more continuous action than 'gondol').
Mastering 'gondol' involves not just memorizing conjugations but also understanding its context-dependent meanings and common prefixes that alter its sense. Pay close attention to the use of cases (e.g., 'ra/re' for 'on/to' when thinking about something) and definite/indefinite conjugations.
Ejemplos
Gondolj rám!
Imperative, informal, singularThink of me!
Azt gondolom, hogy igaza van.
First person singular, present tense, expressing opinionI think he is right.
Gondoltam, hogy eljössz.
First person singular, past tense, expressing expectationI thought you would come.
Mit gondolsz erről?
Second person singular, present tense, asking for opinionWhat do you think about this?
Gondolkodtunk a jövőn.
First person plural, past continuous, expressing contemplationWe were thinking about the future.
Colocaciones comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Patrones gramaticales
Cómo usarlo
Notas de uso
The verb 'gondol' is a fundamental and versatile verb in Hungarian, meaning 'to think,' 'to consider,' or 'to believe.' It is a transitive verb, typically followed by an object or a subordinate clause. When expressing an opinion or belief, it is frequently used with the first-person singular 'gondolom' (I think/I believe). For example, 'Azt gondolom, hogy jó ötlet' (I think that it's a good idea). It can also be used reflexively with 'magát' (himself/herself/itself) to mean 'to imagine' or 'to consider oneself,' e.g., 'Magát okosnak gondolja' (He considers himself smart). When referring to thinking about something or someone, it often takes the '-ra/-re' (to/for) suffix: 'Gondolok rád' (I'm thinking of you). The past tense is 'gondolt,' and the future tense is formed using the auxiliary verb 'fog' (will) with the infinitive 'gondolni': 'Gondolni fogok' (I will think). Its usage is broad, encompassing everything from casual thought to serious reflection.
Errores comunes
A common mistake is confusing 'gondol' with similar-sounding words or using it in contexts where a different verb for thinking might be more appropriate. For example, while 'gondol' generally means 'to think' in the sense of intellectual activity or forming an opinion, 'hinni' means 'to believe', and 'érezni' means 'to feel'. Another mistake is incorrect conjugation. 'Gondol' is a regular -ol/-öl verb, so its conjugations follow a predictable pattern. Pay attention to the definite and indefinite conjugations, as Hungarian verbs change based on whether the object of the verb is definite or indefinite. For instance, 'gondolok' (I think - indefinitely, e.g., 'I think about something'), versus 'gondolom' (I think it - definitely, e.g., 'I think the book'). Lastly, word order can be tricky. While Hungarian has a relatively flexible word order, placing 'gondol' at the end of a sentence often adds emphasis, which might not always be intended.
Consejos
Pronunciation tip
Common mistake
Usage note
Contexto cultural
The Hungarian word 'gondol' carries a deep cultural resonance beyond a simple translation of 'to think.' In Hungarian culture, introspection and thoughtful consideration are highly valued. This is reflected in expressions like 'mélyen gondolkodik' (thinks deeply) or 'átgondol' (to think over thoroughly), which emphasize the importance of careful deliberation before action. Hungarian communication often involves a degree of directness, but this is balanced by an expectation of prior thought and reasoning. Therefore, merely stating 'gondolom' (I think) can sometimes imply a more considered opinion than its English counterpart, which can sometimes be used more casually. The act of 'gondolkodás' (thinking) is often linked to problem-solving, planning, and even philosophical contemplation, reflecting a culture that appreciates intellectual engagement.
Truco para recordar
The Hungarian word 'gondol' (to think) sounds a bit like 'gondola'. Imagine sitting in a gondola, thinking deep thoughts as you glide through the canals of Venice.
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasPonte a prueba
Én _______ (gondol) rátok.
Ő _______ (gondol) a jövőre.
Ti _______ (gondol) erre a problémára?
Puntuación: /3
Pronunciation tip
Common mistake
Usage note
Ejemplos
5 de 5Gondolj rám!
Think of me!
Azt gondolom, hogy igaza van.
I think he is right.
Gondoltam, hogy eljössz.
I thought you would come.
Mit gondolsz erről?
What do you think about this?
Gondolkodtunk a jövőn.
We were thinking about the future.