Learning a new language can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and Hungarian is no exception. One of the interesting aspects of Hungarian is how it handles verbs and nouns, particularly when it comes to actions like running. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the verb fut and the noun futás, along with other related vocabulary. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding these nuances can help you grasp the language more effectively.

Fut – The Verb

Fut is the Hungarian verb for “to run.” Like most verbs, it is used to describe an action. When you want to say that someone is running, you use fut.

Fut
To run.
Ő minden reggel fut a parkban.

In this example, “Ő minden reggel fut a parkban,” we are saying “He/She runs in the park every morning.” The verb fut is used to describe the action of running.

Futás – The Noun

On the other hand, futás is the noun form, which translates to “running” or “the act of running.” This is used when you want to talk about the activity or the concept of running rather than the action itself.

Futás
Running (noun).
A futás az egyik legjobb kardio edzés.

Here, “A futás az egyik legjobb kardio edzés” means “Running is one of the best cardio workouts.” The word futás is used as a noun to discuss the activity of running.

Related Vocabulary

To further enhance your understanding, let’s look at some related vocabulary words that can help you articulate different aspects of running in Hungarian.

Futó

Futó means “runner.” This word is derived from the verb fut and refers to a person who runs.

Futó
Runner.
A maratonon sok futó vett részt.

In this sentence, “A maratonon sok futó vett részt,” we are saying “Many runners participated in the marathon.” The word futó identifies people who run.

Futópálya

Futópálya is the word for “track” or “running track.” This is where runners usually perform their activity.

Futópálya
Running track.
A futópálya mindig tele van sportolókkal reggelente.

In “A futópálya mindig tele van sportolókkal reggelente,” which translates to “The running track is always full of athletes in the mornings,” the term futópálya is used to describe the place where running happens.

Futócipő

Futócipő refers to “running shoes.” These are the shoes specifically designed for running.

Futócipő
Running shoes.
Jó futócipő nélkül könnyű megsérülni.

The sentence “Jó futócipő nélkül könnyű megsérülni” means “It’s easy to get injured without good running shoes.” The word futócipő emphasizes the importance of proper footwear for running.

Futóverseny

Futóverseny means “running race” or “race.” This is a competitive event where people run to win.

Futóverseny
Running race.
A futóverseny holnap reggel kezdődik.

In “A futóverseny holnap reggel kezdődik,” we are saying “The running race starts tomorrow morning.” The term futóverseny is used to describe a competitive running event.

Futópad

Futópad is the word for “treadmill.” This is a machine used for running or walking while staying in one place.

Futópad
Treadmill.
Szeretek a futópadon edzeni, mert bármikor használhatom.

The sentence “Szeretek a futópadon edzeni, mert bármikor használhatom” translates to “I like working out on the treadmill because I can use it anytime.” The word futópad is used to describe the equipment for running indoors.

Futóklub

Futóklub refers to a “running club.” This is a group of people who gather together to run.

Futóklub
Running club.
Csatlakoztam egy futóklubhoz, hogy motiváltabb legyek.

In “Csatlakoztam egy futóklubhoz, hogy motiváltabb legyek,” we are saying “I joined a running club to be more motivated.” The term futóklub describes a social group centered around running.

Grammatical Aspects

Now that we’ve covered some essential vocabulary, let’s delve into the grammatical aspects of using these words in sentences. Understanding how to conjugate and use these words will make your Hungarian much more fluent and natural.

Conjugation of Fut

The verb fut follows regular conjugation patterns in Hungarian. Here’s how it conjugates in the present tense:

Én futok
I run.
Én minden reggel futok.

Te futsz
You run (singular informal).
Te gyorsabban futsz nálam.

Ő fut
He/She runs.
Ő minden nap fut.

Mi futunk
We run.
Mi együtt futunk a parkban.

Ti futtok
You run (plural informal).
Ti gyakran futtok a hegyekben.

Ők futnak
They run.
Ők minden hétvégén futnak.

Using Futás in Sentences

When using the noun futás in sentences, it often acts as the subject or object of the verb. Here are some examples:

Szeretem a futást
I like running.
Szeretem a futást, mert segít egészséges maradni.

Futás közben
While running.
Futás közben mindig zenét hallgatok.

A futás előnyei
The benefits of running.
A futás előnyei közé tartozik a jobb keringés és a stressz csökkentése.

Common Phrases and Idioms

To further enrich your vocabulary, here are some common phrases and idioms related to running in Hungarian:

Fut, mint a nyúl

Fut, mint a nyúl means “Runs like a rabbit.” This phrase is used to describe someone who runs very fast.

Fut, mint a nyúl
Runs like a rabbit.
Amikor meglátta a kutyát, futott, mint a nyúl.

In “Amikor meglátta a kutyát, futott, mint a nyúl,” we are saying “When he saw the dog, he ran like a rabbit.” This idiom emphasizes speed.

Elérni a célt

Elérni a célt means “To reach the goal.” While not exclusively about running, this phrase is often used in the context of races and competitions.

Elérni a célt
To reach the goal.
Kitartással elérheted a célt.

The sentence “Kitartással elérheted a célt” translates to “With perseverance, you can reach the goal.” It emphasizes achieving objectives, often through hard work and endurance.

Fut, mint a szél

Fut, mint a szél means “Runs like the wind.” This phrase is used to describe someone who runs extremely fast.

Fut, mint a szél
Runs like the wind.
A versenyen futott, mint a szél.

In “A versenyen futott, mint a szél,” we are saying “He/She ran like the wind in the race.” The idiom highlights exceptional speed.

Futás az életért

Futás az életért translates to “Running for one’s life.” This phrase is used to describe a desperate or urgent situation requiring immediate action.

Futás az életért
Running for one’s life.
A menekülő fogoly futott az életéért.

The sentence “A menekülő fogoly futott az életéért” means “The escaping prisoner ran for his life.” It indicates an urgent need to escape danger.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between fut and futás, as well as related vocabulary, can significantly enhance your ability to speak and comprehend Hungarian. By knowing how to use these words and phrases, you’ll be better equipped to describe actions and activities related to running. Whether you’re talking about your daily jog, participating in a marathon, or simply discussing the benefits of running, these words and expressions will prove invaluable.

Remember, language learning is a journey. The more you practice and immerse yourself in the language, the more fluent you will become. So lace up your futócipő and hit the futópálya, or join a futóklub to keep yourself motivated. Happy running and happy learning!