What is the -kor Suffix?
The suffix -kor in Hungarian is used to indicate a specific point in time, similar to the English words “at” or “on” when referring to times. For example, if you want to say “at 5 o’clock” or “on Monday,” you would use -kor to modify the time expression.
How to Use -kor with Hours
When telling time, the -kor suffix is attached to the number that represents the hour. This is the most common usage and is essential for making appointments or saying when something happens.
- öt órakor – at five o’clock
- tíz órakor – at ten o’clock
- fél nyolckor – at half past seven
Notice that the suffix is simply added to the time expression, with no extra connector needed. If you say “Találkozunk hat órakor,” you’re saying “We’ll meet at six o’clock.”
Using -kor with Days and Dates
The -kor suffix is not limited to clock times. It is also used with days of the week and specific dates to indicate when something is happening.
- hétfőn – on Monday (note that with days of the week, you generally use the -n ending instead, but you can combine the day and time: hétfőn ötkor – on Monday at five)
- másodikán – on the second (of the month); másodikán hat órakor – on the second at six o’clock
For days of the week, the suffix -kor is used with the time, not the day itself. The day typically takes the -n ending, while -kor is reserved for the hour or specific time.
-kor with Parts of the Day
Hungarian often refers to parts of the day, such as “in the morning” or “in the evening,” and the -kor suffix can be used with these terms as well:
- reggel – in the morning; reggel nyolckor – at eight in the morning
- este – in the evening; este hatkor – at six in the evening
- délben – at noon (here -ben is used instead of -kor, but you may combine: délben egy órakor – at one o’clock in the afternoon)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning to use the -kor suffix, Hungarian learners often make a few common mistakes:
- Using -kor with words that already indicate a time period, like reggel or délben — only use -kor for specific hours or precise times.
- Forgetting to add -kor when stating a specific hour.
- Adding -kor to days of the week instead of hours (remember: hétfőn for “on Monday,” but hétfőn hatkor for “on Monday at six”).
Tips for Practicing -kor
To master the use of -kor in Hungarian, try these helpful tips:
- Practice telling the time in Hungarian daily, using different hours and parts of the day.
- Create sample sentences about your schedule, such as “Az órám kilenc órakor kezdődik” (My class starts at nine o’clock).
- Listen to native Hungarian speakers, such as on Talkpal or other language learning platforms, and note how they use -kor in real conversations.
Conclusion
Understanding how to use the -kor suffix is a fundamental step in speaking Hungarian fluently and naturally. Whether you are arranging a meeting, discussing your daily routine, or simply telling the time, -kor will help you communicate with clarity and confidence. For more tips, resources, and practice, be sure to visit the Talkpal AI language learning blog, your trusted companion on the journey to mastering Hungarian.
