Verbal prefixes: meg-, el-, ki-, be-
Common verbal prefixes and their separation in negation
Can use verbal prefixes and separate them in negation
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Megeszem az ebédet.
I eat up the lunch (finish it).
Nem eszem meg az ebédet.
I won't eat up the lunch.
Bemegy az irodába.
He/she goes into the office.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Verbal prefixes change meaning. In negation the prefix separates from the verb: Nem megy el (not Nem elmegy).
Keeping prefix attached in negation. Always split: Nem + verb + prefix.
Common Error Patterns
Keeping prefix attached to verb in negation
In negation, the prefix goes AFTER the verb: 'Nem megy el' (not 'Nem elmegy').
Confusing directional prefix meanings
be- = into, ki- = out, el- = away/mis-, meg- = completeness. Learn with example pairs.
Megeszem az ebédet.
I eat up the lunch (finish it).
meg- adds completion. Definite object (az ebédet) → definite conj (megeszem).
Nem eszem meg az ebédet.
I won't eat up the lunch.
In negation, the prefix separates: 'meg' moves after the verb. 'Nem megeszem' is wrong!
Bemegy az irodába.
He/she goes into the office.
be- = into (inward direction). bemegy = go into. Contrast: kimegy = go out.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises