fogni — meaning in English: to catch

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to catch

számít

kedves

fogni

törekedni

tudatos

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Hungarian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use 'fogni' in various everyday situations, such as when talking about catching a bus or train, or when discussing catching a ball in sports. For example, during a casual conversation about weekend plans, one might say, 'I need to catch the bus at 5 PM.'

Synonyms & nuances

'Fogni' is often compared with 'elkapni,' which also means 'to catch.' However, 'elkapni' carries a slightly more active connotation, often used in contexts where something is intercepted or grasped quickly, like catching a flying ball. You would choose 'fogni' when referring to more general instances of catching or holding something.

Culture

'Fogni' has an interesting etymological background, stemming from the Old Hungarian word 'fog,' which means 'to hold.' This connection to 'holding' illustrates the action's essence—grasping or seizing something. In Hungarian culture, the act of catching goes beyond mere physicality; it's often metaphorically employed in phrases discussing opportunities or moments, adding layers to its usage.

FAQ

Q.What is the conjugation of 'fogni' in the present tense?

'Fogni' is an infinitive verb. In the present tense, you would conjugate it as follows: 'fogok' (I catch), 'fogsz' (you catch), 'fog' (he/she/it catches), 'fogunk' (we catch), 'fogtok' (you all catch), and 'fognak' (they catch).

Q.Can 'fogni' be used in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, 'fogni' can be used metaphorically in Hungarian to refer to catching opportunities or ideas, similar to English. For instance, someone might say, 'I need to catch this opportunity!' using 'fogni' in a broader context.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'fogni'?

One common mistake is confusing 'fogni' with 'elkapni.' While both mean 'to catch,' learners often use them interchangeably. It's important to choose 'fogni' for general catching and 'elkapni' for more specific, active-catching scenarios.

Learn hungarian with Maspeak →

Hungarian Vocabulary