Dolgozhatunk

Dolgozhatunk is a Hungarian finite verb form meaning “we can work” or “we may work.” It is the first-person plural form in the potential (modal) mood of the verb dolgozni, which means to work. The form expresses ability or possibility for the group that includes the speaker, rather than a simple present tense statement.

Formation and pronunciation are notable in Hungarian morphology. The stem of the verb is dolgoz-, to which the potential suffix -hat (or -het, depending on vowel harmony) is attached, producing dolgozhat-. This is followed by the personal ending -unk to indicate the first-person plural: dolgozhatunk. The z in the stem typically becomes zh before the suffix, yielding the pronunciation [dol-goz-ha-tunk] in standard speech.

Usage notes: Dolgozhatunk is used to convey that the group we are part of is able to work, or that it is permissible or likely that we work, in a given context. It is not the same as the plain present tense, nor as the conditional form dolgozhatnánk (which would mean “we could work” under a hypothetical or polite condition). Contextual cues and accompanying words determine whether the sense is capability, possibility, or permission.

Examples:

- Dolgozhatunk ma este a projektben. (We can work on the project tonight.)

- Ha megkapjuk az engedélyt, dolgozhatunk tovább. (If we get the permission, we can continue working.)

- Dolgozhatunk otthonról is. (We can work from home as well.)

See also: Hungarian modal and potential moods, conjugation of dolgozni.