Megértem

Megértem is a Hungarian verb form that means “I understand.” It is the first-person singular present tense of the verb érteni (to understand) with the prefix meg-, which often marks a completed or thorough action. The base verb érteni is one of the core perceptual verbs in Hungarian, and meg- adds nuance related to grasping or fully comprehending.

Usage and nuance: Megértem is used to acknowledge comprehension of a statement, situation, or reason. It can stand alone as a response or begin a clause with that, often in the structure megértem, hogy… (“I understand that…”) or megértem, miért… (“I understand why…”). The prefix meg- can imply that the speaker has not only understood literally but also accepted or empathized with what is being said, though the basic sense remains cognitive understanding.

Examples: Megértem, miért döntöttél így. I understand why you decided that. Megértem, amit mondasz. I understand what you’re saying. Megértem azt az érzést. I understand that feeling.

Form and formality: The form megértem is used in everyday conversation and in formal writing where a direct acknowledgment of understanding is appropriate. The related verb érteni (without meg-) expresses understanding as well but lacks the additional nuance that meg- provides.

Notes: The word is spelled with accent marks (é) and is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable. It is a common, versatile expression in Hungarian discourse.