Szerepébe

Szerepébe is a Hungarian grammatical form meaning “into the role” or “into one’s role.” It is derived from the noun szerep (role) and formed with the directional suffix -be, with an intermediate vowel to ease pronunciation, resulting in szerepébe. This form is used to indicate movement toward or adoption of a role, position, or function. It contrasts with szerepben, which means “in the role” as a static state.

In usage, szerepébe typically occurs with verbs of entering, assuming, or taking on a role. A common example is a phrase describing an actor stepping into a character, such as a színész a szerepébe lépett (the actor stepped into his role). Beyond theatre and film, the construction can also be used metaphorically to denote assuming duties or responsibilities within an organization or public life.

The form reflects Hungarian’s directional suffix system, where -be marks motion toward the contained thing, while the related form -ben marks location inside it. Szerepébe thus provides a precise way to convey that someone is moving into or taking on a specific role rather than simply occupying it.

See also: szerep, szerepben, lép (to step), magyar nyelvtan (Hungarian grammar).