Versenyezhetünk

Versenyezhetünk is a Hungarian verb form meaning “we can compete” or “we may compete.” It is the first-person plural form of the verb versenyez in the potential mood, expressing possibility or capability rather than a definite action. The form is built from the stem versenyez, with the suffix -het indicating potentiality and the personal ending -nk marking the subject as we. This combination makes versenyezhetünk a finite verb that denotes what the group is able or permitted to do.

Etymology and morphology: The verb versenyez (to compete) derives from the noun verseny (competition) and the suffix -ez, which forms the verbal meaning. The potential suffix -het/-hat attaches to the verb stem to convey possibility, while -nk is the inclusive first-person plural ending. Hungarian often uses this construction to discuss hypothetical or contingent actions.

Usage and nuance: Versenyezhetünk appears in contexts where a group contemplates participation in a competition under certain conditions, such as readiness or eligibility. It can be used to state a possibility in present or future scenarios. Negation is formed as nem versenyezhetünk (“we cannot / we will not be able to compete”).

Examples:

- Ha felkészülünk alaposan, versenyezhetünk a döntőben.

- A csapat úgy érzi, hogy versenyezhetünk a következő fordulóban.

See also: versenyez, verseny, mód a magyar igei módokra.