Végeznie

Végeznie is the long infinitive form (hosszú főnévi igenév) of the Hungarian verb végezni, which means to finish, to complete, or to perform. The base infinitive is végezni, while végeznie is a specialized form used in particular grammatical constructions. In many everyday uses the short infinitive végezni is sufficient, but végeznie appears when the subject of the infinitive is explicit or when the clause expresses necessity, obligation, or a specific agent.

Grammatical function and usage

The long infinitive végeznie is used mainly in forms that indicate obligation or necessity and when the infinitive’s subject is the same as or different from the subject of the main clause in ways that require a more explicit infinitive. It often appears after finite verbs such as kell, muszáj, szükséges, or in clauses introduced by that (hogy) where the agent is specified. In contrast, the short infinitive végezni is common in general statements or when the subject of the infinitive is the same as the main clause subject.

Examples

- Meg kell végeznie a feladatot. (He/she must finish the task.)

- Meg kellett végeznie a feladatot. (He/she had to finish the task.)

- A feladat megoldásához végeznie kell néhány lépést. (To solve the task, he/she must perform several steps.)

Etymology and terminology

Végeznie derives from végezni, with the suffix -nie forming the long infinitive, or fõnévi igenév. This form is part of Hungarian grammar’s distinction between short (végezni) and long (végeznie) infinitives, used to convey nuances of subject, agency, and modality.

Translations

In English, végeznie can correspond to “to finish” in neutral contexts or “to have to finish” / “to must finish” when expressing obligation or necessity.