változhatunk

Változhatunk is a Hungarian verb form meaning "we can change" or "we may change." It is the first person plural of the potential/ability construction formed from the intransitive verb változik ("to change") plus the modal suffix -hat/-het and the personal ending -unk. The form expresses possibility or capability rather than a command or factual assertion.

Formation and grammar: the stem változ- combines with the potential suffix -hat (alternating with -het according to vowel harmony) and the 1st person plural ending -unk, producing változhatunk. The potential suffix marks that the action is possible or permitted; it is distinct from the conditional mood marked by -na/-ne, which expresses hypothetical situations.

Usage examples:

- Magyar: Változhatunk, ha új ötleteket próbálunk ki.

- English: We can change if we try new ideas.

Distinctions and related forms: változhatunk (intransitive, we ourselves or the situation may change) differs from változtathatunk (transitive, we can change something). Other related forms include változom, változol, változik (present); változhat (he/she/it may change); változhatnak (they may change).

Etymology and notes: változik derives from változ- (related to vált, "to switch") with the -ik verb ending typical of intransitive verbs. The potential suffix -hat/-het is a productive feature of Hungarian that creates modal meanings of ability, permission, or likelihood.