Írjanak

írjanak is a Hungarian verb form derived from the verb írni (to write). It is the third-person plural form used in the jussive or optative sense, expressing a wish, suggestion, or command directed at multiple people. In practice it functions similarly to a polite or formal imperative addressed to a group, or as a clause-internal form after words like “hogy” meaning “that they write.”

Morphology and formation: the form combines the stem ír- with the ending -janak, which marks third-person plural and a subjunctive/optative mood. The appearance of this form signals that the action is being urged or requested rather than stated as a simple fact. It contrasts with the second-person plural imperative írjatok (you all write), which directly addresses the audience.

Usage: írjanak is common in formal written language, official instructions, legal or administrative texts, and situations requiring deference or collective instruction. It is less typical in everyday casual speech, where speakers would use 2nd person plural imperatives or modal constructions to express requests. In sentences with a dependent clause, írjanak can appear after “hogy” to express a wish, such as in formal requests or recommendations.

Examples:

- Írjanak alá a nyilatkozatot. (Please sign the declaration.)

- Azt szeretném, hogy írjanak alá a dokumentumot. (I would like them to sign the document.)

Etymology: formed from the verb írni with the 3rd person plural subjunctive/optative ending -janak, reflecting its function as a polite or exhortative directive to a group.