éljük

Éljük is a Hungarian verb form derived from élni, meaning to live. It is the first person plural definite present tense of the verb, used when the direct object is definite. In other words, it expresses “we live it” rather than the general “we live” encoded by the indefinite form élünk. The definite conjugation with -jük is a characteristic feature of Hungarian grammar, where the morphology changes depending on whether the object is definite.

Morphology and usage: The stem for this form is élj-, with the suffix -jük marking first person plural and a definite object. This contrasts with the indefinite present form élünk, used without a definite object. The definite form is common in sentences that pair the verb with a specific, known object, such as a noun phrase in the accusative case. For example, Éljük a pillanatot means “We are living the moment” or idiomatically “Let’s live in the moment.” Other possible definite-object constructions follow the same pattern.

Common contexts: Éljük appears mainly in literary, lyrical, or motivational contexts where speakers emphasize actively living through a particular experience or time frame. It is rarely used as a standalone utterance; it more often occurs within a broader sentence or a slogan. The form can carry an exhortative sense when paired with an object, and in that sense it can resemble a call to action like “let us live it” in English.

Related forms and notes: The root verb is élni (to live). The distinction between definite and indefinite conjugations is a key aspect of Hungarian verb conjugation and affects other tenses and moods as well. While éljük is strictly grammatical, its use depends on having a definite object in the clause.