Átlépni

Átlépni is a Hungarian verb meaning to step over or to cross over. It denotes both the physical act of crossing a barrier, threshold, or distance and the figurative act of exceeding boundaries or limits. The verb is formed with the prefix át- attached to lép, which means “to step.” The prefix signals movement across something and often adds a sense of completion to the action.

Usage and nuance: Átlépni is transitive, typically taking a direct object when referring to a barrier or border (for example, a határ, küszöb, vagy kerítés). The prefix át- commonly conveys a sense of moving across in a single, completed act, though it can also be used in metaphorical contexts such as crossing ethical, legal, or social boundaries.

Examples:

- A diák átlépte a kerítést. (The student stepped over the fence.)

- Küszöböt átléptem. (I stepped over the threshold.)

- Átlépték a törvények határait. (They crossed the boundaries of the laws.)

Etymology and grammar: The verb is a prefixal form built from lép with the prefix át-, a common pattern in Hungarian to express crossing or across- movement. In general, átlépni denotes a completed crossing, and context can indicate whether the crossing is physical or figurative.