Akaratlanul

Akaratlanul is a Hungarian adverb meaning “unintentionally” or “inadvertently.” It describes actions, statements, or events that occur without conscious intention or volition. The term is often used when the outcome happened without deliberate aim and may carry a sense of apology or regret. In usage, akaratlanul is typically contrasted with szándékosan (deliberately) and véletlenül (by chance), though the senses can overlap in everyday speech. It emphasizes lack of agency rather than mere coincidence.

Etymology and grammar: The adjective akaratlan, meaning “unintentional” or “involuntary,” is formed from the noun akar á t (will, intention) with the negating suffix -talan. The adverb akaratlanul is then produced from the adjective by adding the common adverbial suffix -ul/-ül, to indicate manner. For example, “A szó akaratlanul csúszott ki belőle” means “The word slipped out unintentionally.”

Usage notes: Akaratlanul is widely used in both everyday speech and more formal registers. It is a suitable choice when describing harm, mistakes, or admissions that occurred without conscious intent, or when distinguishing from deliberate actions. In legal, ethical, or journalistic contexts, the term helps to convey lack of intentional wrongdoing, often alongside other qualifiers such as “véletlenül” or “szándékosan.”