Aszfaltos

Aszfaltos is a Hungarian adjective used to describe surfaces that are covered with asphalt or made of asphalt concrete. It is commonly applied to roads, streets, runways, parking areas, and other paved surfaces.

Etymology: The adjective is formed from the noun aszfalt (asphalt) with the suffix -os. The word aszfalt entered Hungarian from European languages, often via German asphalt or French asphalte, and ultimately derives from Latin asphalte and Greek asphalton, terms historically referring to the bituminous material used in paving.

Usage: In everyday language and civil engineering, aszfaltos emphasizes that a surface is asphalt-paved rather than made of concrete, stone, or earth. Common phrases include aszfaltos út (asphalt road), aszfaltos parkoló (asphalt parking lot), and aszfaltozott felület (asphalted surface).

Characteristics and maintenance: Asphalt pavements are generally durable, provide good load distribution, and allow relatively quick construction. They can soften at high temperatures and may develop cracking or rutting under heavy use. Maintenance typically involves crack sealing, resurfacing, and periodic milling and overlay to restore smoothness and extend service life.

Examples and usage context: The term is widely used in urban planning, road construction, and everyday speech in Hungary. It contrasts with other paving materials such as beton (concrete) or kőburkolat (stone paving), signaling the material and surface properties of a given area.