Csonttal

Csonttal is the instrumental case form of the Hungarian noun csont, meaning bone. It is formed by adding the instrumental suffix to the stem and is used to express “with” or “by means of” in Hungarian. In culinary and labeling contexts, csonttal specifically denotes that bones are present in or accompany the item, i.e., bone-in.

In food contexts, csonttal indicates that bones are included in the dish or portion. It is commonly seen on menus, butchery signs, and recipes to distinguish bone-in cuts from boneless options. For example, phrases such as “csirkemell csonttal” (chicken breast with bone) or “sült marhahús csonttal” (roast beef with bone) illustrate how the term is used to convey that bones are part of the serving. In English translations, csonttal is typically rendered as “bone-in” or “with bone.” Hungarian also uses an adjective form, csontos, to describe bone-in items in some contexts, but csonttal remains the explicit instrumental form.

Etymology and grammar: csonttal combines the noun csont (bone) with the instrumental suffix -tal, following Hungarian patterns for expressing accompaniment or inclusion. This form highlights the presence of bones within a product or dish rather than simply describing the material.