Ezután

Ezután is a Hungarian adverb meaning "after this" or "subsequently." It is used to indicate the sequence of events or steps in time, often linking sentences or clauses in narrative, instructional, or procedural texts.

Etymology and form: the word is composed of ez ("this") and -után ("after"), and is related to azután ("after that") and utána ("afterwards"). It functions as a deictic temporal marker that refers to something previously mentioned or assumed in the discourse.

Usage: ezután can appear at the beginning of a clause to signal what happens next and is common in both formal and informal Hungarian. It can introduce a following sentence: "Elvégezte a feladatot, ezután pihen." It also works in longer sequences: "Először megvizsgáljuk a tervet. Ezután ki kell dolgozni a részleteket." The choice between ezután and azután can depend on the level of immediacy or the discursive focus, with ezután often stressing a direct continuation from a previously stated point.

Related terms and translations: ezután is closely related to azután and utána, which carry similar temporal meanings. In English translations, ezután is typically rendered as "after this" or "subsequently." In Hungarian style guides, it is treated as a standard transitional adverb for organizing discourse and steps.