Hajó

Hajó is the Hungarian term for a watercraft designed to move on water. It is used for vessels ranging from small boats to large ships and can be propelled by sails, oars, engines, or a combination. The word denotes both a general class of vessels and specific ships in everyday language. The exact origin of hajó within Hungarian etymology is not definitively established, but the term has been part of the language since medieval times.

Historically, boats built by Hungarians and other peoples evolved from wooden hulls with sail and oar power to iron and steel ships powered by steam and, later, internal combustion engines. In the 20th century, diesel and gas turbine propulsion became common, and modern ships feature advanced hull design, ballast management, navigation systems, and safety features. Inland waterway vessels differ from sea-going ships in size, construction, and regulatory regimes; Hungary's geography along rivers such as the Danube has long favored river and lake shipping alongside maritime trade.

Common categories include kereskedelmi hajó (merchant vessel), hadihajó (warship), kutatóhajó (research vessel), és sétahajó (pleasure boat). In regulation, ships are governed by international and national rules; SOLAS and MARPOL set safety and environmental standards, while classification societies assess construction and seaworthiness. The term hajó remains widely used in everyday Hungarian to refer to any craft capable of independent movement on water.