Héjjal

Héjjal is the instrumental case form of the Hungarian noun héj, meaning shell or peel. In Hungarian grammar, the instrumental (eszközhatározó) expresses the instrument or means by which an action is carried out, and is formed with the suffix -val/-vel. When attached to a stem ending in a consonant like héj, the result commonly appears as héjjal, a form that is widely accepted and standard in writing.

Form and pronunciation notes: Héjjal is spelled with a double j, reflecting the root ending in j and the instrumental suffix. The exact spelling follows Hungarian orthography and vowel harmony rules that govern the choice of instrumental forms for other stems as well.

Usage: Héjjal is used to indicate that the shell or peel is the instrument or accompaniment in the action described by the verb. It can describe eating, cooking, handling, or any activity performed with the shell or peel involved. For example:

- A gyümölcsöt héjjal együtt esszük. (We eat the fruit with its peel.)

- A tojást héjjal együtt főzzük. (We boil the egg with its shell on.)

Limitations: Héjjal typically refers specifically to tangible shells or peels rather than abstract instruments. It is not used for actions where the shell is merely a byproduct rather than an instrument of the action.

See also: Hungarian instrumental suffixes -val/-vel, and related forms such as -val/-vel with other stems.