Kinéztem

Kinéztem is the first-person singular past tense form of the Hungarian verb kinéz, meaning to look out or to glance. The verb kinéz is formed with ki- as a directional prefix attached to néz, “to look.” Kinéztem thus expresses a completed act of looking, typically with an outward or directional sense, such as looking out from a place or toward a direction. The form is commonly used in narrative or recounting past events.

Etymology and forms: kinéz belongs to the group of prefixed verbs in Hungarian, where ki- conveys movement outward. The base verb néz is irregular in some conjugations, but kinéz follows regular patterns in its tenses. The key reference form for beginners is the past tense, 1st person singular: kinéztem. Other persons and numbers use corresponding forms such as kinézted, kinézett, kinéztük, kinéztek, kinéztek, depending on the subject.

Usage notes: Kinéztem is commonly used when describing a moment of looking from a location, for example through a window, toward a direction, or at something briefly. It can be used in literal contexts (looking out) and, with broader interpretation, simply “looked” in a past moment. A related verb is kitekint, which also conveys looking outward or taking a peek, but with nuance often closer to “peep” or “glance.”

Examples:

- Kinéztem az ablakon, és láttam, hogy sötétedik. (I looked out the window and saw that it was getting dark.)

- Kinéztem a kapu felé, és észrevettem, hogy valaki jön. (I looked toward the gate and noticed that someone was coming.)

See also: kinéz, kitekint.