Késtem

Késtem is a Hungarian word that functions as the first-person singular past tense form of the verb késni, meaning “I was late” or “I have been late.” It is used in everyday speech to report lateness, often in brief phrases such as “Késtem, elnézést” (I’m sorry, I was late).

Etymology and usage: Késik means “to be late,” and késtem forms the past tense for the speaker. The form is common in narrative or apologetic contexts, where a speaker acknowledges having arrived late. The spelling includes an acute accent on the é, and the capitalized form Késtem would appear only at the beginning of a sentence or, in rare cases, as a stylized title or name.

Other notes: In standard Hungarian, Késtem is not used as a typical proper noun for a place or person. Outside of stylistic or fictional uses, it is regarded as a verb-derived form rather than a name. Related terms include késés, meaning “delay,” and késni, meaning “to be late.”