Lámpát

Lámpát is the Hungarian accusative singular form of the noun lámpa, meaning lamp or lighting device, used when the lamp is the direct object of a verb. For example, Meggyújtottam a lámpát (I lit the lamp) or Felkapcsoltam a lámpát (I turned on the lamp).

The noun lámpa is commonly understood as any device that produces artificial light, ranging from simple oil lamps to modern electric fixtures. The word is generally traced to German Lampe, borrowed into Hungarian in the early modern period, with subsequent development of compound terms to specify different types.

Traditional variants include olajlámpa (oil lamp) and gázlámpa (gas lamp). In contemporary use, most households rely on villanylámpa (electric lamps), with subtypes such as LED, incandescent, and fluorescent lamps. LED lamps have become dominant in many settings due to higher efficiency and longer life, while incandescent lamps remain in use for certain applications or aesthetics.

History of lamp technology spans ancient to modern times. Early lighting relied on flame-based devices such as oil and wax torches, lamps fueled by animal or vegetable oil, and later kerosene lamps. The advent of electric illumination in the 19th century transformed lighting design, enabling safer, more controllable and energy-efficient solutions.

Usage and terminology in Hungarian reflect both the object and actions associated with lighting. Common phrases include lámpát felkapcsolni (to switch on a lamp), lámpát lekapcsolni (to switch off), and lámpát gyújtani (to light a lamp), illustrating how the form integrates into everyday speech.