Megfigyelni

Megfigyelni is a Hungarian verb meaning to observe, monitor, or study something deliberately over a period of time. It denotes systematic watching with the aim of gathering information or drawing conclusions, rather than merely seeing something briefly or casually.

The verb derives from figyel (to pay attention, to watch) with the prefix meg-, which adds emphasis or a sense of completion. The infinitive megfigyelni gives rise to related nouns such as megfigyelés (the act of observing, observation) and megfigyelő (observer). It is typically transitive, taking a direct object: megfigyelni valamit vagy valakit.

Usage spans science, security, journalism, and everyday language. Examples include: "A kutatók megfigyelik az állatok viselkedését" (The researchers observe the animals’ behavior); "A rendőrség megfigyeli a gyanús tevékenységeket" (The police monitor the suspicious activities); and "Én megfigyeltem a madarakat a parkban" (I observed the birds in the park). In medical contexts, one may encounter "orvosi megfigyelés alatt áll" (to be under medical observation). The term also appears in discussions of surveillance, where megfigyelés can refer to monitoring for safety or security purposes.

Notes: megfigyelni contrasts with figyelni, which more generally means to pay attention or notice. Megfigyelés carries a more formal or deliberate sense of watching, and it is common in academic, investigative, and professional language as well as in everyday speech when describing attentive observation over time.