Megkíván

Megkíván is a Hungarian verb formed with the prefix meg- attached to the root kíván. It carries meanings related to strong desire, craving, coveting, or what is required or demanded by a situation. The prefix meg- adds nuance of completion or intensification, and in everyday language megkíván is somewhat more formal or literary than kíván.

Etymology and grammar: Megkíván derives from the verb kíván (to desire, to want) with the directional prefix meg-, which often marks completion or emphasis. As a transitive verb, it governs a direct object in the accusative case. In present tense, it is conjugated like kíván: megkívánom, megkívánod, megkívánja, megkívánjuk, megkívánjátok, megkívánják. The past tense forms are megkívántam, megkívántad, megkívánta, megkívántuk, megkívántátok, megkívánták. The meaning can range from craving or desiring something to requiring or demanding it, depending on context.

Usage and nuance: The primary sense is to desire or crave something strongly, including things, experiences, or people (though the latter can carry sexual or intimate connotations in some contexts). The verb also has a sense of necessity or requirement when used with objects that a situation demands, as in “Ez a feladat megkíván némi türelmet” (This task requires a bit of patience). In most everyday speech, kíván is more common for ordinary want, while megkíván emphasizes intensity or formal necessity.

See also: kíván, vágyik, sóvárog, igényel.