Mintás

Mintás is a Hungarian adjective meaning "patterned" or "with a pattern." It describes surfaces or items that feature a repeating design or motif, such as fabrics, wallpapers, ceramics, or other decorative materials, rather than being plain or solid in color.

Etymology and scope: The word comes from the Hungarian root minta, meaning pattern or sample, with the suffix -s to form an adjective. Mintás is a broad, umbrella term used across fashion, interior design, and product labeling. It does not specify the exact type of pattern; it simply indicates that a motif is present. For more precise references, Hungarian terms like csíkos (striped), virágos (floral), kockás (checkered), or pöttyös (polka-dotted) are used.

Usage: Mintás is commonly used in everyday language to describe clothing, textiles, and decor. Phrases such as mintás ruha (patterned clothing), mintás anyag (patterned fabric), or mintás falikép (patterned wall art) are typical. In product catalogs or fashion journalism, mintás helps customers distinguish designs at a glance alongside other descriptors like color, material, or pattern type.

Cultural and linguistic notes: While mintás broadly denotes the presence of a pattern, it does not convey quality or style. Designers and retailers may combine mintás with more specific pattern names to convey both the presence and the nature of the motif.

See also: pattern, textile, design, csíkos, virágos.