Nagyon

Nagyon is a Hungarian adverb meaning "very" that functions as a degree modifier. It is used to intensify adjectives, participles, and, to a lesser extent, other adverbs or verb phrases. As one of the most common and versatile intensifiers in Hungarian, nagyon appears in a wide range of everyday and formal contexts.

Etymology and form: The word is historically derived from the adjective nagy, meaning big or great, with a suffix that forms degree modifiers. In contemporary Hungarian, nagyon is the standard, widely used form to express strong emphasis. It remains uninflected and is placed before the word it modifies.

Usage: The typical position is directly before the word it modifies. Examples include: "nagyon jó" (very good), "nagyon gyorsan fut" (runs very fast), "ez a film nagyon érdekes" (this film is very interesting). It can also appear before a negation to convey a softer or more nuanced stance, as in "nem nagyon értem" (I don’t really understand). For stronger or more nuanced emphasis, speakers may choose alternatives such as annyira (so) or oly(s)an (such), but nagyon remains the default general-purpose intensifier.

Notes: In formal writing, some contexts favor more specific intensifiers, but nagyon is broadly accepted in both spoken and written Hungarian. It is a common element in everyday speech and serves as a key tool for expressing degree and emphasis in the language.

Translations: The closest equivalent in English is "very" or "extremely," depending on context.