Odafigyelni

Odafigyelni is a Hungarian verb meaning to pay attention, to heed, or to focus one’s attention on something or someone. The prefix oda- adds a directional sense, indicating that attention is directed toward a specific object, issue, or person. The expression is commonly used with a direct object in the sense of paying attention to something, or with a recipient such as a person.

Usage and examples:

- Odafigyel a beszédére. (He pays attention to what is being said.)

- Odafigyelni a részletekre. (To pay attention to the details.)

- A tanár szavára odafigyeltek. (They paid attention to the teacher’s words.)

- Imperative: Odafigyelj! or Figyelj oda! (Pay attention!)

Conjugation and grammar:

- Odafigyelni is a regular verb. Present indicative forms: én odafigyelek, te odafigyelsz, ő odafigyel, mi odafigyelünk, ti odafigyeltek, ők odafigyelnek.

- Past tense forms: odafigyeltem, odafigyeltél, odafigyelt, stb.

- The infinitive is odafigyelni; the noun form is odafigyelés (the act of paying attention, heed).

- It can be followed by vmire (to something) or valakire (to someone), e.g., odafigyel vmire, odafigyel valakire.

Etymology and nuance:

- The term combines oda- (toward) and figyel (to watch, to pay attention). It conveys a deliberate directing of attention toward a specified object, often in response to importance, warning, or relevance.

- Related phrases include figyel vmire (to pay attention to something) and megfigyel (to observe, monitor), which carry related but slightly different nuances.

Usage notes:

- Odafigyelni emphasizes directed attention rather than general awareness and is common in everyday Hungarian across formal and informal contexts.