Rátértek

Rátértek is the third-person plural past tense form of the Hungarian verb rátérni. The verb means to move onto a different path or track, and by extension to shift focus from one subject, activity, or direction to another. The prefix rá- combined with tér (to turn) conveys the sense of turning onto a new course rather than continuing along the current one. The form rátértek is commonly used in narrative and descriptive writing to indicate a change of route or a change of topic or plan.

In physical movement, rátérni describes turning onto a different road or path. For example, a group might rátér a mellékútra, diverting from the main highway. In discourse and planning, the same verb is used figuratively to indicate a shift to another issue, goal, or line of argument. For instance, in a debate, participants may rátérnek a költségvetésre, moving the discussion to financial matters. The construction typically involves a destination or focus expressed with a complement such as a road, a topic, or a plan.

Grammatical notes: rátértek is the past tense form used when the subject is plural and the action was completed in the past. The verb belongs to the prefixal family built around tér, and its sense is directional, relating to both spatial movement and shifts in focus. Related forms include rátérni (infinitive) and rátérő, with magyar usage often depending on context and prepositional complements.

See also: rátérni, letérni, tér.