Szolgálja

Szolgálja is a finite verb form of the Hungarian verb szolgál, meaning to serve or to perform duties. It is the third-person singular present tense form used in the definite conjugation, which occurs when the direct object is definite. In this use, the verb ends with the suffix -ja or -i, for example: A pincér szolgálja az ételt (The waiter serves the food).

In everyday Hungarian, szolgálja appears in statements about someone serving a specific, identifiable object or group. It is common in service contexts, hospitality, and military or public service phrasing. For instance, a waiter serving a particular dish or course would typically be rendered with the definite form: A pincér szolgálja a desszerteket. The form distinguishes definite objects from indefinite ones, where the bare form szolgál would be used or different constructions would apply.

Etymology and related terms: The verb szolgál derives from szolga, meaning servant, and is linked to nouns such as szolgálat (service, duty) and szolgáló (serving). The development reflects the core meaning of performing a service for someone or something. Related expressions include szolgálatot teljesít (to perform service/duty) and szolgáló (serving). The word is commonly found in formal, bureaucratic, or institutional language as well as everyday service contexts.

See also: szolgálat, szolga, szolgáló. Szolgálja remains a standard, neutral term for describing the act of serving in contexts where the object of service is definite.