Szétválódnak

Szétválódnak is a form of the Hungarian verb szétválódik, meaning to separate, split apart, or diverge. It is the present tense, third-person plural form (they become separated). The verb functions intransitively and often describes a process in which the subject breaks into parts, diverges, or parts ways.

The prefix szét- indicates dispersion or fragmentation, reinforcing the sense of separation. The base válódik conveys a change of state, so szétválódik in the middle voice commonly emphasizes that the subjects themselves undergo the separation rather than being caused by an external agent. In practice, szétválódnak can describe physical separation, such as components or parts splitting apart, as well as non-physical processes like groups, ideas, or lineages diverging over time.

Etymologically, szétválódik combines the separative prefix szét- with the verb válódik, derived from válik, “to become” or “to turn into.” The construction is closely related to other separative forms in Hungarian, such as szétválik and különválik, which share a similar meaning with slight nuance in emphasis or usage.

Usage notes: szétválódik and szétválódnak typically denote a natural, ongoing, or involuntary process. In contexts where an agent actively causes separation, forms like szétválasztják (they separate something) or megváltoztatják (they cause change) may be used instead.

Example: A részek szétválódnak egymástól a nyomás hatására. (The parts separate from each other under the influence of pressure.)