Szóvalás

Szóvalás is a Hungarian verb that translates to "so to speak," "so to say," or "in other words." It is a colloquial expression used to introduce an explanation, clarification, or rephrasing of a previous statement. The word itself is derived from "szó" meaning "word" and the suffix "-valás" indicating a process or action.

The function of "szóvalás" is to soften a statement, provide an alternative perspective, or to introduce a more precise or understandable way of expressing an idea. It often implies that the speaker is aware that their initial wording might not have been perfect or might require further elaboration. For example, someone might say "I'm not sure if I can make it, szóvalás, my schedule is very tight," which means "I'm not sure if I can make it; in other words, my schedule is very tight."

This phrase is commonly used in informal conversations and everyday speech among Hungarian speakers. While it can be translated to English phrases like "so to speak," the nuance of "szóvalás" is more about actively rephrasing or clarifying rather than simply introducing a figurative expression. It serves as a verbal bridge to connect an initial thought with a subsequent explanation, aiming for better comprehension.