Találták

Találták is a Hungarian verb form derived from találni, meaning “to find.” It functions as the third-person plural past tense form and is used when the subject found a definite object in the past. In Hungarian, this form is often associated with the past definite (határozott tárgy) conjugation, which affects how the verb ends when the direct object is specified.

A key feature of Hungarian grammar is the distinction between past definite and past indefinite conjugations for transitive verbs. The form találták typically appears with a definite object, indicating that the object is known or previously mentioned. In contrast, találtak is used with an indefinite object or no specific object, translating roughly to “they found (something).” This distinction helps determine nuance and focus in sentences.

Usage examples:

- A kutatók meg találták a hibát a szoftverben. They found the bug in the software.

- A kulcsot találták meg a padlón. The key was found on the floor.

- Megtalálták a megoldást. The solution was found.

In narrative and journalistic contexts, találták can be used in reporting discoveries or results where the object is known to the audience, while találtak appears when the object is left indefinite. The form is active in sense (they found) but frequently functions in contexts where the agent is unknown or unimportant, sometimes resembling a passive or impersonal construction in English.

See also: találni, találat, találmány.