Utál

Utál is a Hungarian verb meaning to hate or to detest. It expresses a strong, often visceral dislike or contempt toward a person, thing, action, or situation. Because it carries a high emotional charge, it is typically used in informal or expressive speech rather than neutral or formal writing.

The verb is transitive and governs a direct object in the accusative. In everyday use it appears with typical personal endings: utálok (I hate), utálsz (you hate), utál (he/she/it hates), utálunk (we hate), utáltok (you hate), utálnak (they hate). The past tense forms include utáltam, utáltál, utált, utáltuk, utáltátok, utáltak. The imperative forms are utálj (you singular), utáljunk (let’s hate), utáljatok (you plural). A common example is: Utálom ezt a filmet. I hate this film.

In Hungarian, utál generally conveys a stronger emotion than milder expressions like nem szeretem or nem bírom. It is often used with people, behaviors, or things that provoke deep dislike, anger, or disgust. For milder disagreements, speakers typically choose softer verbs (például nem tetszik). The word also forms related terms such as utálatos (detestable), utálat (hatred, strong dislike), and is contrasted with gyűlöl, which can express an even stronger loathing.

Etymology: utál is a native Hungarian verb; its precise historical origin is not definitively documented. It remains a core, frequently used verb in colloquial speech, capable of emphatic emphasis when describing dislikes and aversions.