alkalmával

Alkalmával is a Hungarian adverbial noun form meaning “on the occasion of” or “during the time of.” It is formed from the noun alkalom (occasion) plus the instrumental suffix -ával, creating a postpositional phrase that provides temporal context for an action or event. The expression is typical of formal or written Hungarian.

Usage and function

Alkalmával is used to refer to a specific event, celebration, or period when something occurs. It introduces a noun phrase that identifies the occasion and often precedes a clause describing what happens during that occasion. For example: “Az ünnep alkalmával számos programot rendeztek” (During the occasion of the celebration, numerous programs were organized) or “Az évforduló alkalmával tartott ünnepség” (the ceremony held on the occasion of the anniversary). It is common in official communications, news reporting, and literary prose, where a precise temporal framing is desired.

Grammatical notes

The form remains consistent regardless of the noun it refers to; the suffix -ával harmonizes with the preceding stem according to Hungarian vowel harmony. Alkalmával typically follows the head noun in the phrase “X alkalmával” and connects to the rest of the sentence, often signaling formality and a clear temporal reference.

Etymology and related forms

Alkalmával derives from alkalom (occasion) with the instrumental suffix -ával. It is related in meaning to other time-framing phrases in Hungarian that identify the occasion or context of an action. While synonymous expressions exist in everyday speech, alkalmával carries a more formal tone.

See also: alkalmanként, alkalom (occurrence), időhatározók.