csaknem

"Csaknem" is a Hungarian adverb that translates to "almost" or "nearly" in English. It is used to indicate that something is very close to happening, being, or being in a certain state, but has not quite reached that point. The adverb can modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs, providing a nuance of approximation or near completion.

For instance, when describing an event that was very close to occurring, one might say "Csaknem elindultam" which means "I almost left." In relation to a quantity, "Csaknem tele volt a pohár" translates to "The glass was almost full." When used with adjectives, it can express a degree of similarity, such as "Csaknem ugyanolyan színű" meaning "It's almost the same color." The adverb’s versatility allows it to be applied in a wide range of contexts to convey a sense of near-fulfillment or approximation.

The word is a compound, formed from "csak" meaning "only" or "just," and "nem" meaning "not." Literally, it suggests "only not," which effectively conveys the meaning of "almost." This etymological breakdown helps to understand its semantic function in expressing proximity without full attainment.