elkéstem

Elkéstem is the first-person singular past tense form of the Hungarian verb elkésik, meaning to be late or to arrive late. It is used to describe having failed to arrive on time for a scheduled event, appointment, or deadline.

Etymology: The word combines the prefix el- with the stem késik (to be late). The prefix adds a sense of departure from the expected time, here indicating that the speaker did not meet the planned schedule.

Usage: Elkéstem functions as a past-tense statement with the subject égén (I). It appears in sentences such as “Ma elkéstem a megbeszélésről” (Today I was late for the meeting) or simply “Sajnálom, elkéstem” (Sorry, I’m late). It is commonly accompanied by time phrases or explanations, for example “forgalom miatt” (due to traffic).

Related forms and notes: The infinitive of the verb is elkésni. Elkésik is the present tense form used for third-person singular (he/she/it is late). The term is part of everyday Hungarian and is not specialized vocabulary.

See also: késik; késés; időpont.