felirat

Felirat is a Hungarian noun with several related meanings. It most commonly refers to text that is written on a surface to identify, explain, or accompany something. This includes inscriptions on monuments, plaques, signs, and other forms of labeling. The term can also denote a caption or subtitle displayed in media, such as film, television, or online video.

Etymology: The word comes from the verb írni (to write) with the prefix fel-, indicating something written up or inscribed. The sense of inscribing text on a surface dates to historical usage in monuments, gravestones, church walls, and public notices.

In use: In signage and monuments, felirat refers to the carved or printed text that identifies a place, person, or event. In media, a felirat is the on-screen text that translates or transcribes dialogue or provides hearing-impaired captions. Hungarian media distinguishes between felirat (subtitles/captions) and szinkron (dubbing). Phrases include idegen nyelvű felirat (subtitles in a foreign language) and eredeti nyelvű felirat (subtitles in the original language). In online and print contexts, felirat can also mean a caption under an image or figure.