figyelnek

Figyelnek is a Hungarian verb form meaning “they pay attention” or “they watch.” It is the present indicative, third-person plural form of figyelni, the verb that covers paying attention, heeding, or watching. The infinitive figyelni yields the present tense forms such as én figyelek, te figyelsz, ő figyel, mi figyelünk, ti figyeltek, ők figyelnek.

Usage and nuances: figyelnek expresses that a group pays attention to something or monitors a situation. It can mean simply paying attention, or heeding instructions, rules, or warnings. Common constructions include figyel vmire (to pay attention to something) and figyelnek az utasításokra (they pay attention to the instructions). Examples: A diákok figyelnek az oktató szavára. A biztonsági őrök figyelnek az utasokra.

Relationship to related forms: figyelnek is one form in a system that also includes figyelek (I pay attention), figyelsz (you pay attention), figyelünk (we pay attention), és figyelnek (they pay attention). Other tenses and moods are built from the same stem, such as figyeltem (I paid attention) or figyelni fogok (I will pay attention). The word is transitive and commonly takes an object in the accusative or a related adverbial phrase, for example figyel vmire or figyelnek vmire/valamire.

See also: figyelni, figyelés, and other Hungarian verb forms related to attention and watching.