formálni

Formálni is a Hungarian verb meaning to shape, mold, or form. It can refer to giving a physical object its desired shape through shaping or forming processes, as well as to shaping non-material things such as opinions, behavior, or character. The noun form of the verb is formálás, and related terms include alakítás (formation) and formáló (shaper).

Etymology and usage. The verb derives from forma, meaning form or shape, which comes from Latin. In Hungarian, formálni originally described mechanical shaping of materials and later extended to abstract processes of formation, influence, or development. The term is commonly used in manufacturing, education, psychology, politics, and everyday language.

Domains of use. In physical contexts, formálás refers to shaping materials such as metal, plastic, or wood, through processes like bending, forging, pressing, or rolling. In social and psychological contexts, formálni denotes shaping or influencing people, beliefs, or societies—for example, a teacher shaping a student’s character, or media and policy actors shaping public opinion. In education and personal development, formálás describes the deliberate cultivation of skills, habits, or values. Related phrases include formálódik (to take shape, to develop) and alakít (to mold or shape, often used with concrete or abstract objects).

Grammar notes. Formálni is a regular -álni verb. Present indicative forms include: én formálok, te formálsz, ő formál, mi formálunk, ti formáltok, ők formálnak. Past tense examples: én formáltam, te formáltál, ő formált, mi formáltunk, ti formáltatok, ők formáltak.

See also. formálás, alakítás, formáló, formálódik.