gyengéd

Gyengéd is a Hungarian adjective meaning gentle, tender, or mild. It is used to describe a person’s disposition or behavior as considerate and without harshness, as well as to characterize touch, sound, or atmosphere that is soft and soothing. The term often conveys warmth and sensitivity, rather than force or severity.

In usage, gyengéd can modify people, actions, or sensations. Examples include gyengéd bánásmód (gentle treatment), gyengéd érzelem (tender feeling), gyengéd érintés (gentle touch), and gyengéd hang (soft or gentle voice). It is common in everyday speech, as well as in literature and media, where it helps to evoke care, affection, or emotional nuance. The word is frequently contrasted with more austere or harsh terms such as szigorú (strict) or rideg (cold).

The noun form gyengédség denotes gentleness or tenderness, and the adverbial form gyengéden means gently. The etymology of gyengéd is rooted in historical Hungarian and is associated with the idea of mildness or softness, though precise historical derivation is somewhat opaque. The term is part of a small family of words in Hungarian that express refined or delicate qualities in behavior, emotion, and perception.

See also: gentleness, tenderness.