haját

Hajó is the Hungarian word for a ship or boat; hajót is the accusative form used when the vessel is the direct object in a sentence. In Hungarian, the word is declined for case and number, with hajó in the nominative singular and hajót in the accusative singular.

A hajó encompasses a wide range of watercraft, from small fishing boats to large ocean-going ships. General classifications are based on size, propulsion, and function: cargo ships transport goods; passenger ships carry people; military vessels perform defense tasks; ferries provide short-distance transport. Some craft are sailing vessels using wind power; others rely on engines, and some combine propulsion with oars or mechanical assistance.

Construction and propulsion vary by design and purpose. Most modern hajók use a hull built from steel or fiberglass, with a keel for stability and a superstructure above the waterline. Propulsion can be steam, diesel, gas turbines, or electric motors, and many vessels use advanced navigation and safety systems. Ships are designed for specific purposes, such as bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, or ferries.

Operation and regulation are governed by international and national law. Ships are registered under a flag state, which sets nationality, safety, and environmental rules. Classification societies certify hull integrity and equipment. Crews are licensed according to international standards; navigation relies on charts, radar, automatic identification systems, and communications networks.

History: In Hungary, river shipping along the Danube and Tisza has long been important for commerce and transport. The Hungarian maritime sector expanded with modern ports and shipbuilding in the 19th and 20th centuries, though the country has limited access to open seas.