hallgatás

Hallgatás is a Hungarian noun with two closely related meanings: the act of listening attentively to someone or something, and the state of remaining silent or quiet. It is derived from the verb hallgatni, which means both to listen and to be silent. In everyday use, hallgatás can refer to paying attention to information as well as to the absence of speech or sound, depending on the context. The term is often contrasted with hang (sound) and csend (quiet, stillness).

In communication, hallgatás plays a functional role. Active listening involves focusing on the speaker, understanding what is said, and sometimes reflecting or asking questions. Hallgatás can also convey social meaning: staying silent may signal respect, concentration, disagreement, or a deliberate choice to refrain from speaking. Cultural norms influence when and how silence is interpreted, so the same pause can have different implications in different settings.

Meghallgatás is a related term used for formal or official listening, such as a hearing or examination of statements in a legal, administrative, or organizational context. Another related word is hallgató, which can mean a listener or a university student, depending on context. While hallgatás frequently denotes a voluntary act of listening or silencing, it can also be analyzed as a communicative strategy within interpersonal or institutional dynamics.