harapnivalót

Harapnivaló is a Hungarian noun meaning a bite-sized edible item, commonly referred to as a snack or something to nibble on. It denotes small, easy-to-eat foods that can be eaten with the fingers, often served between meals or at informal social gatherings. The term is colloquial and is not a formal culinary category; in usage it is closer to “snack” or “nibbles” in English.

Etymology: The word is formed from the verb harapni (to bite) with the suffix -nivaló, which creates a noun describing something suitable to bite or eat in small portions. The form harapnivalót is the accusative singular, used when the item is the direct object of a sentence.

Usage: Common patterns include harapnivalót hoztunk (we brought a snack) or van néhány harapnivaló (there are a few snacks). It typically refers to finger foods such as small pastries, canapés, cheese, charcuterie, or other bite-sized items offered informally. Harapnivaló may be contrasted with uzsonna, which denotes a more regular, mid-afternoon or mid-day snack.

Related terms and context: Harapnivaló sits among broader concepts of light foods, such as falatok (morsels) and falatka (bite-sized piece). In many settings, it conveys a casual, social atmosphere—snacks laid out for guests rather than a formal meal.