háttal

Háttal is a Hungarian adverb that denotes orientation or position with the back toward something, or a motion characterized by turning away. It is commonly used to describe physical posture, as in standing or turning with one’s back facing something, and it can also express a figurative sense of turning away or ignoring something.

Etymology and related forms: the word derives from the noun hát, meaning back, and is formed with a derivational suffix that yields an adverb expressing manner or direction. It is closely related to hátul, which also means “at the back” but is used more as a locational noun/adverb rather than to accompany a verb in the same way. In phrases, háttal often governs another element in the dative or with directional wording, such as a falnak (to the wall) or a kamerának (to the camera).

Usage and examples: háttal is most common with verbs of orientation or movement, like állni (to stand) and fordulni (to turn). Examples include: “A vendégek háttal a falnak álltak,” meaning the guests stood with their backs to the wall; “A férfi háttal fordult a kamerának,” meaning the man turned his back to the camera; and “A sportolók háttal a közönség felé ünnepeltek,” meaning the athletes celebrated with their backs to the audience. The term can also appear in figurative contexts, such as turning away from an idea or relationship.