irányítódativus

The term "irányítódativus" is a Hungarian grammatical concept that translates loosely to "directive dative" or "dative of direction." It refers to a grammatical case construction used in Hungarian to indicate movement or direction towards a specific entity, often person or abstract concept, when that entity is the goal or recipient of an action. This construction is formed by combining the dative case suffix (-nak/-nek) with certain postpositions or adverbs that signify direction.

Unlike a simple dative, which typically indicates the indirect object or a beneficiary, the irányítódativus emphasizes the destination or the object towards which the action is directed. For example, in the sentence "A levél *Péternek* szól" (The letter is for Peter), "Péternek" is in the dative case and indicates the recipient. However, in a sentence like "Minden figyelmem *rá* irányult" (All my attention was directed towards him), the pronoun "rá" (formed from "ő" + "-ra" suffix indicating direction onto) functions similarly to the concept of irányítódativus, showing the direction of attention.

The distinction can be subtle, but the irányítódativus often implies a more active or focused movement towards the object. It is a common feature in Hungarian grammar, particularly when expressing abstract directions, intentions, or the target of a mental or physical trajectory. The specific postpositions or adverbs that combine with the dative to form this construction are key to identifying its usage.