kapitány

Kapitány is a Hungarian noun meaning captain. It denotes the person who commands a vessel, such as a ship or airplane, or who leads a military unit or other organized group. In everyday language it also functions as a title for the person in charge, and in sports it is used to designate the team’s captain, commonly expressed as csapatkapitány or simply kapitány.

Etymology and origins: The word derives from the Latin capitanus (capitaneus) meaning leader, and entered Hungarian via the historical routes of French captaine and German Kapitän. The modern Hungarian form kapitány crystallized in the early modern period and is used across nautical, military, and civilian contexts.

Usage and contexts: In maritime and aviation settings, kapitány refers to the person in command of a vessel or aircraft. In the military, it is a high-ranking title, roughly equivalent to captain in many other armed forces. In sports and other organizations, csapatkapitány denotes the designated leader or captain of a team. The term can also appear as a surname in Hungarian.

Notes: Kapitány is gender-neutral in usage, applied to individuals of any gender who hold or are referred to by a leadership role. It is a common part of the Hungarian lexicon for leadership and command, reflecting its broad applicability across professional and everyday contexts.