katonát

Katonát is the accusative singular form of the Hungarian noun katon(a), meaning soldier. In Hungarian, the direct object of a transitive verb is often marked with the suffix -t, and with a definite article a/az to indicate a specific object. Therefore katonát translates to “the soldier” as a definite direct object. For example: Látom a katonát. (I see the soldier.)

The form is used when the soldier is the entity receiving the action of the verb. It contrasts with katon(a) in the nominative case, which is used when the soldier is the subject of the sentence: A katona itt van. (The soldier is here.) The plural accusative form is katonákat (e.g., Látom a katonákat. I see the soldiers.)

Etymology and related terms: katon(a) is a native Hungarian word for soldier. Related forms include katonák (plural nominative), katonákat (plural accusative), and terms in the same semantic field such as katona- and katonai (military).

Usage notes: The definite direct object in Hungarian frequently carries the -t suffix, and the definite article a/az preceding the noun helps convey specificity. In other contexts, the object may appear without a preceding article, but the -t suffix remains the marker of a definite direct object in standard usage.

See also: Hungarian grammar, definite direct object, accusative case, noun declension.