képtelen

Képtelen is a Hungarian adjective meaning unable or incapable. It is used to describe a person or thing that lacks the capacity to perform a specified action. The word is commonly followed by an infinitive, as in képtelen megtenni vagy képtelen megérteni, or by the phrase képtelen arra, hogy…, for example képtelen arra, hogy segítsen.

Etymology and related forms: the term is formed with the negative suffix -telen, a pattern used in Hungarian to express lack or absence of a quality. It is related to the concept of ability, as seen in related words such as képesség (ability). The opposite term is képes, meaning capable or able.

Usage and nuance: képtelen can convey a fairly strong or definite incapacity, but it is not restricted to permanent conditions; it can describe current limitations as well as more persistent ones. In everyday speech, nem képes is also common and can be used with similar meanings, depending on the context. The phrase képtelen rá is used when the sentence concerns a particular person or situation.

Examples: ő képtelen megérteni a feladatot; képtelen vagyok rá, hogy ezt elmagyarázzam; a cég képtelen volt biztosítani a szolgáltatást a határidőn belül.