késni

Késni is a Hungarian verb meaning to be late or to cause a delay. It is used for lateness of people, transportation, meetings, and other events, as well as for missing deadlines or schedules. The infinitive form is késni, and the related noun késés refers to lateness or a delay. A closely related verb form, késik, is the third-person singular present of kése... sorry, the verb késik is the standard present tense form meaning “is late.” The word is common in everyday speech and in time-focused contexts such as travel, work, and appointments.

In use, késni describes that something does not happen at the expected time. It can describe both a temporary delay and a situation in which one arrives late. It is typically combined with time expressions and personal subjects, for example, stating that a train is late or that one missed a meeting. The expression ne késsek is used to convey “so I don’t end up being late,” often in the context of plans or preparations. In contrast to lateness, the opposite concept is being on time: időben érkezik or pontosan érkezik.

Common examples include: A vonat késik. (The train is late.) Késtem a megbeszélésről. (I was late for the meeting.) Sietek, hogy ne késsek. (I’m hurrying so I don’t end up late.) Etymologically, késni is tied to lateness or delay within Hungarian, with késés as the noun form for the delay itself. See also punctuality, idő és határidő.