kíváncsi

Kíváncsi is a Hungarian adjective meaning curious or inquisitive. It describes a person or, metaphorically, a situation that shows a strong desire to know or learn about something. The term is commonly used for people who ask questions, seek new information, or show interest in unfamiliar topics. It can describe attitudes, behaviors, or dispositions, for example in everyday speech: “Én kíváncsi vagyok rá” (I am curious about it) or “A diákok kíváncsiak voltak a válaszokra” (The students were curious about the answers).

Etymology and forms: Kíváncsi is formed from the verb kíván (to desire, to crave) with the adjectival suffix -csi, a productive Hungarian pattern that yields a quality or characteristic. The noun related to this meaning is kíváncsiság, meaning curiosity. In different contexts, the adjective agrees with the subject in number and person: “kíváncsi vagyok,” “kíváncsi vagy,” “kíváncsiak.” The word can describe humans, animals, or personified objects in a figurative sense.

Usage notes: Kíváncsi is neutral in tone and widely applicable in formal and informal Hungarian. It is often contrasted with terms like érdekelt (interested) or kíváncsiságos, though the latter is less common. The form is commonly used with prepositional phrases such as kíváncsi valamire (curious about something) or in predicative position as a predicate adjective.

See also: kíváncsiság, érdeklődés, kíváncsi személy.