mégsem

Mégsem is a Hungarian adverb that marks a reversal of an expectation, plan, or previous statement. It conveys that something happened contrary to what was assumed or announced, and is often translated as “after all,” “not after all,” or “but actually.” It is used to introduce a result or correction that contrasts with what was previously thought.

Etymology and function: Mégsem combines még (“yet,” “still”) with sem (the negation particle “not,” “not even”). The combination serves to negate the anticipated outcome or assertion and replace it with a contrary one. In sentences, mégsem typically precedes the clause it qualifies and signals a corrective nuance rather than a simple negation.

Usage: Mégsem is versatile and appears in both spoken and written Hungarian. It can stand before a verb or be placed in the main clause to indicate a change of course or realization. It is common in past and present contexts and often paired with a clause that expresses the original expectation.

Examples:

- Azt mondták, esni fog, mégsem esett. (They said it would rain, but it didn’t rain.)

- Azt hittem, megnyerjük a versenyt, mégsem nyertünk. (I thought we would win the race, but we didn’t.)

- Mégsem megyek el ma. (I’m not going to go today after all.)

Notes: Mégsem adds nuance beyond simple negation and is generally neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It should not be confused with separate negation particles; it is a fixed compound that expresses a revision of expectations. See also: sem, még, negation particles in Hungarian.