mínusz

Mínusz is the Hungarian word for minus, used to denote subtraction or a negative value in mathematics, science, and everyday language. In spoken Hungarian, the term is commonly used when reading or indicating negative numbers, temperatures, or deficits.

Etymology and usage across languages: The form mínusz derives from the same Latin root that underlies the English word minus, meaning “less” or “smaller.” In several Central European languages, related forms appear with slight spelling variations, such as mínus in Czech and Slovak, or minus in Polish. The Hungarian version, with the diacritic on the i, is one of the distinctive orthographic renderings of this concept in the region.

Applications and examples: Mínusz is used to describe negative quantities, for example, mínusz 5°C for −5 degrees Celsius. It also appears in arithmetic contexts as a label for subtraction or negation, as in a phrase meaning “five minus three.” In everyday usage, it can refer to deficits or negative balances, such as a financial mínusz or a score that is negative.

Symbol vs. word: The standard mathematical symbol for subtraction or negation is the minus sign (−). The word mínusz is used when spelling out the operation or value in spoken language or in natural-language text, while the symbol is preferred in formal mathematical notation.

See also: Minus sign; Negative number; Subtraction.