sokáig

Sokáig is a Hungarian adverb meaning “for a long time” or “for quite a while.” It is used to express duration relative to a reference moment, indicating that something lasted or will last over an extended period.

The word combines sok, meaning “much” or “many,” with the suffix -áig, which marks duration up to a point in time. As a result, sokáig functions as a time-indicating modifier that applies to verbs and verb phrases rather than to adjectives or nouns.

Usage and examples illustrate its function. In past contexts it often follows the verb: “Sokáig vártam rá” (I waited for him for a long time). “Sokáig tartott az előadás” (The lecture lasted a long time). It can also express ongoing or repeated periods: “Sokáig nem láttam őt” (I haven’t seen him for a long time). In the future, sokáig can accompany a future-tense clause: “A projekt sokáig fog tartani” (The project will take a long time).

Nuances include its emphasis on duration rather than frequency. It is generally placed before the main verb or after auxiliary verbs, and it is not declined for case or number. Sokáig contrasts with shorter-duration expressions and can be used in formal or informal contexts.

See also: sok (much/many), -ig suffix, hungarian adverbs of time.