szemekkel

Szemekkel is the instrumental plural form of the Hungarian noun szem, meaning eye. The expression literally translates to “with eyes” and is used to indicate the instrument or means by which an action is performed, typically referring to visual perception.

Morphology and formation: The base word szem means eye. Its plural form is szemek. To express the instrumental case with a plural noun, Hungarian adds the suffix -kel, producing szemekkel. This follows the general pattern of forming instrumental forms with -val/-vel or -kkal/-kkel, depending on harmony and phonology, and results in the common phrase szemekkel meaning “with eyes.”

Usage and examples: Szemekkel is most often attached to verbs of perception or observation to show that an action is done by means of sight. For example, "A katona szemekkel figyelte az ellenséget" means “The soldier watched the enemy with his eyes.” Another example: "A festő szemekkel vizsgálta meg a részleteket a vásznon" can be used to describe examining details visually. The phrase can also carry a figurative or poetic nuance, highlighting careful or attentive visual scrutiny.

Semantics and style: In standard prose, szemekkel emphasizes direct visual observation. It is less common in everyday speech for abstract instruments, and its use is more typical in descriptive or literary contexts to convey vivid visual engagement with objects or scenes.

See also: szem, val/vel suffixes in Hungarian grammar, -kkal/-kkel instrumental forms.