szólalni

Szólalni is a Hungarian verb that translates to "to speak," "to say," "to voice," or "to break silence" in English. It is a fundamental verb in the Hungarian language, used in a wide variety of contexts. The verb conjugates according to Hungarian grammar rules, with different endings applied depending on the tense, mood, and person.

The basic meaning of szólalni relates to the act of producing sound from the mouth, typically with the intention of communication. It can refer to a person starting to speak after a period of silence, or simply the act of uttering words. For instance, "a baba szólalni kezdett" means "the baby started to speak."

Beyond literal speech, szólalni can also imply expressing an opinion or making a statement. In this sense, it means to "voice" one's thoughts or to "speak up." For example, "végre szólalj meg!" could be translated as "finally, speak up!" or "finally, voice your opinion!"

The verb can also be used metaphorically. For example, a musical instrument might "szólalni" when it produces sound, or a situation might "szólalni" if it becomes active or noticeable. However, its primary and most common usage remains associated with human vocalization and communication. Understanding the nuances of szólalni is crucial for comprehending Hungarian discourse, as it encompasses both the physical act of speaking and the broader concept of expression.