szótagos

Szótagos is a Hungarian word that translates to "syllabic" or "syllable-based." It is most commonly used in linguistics to describe a type of meter in poetry. In szótagos verse, the rhythmic structure is determined by the number of syllables in each line, rather than by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables (as in accentual-syllabic verse) or solely by the number of stresses (as in accentual verse).

Hungarian poetry has a long tradition of employing szótagos meters. This form was particularly prevalent in folk songs and earlier literary works. Each line is constructed to contain a specific, consistent number of syllables, contributing to the musicality and flow of the poem. For instance, a poem might be written in a 6-syllable line meter, meaning every line must have exactly six syllables.

While pure szótagos meter is less common in contemporary Hungarian poetry compared to older forms, its influence can still be observed. Understanding szótagos is crucial for analyzing the structure and sound of much Hungarian verse, particularly in historical and folk contexts. It represents a fundamental approach to poetic rhythm, prioritizing the count of syllables as the primary organizing principle.