séget

séget is a Hungarian noun that refers to the belly or stomach. It is the accusative case form of the nominative noun sége, which originates from the Proto-Uralic root *sekela, meaning “to hollow” or “to open.” The word is commonly used in everyday speech, such as in expressions like „Add a séget” (to give someone a stomach). In literary contexts it can convey a sense of domesticity or physical hunger.

The morphological structure of séget places it in the masculine noun class, which requires the suffix –et in the accusative case. This suffix marks direct objects in Hungarian, and its use with sége follows the regular pattern of inflection for animate and inanimate nouns. Pronunciation is typically [ˈseːɡɛt], with a long “e” vowel and the acute accent indicating a rising tone.

Beyond its literal meaning, séget frequently appears in idiomatic phrases within Hungarian literature and folklore. For instance, “a séget megad” (to give someone the stomach) is used metaphorically to describe a blessed or well‑fueled state. The term also finds its way into Hungarian cuisine discussions, where the focus may be on dishes meant to soothe or fortify the stomach.

Despite its limited use outside of Hungarian‑speaking contexts, séget holds cultural significance by reflecting everyday concerns about nourishment and health. Its ease of use and integration into idiomatic speech make it a staple of spoken Hungarian, while its presence in written works illustrates the language’s capacity to blend simple nouns with figurative meaning.