találó

Találó is a Hungarian adjective meaning clever, ingenious, or apt. It is used to describe ideas, remarks, solutions, or comparisons that are well-chosen and effectively expressed. The term can also describe a person’s approach as imaginative or inventive, but in practice it most often refers to the thing being described rather than the person.

Etymology and distinction: találó derives from the verb talál, “to find” or “to meet,” with the agentive suffix -ó. Metaphorically, it conveys something that finds a fitting or striking solution or expression. It is not the same as feltaláló, which specifically means inventor; feltaláló denotes a person who has discovered or created something new, whereas találó emphasizes cleverness or suitability of an idea or remark.

Usage and collocations: common expressions include találó ötlet (ingenious idea), találó megoldás (ingenious solution), találó megjegyzés (apt remark), and találó szóvicc (well-timed pun). The word is widely used in journalism, criticism, and everyday speech to praise wit, precision, or appropriateness. Synonyms include ötletes and kreatív, with találó often carrying a stronger sense of suitability and impact in a concise form.

Notes: while találó highlights cleverness, it does not automatically imply originality to the level of creativity implied by some synonyms. The term is flexible across neutral and evaluative contexts, from praising a neat analogy to commending a sharp observation.