valóban

Valóban is a Hungarian adverb meaning "indeed," "really," or "in fact." It is used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of a statement, to confirm something previously claimed, or to express surprise or insistence. In the sentence, it often serves to verify or strengthen what follows or to acknowledge another person’s point with neutral or formal tone.

Etymology and form: The word derives from the adjective való, meaning true or real. The adverbial form valóban is created from való with a suffix that yields an adverb, a common pattern in Hungarian for turning adjectives into adverbs. The result is a versatile term that appears across registers, from spoken conversation to formal writing.

Usage and placement: Valóban can appear at the beginning of a clause, after the subject, or before the main predicate, depending on emphasis. It frequently accompanies statements of fact or agreement, as in Ez valóban fontos. It can also introduce clarification or correction, e.g., Valóban, ezt a részletet nem vettük figyelembe. In interrogative use, it can express genuine surprise or request for confirmation: Valóban?

Relation to related terms: Valóban is often compared with lényegében and tényleg. While tényleg is more colloquial and common in everyday speech, valóban tends to carry a more neutral or slightly formal tone. The related noun phrase valóban lehet vagy "valójában" (in reality, in fact) conveys a stronger sense of contrast between appearance and reality.

Examples: Valóban igaz ez. Valóban segítettél. Valóban? Ez a megoldás valóban megfelel a célnak.

See also: való, valójában, tényleg.