válaszolni

Válaszolni is a Hungarian verb meaning to answer, to reply, or to respond. It is used when someone gives an answer to a question, a remark, or a request. The word conveys a direct action of providing a response.

Etymology and formation: válaszolni is formed from the noun válasz (answer) with the infinitive suffix -olni, creating a verb that denotes the act of answering. This pattern is common in Hungarian for turning nouns into verbs that express performing the associated action.

Usage and grammar: The verb is transitive and commonly appears with a recipient marked in various ways, for example with neked/nekem (you to me) or with the target of the answer using the -ra/-re suffix for the thing answered. Typical constructions include válaszolni a kérdésre (to answer the question) or válaszolni valakinek (to answer someone). It is conjugated in the present tense as válaszolok, válaszolsz, válaszol, válaszolunk, válaszoltok, válaszolnak. The past tense is formed regularly: válaszoltam, válaszoltál, válaszolt, etc. The future can be expressed with fog: válaszolni fogok. In many contexts, meg- can be prefixed to form megválaszolni (to answer in full or to answer at length).

Examples: Válaszolok a kérdésre. (I answer the question.) Válaszoltam a levélre. (I answered the letter.) Ő válaszol neked. (He/She answers you.) Holnap válaszolni fogok. (I will answer tomorrow.)

See also: válasz (noun), meaning “answer” or “response.” The verb válaszolni is a core, frequently used term across informal and formal Hungarian discourse.