Éjszaka

Éjszaka is the Hungarian word for the period of darkness that occurs between sunset and sunrise. It denotes the nighttime hours and is used to distinguish night from day (nappal) in everyday language.

Etymology and usage: Éjszaka is a compound based on éj, the word for night, with a suffix that forms a noun referring to a time period. The term has long been part of Hungarian vocabulary and appears in various phrases describing night-time conditions or activities.

Astronomical and practical context: In astronomy, night begins when the Sun is below the horizon. The exact start and end of night can vary with latitude and season, and with definitions such as civil, nautical, or astronomical twilight. In casual speech, éjszaka generally refers to the hours after sunset and before sunrise, though speakers may widen or narrow the sense depending on context or tradition.

Cultural significance: Night is a common motif in Hungarian literature, music, film, and folklore, often conveying ideas of mystery, romance, danger, or quiet reflection. The word appears frequently in titles and expressions, and it forms the basis for related terms such as éjszakai (nocturnal) and phrases like éjszaka közepén (in the middle of the night).

See also: éj; éjszakai.