Íratlan

Íratlan is a Hungarian adjective meaning unwritten or not recorded in writing. It is used to describe rules, norms, or agreements that function in practice but are not codified in formal documents or legislation. In contrast to írásos, which denotes something that is written or documented, íratlan points to tacit understanding and customary practice that is accepted without formal inscription.

The word is formed from the verb írni (to write) and the element that gives the sense of “without,” with the suffix -atlan. As such, íratlan conveys the idea of something that exists without being written down. It is commonly used with nouns such as szabály (rule), norma (norm), vagy szokás (custom) to denote unwritten conventions. In linguistic or cultural discussions, íratlan can describe tacit language use, implicit expectations, or social practices that people follow even though they are not formally documented.

Usage notes: íratlan is widely understood in modern Hungarian and appears in essays, journalism, and scholarly writing when distinguishing codified, written rules from informal, culturally accepted practices. The term can carry a slightly formal or literary tone and is often chosen to emphasize tacit or customary aspects rather than explicit provisions. When speaking more colloquially, speakers might replace it with phrases like nem írt szabály or megbeszélt szokás, depending on context.

See also: írás, írásos, íratlan szabály, norma, konvenció.