Ügyelj

Ügyelj is the second-person singular informal imperative form of the Hungarian verb ügyel, meaning to pay attention, to be careful, or to watch over. It is used to issue a direct command or reminder to one person in casual or informal contexts.

Morphology and related forms: The infinitive is ügyelni. The third-person formal imperative is ügyeljen, and the formal plural is ügyeljenek. The second-person plural informal imperative is ügyeljetek, and the past tense forms include ügyeltél (you paid attention) for the singular. These forms reflect Hungarian’s distinction between informal and formal address in imperative constructions.

Usage: Ügyelj is typically employed when telling someone to be careful, mindful, or attentive about a matter. It can govern safety, accuracy, or conduct. Examples include: Ügyelj a beszédeden. (Mind your language / Watch your manner of speaking.) Ügyelj rá, hogy időben érkezz. (Pay attention to arriving on time.) Ügyelj a biztonságra. (Take care with safety.) The phrase often appears with pronouns or prepositional phrases to specify what one should heed or monitor.

Etymology and nuance: Ügyel derives from the Hungarian verb ügyel, which conveys attention, care, or watchfulness. The imperative ügyle uses the same root in a direct-address form. In nuance, it signals a practical or precautionary instruction rather than a request.

See also: figyel (to pay attention), vigyáz (to be careful / watch), észlel (to notice). The imperative forms for polite or plural addresses follow the respective formal or plural endings.