éjfélkor

éjfélkor is a Hungarian word that translates to "at midnight" in English. It signifies the specific time of day when the clock strikes twelve, marking the transition from one day to the next. This temporal point is culturally significant in many societies and is often associated with the end of one period and the beginning of another.

In a literal sense, éjfélkor refers to the moment that divides the evening from the morning. It is the twelfth hour of the night, often considered the darkest part of the day. The concept of midnight is universal, but its cultural interpretations can vary. For example, in some traditions, éjfélkor is a time for reflection, while in others it may be associated with celebrations or specific rituals.

The word itself is composed of two parts: "éjjel" meaning "night" and "fél" meaning "half." While a direct literal translation might suggest "half of the night," in idiomatic Hungarian, éjfélkor specifically denotes the full midnight hour. This usage is consistent with how similar concepts are expressed in other languages, where the precise wording might not directly translate to its constituent parts. The use of éjfélkor is common in everyday conversation, literature, and official timekeeping within Hungary.