éjfél — meaning in English: midnight

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for midnight

meghatározás

csodás

kezdő

éjfél

kifejezésmód

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Hungarian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use 'éjfél' in various contexts, especially when discussing time-related events such as parties, countdowns to the New Year, or in literary references describing midnight scenes. For instance, one might say, 'A buli éjfélkor kezdődött,' meaning 'The party started at midnight.'

Synonyms & nuances

'Éjfél' specifically refers to midnight, the exact point when one day ends and another begins. In contrast, 'éjszaka' means 'night' in general, and while 'éjféli' can be used as an adjective relating to midnight, 'éjfél' is the precise term you'd use when pinpointing that magical hour.

Culture

'Éjfél' literally translates to 'half of the night' in Hungarian, derived from 'éj' meaning 'night' and 'fél' meaning 'half.' In Hungarian culture, midnight holds significant importance, often marking the start of celebrations or pivotal moments in storytelling, reflecting the deep connection between time and cultural rituals.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce éjfél?

'Éjfél' is pronounced as 'ay-fayl.' The 'éj' sound is similar to the English word 'hey,' followed by 'fél,' which rhymes with 'fail.' Practice saying it a few times to get comfortable with the Hungarian pronunciation.

Q.What is the significance of midnight in Hungarian culture?

Midnight, or 'éjfél,' is often associated with special events, such as New Year celebrations and folklore. It serves as a moment of reflection, transition, and even magic in various cultural narratives, symbolizing new beginnings.

Q.Are there any common phrases using éjfél?

Yes, one common phrase is 'Éjfélkor,' which means 'at midnight.' You might hear it used in contexts like 'Éjfélkor érkezett a vendég,' meaning 'The guest arrived at midnight.'

Learn hungarian with Maspeak →

Hungarian Vocabulary