számítani — meaning in English: to calculate

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boldogtalanság

ötlet

számítani

beszélni

találkozni

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'számítani' in academic or professional settings when discussing numerical data, financial forecasts, or technical calculations. For example, a teacher might say, 'A diákoknak tudniuk kell, hogyan kell számítani a problémákat,' meaning 'Students must know how to calculate problems.' Additionally, it can be used in casual conversations about budgeting or planning trips.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'megszámolni,' which specifically means 'to count' rather than 'to calculate.' You would use 'számítani' when referring to mathematical operations or estimations, while 'megszámolni' is more appropriate when you are simply enumerating items.

Culture

'Számítani' comes from the Hungarian word 'szám,' meaning 'number.' In the historical context, accounting and mathematics have always played a significant role in Hungarian culture, especially during the Austro-Hungarian Empire when education in these subjects became more formalized. This word reflects not just the act of calculation but also the importance of numbers in Hungarian society, from budgeting household expenses to strategic planning in business.

FAQ

Q.How do you use 'számítani' in a sentence?

'Számítani' can be used in various contexts, such as 'Számítani kell a költségekkel,' which translates to 'You must calculate the costs.' It’s versatile for both formal and informal situations.

Q.What is the past tense of 'számítani'?

The past tense form of 'számítani' is 'számított.' For example, 'Tavaly számsítottam a költségvetést,' meaning 'I calculated the budget last year.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'számítani'?

A common mistake is confusing 'számítani' with 'megszámolni.' While both involve numbers, remember to use 'számítani' for calculations and estimations, and 'megszámolni' for counting.

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Hungarian Vocabulary