Gyermek

Gyermek is the Hungarian word for a young human being who has not yet reached adulthood. In standard use it denotes a child or offspring, typically spanning birth through adolescence. Exact age definitions vary by legal and cultural context.

The term is native to Hungarian, with etymology that is uncertain and dates from medieval Hungarian. It is a long-established word in the language and appears in a variety of expressions and compounds.

In everyday language, gyermek is a common general term for a young person, while kiskorú is used more formally to refer to a minor in legal texts. The word also appears in many compound terms such as gyermekbarát (child-friendly) and gyermekvédelem (child protection), reflecting its use across social and institutional contexts.

In social policy and rights discourse, the concept of the child is central. Hungary and other nations engage with international frameworks that protect children's rights, promote education and health, and encourage the participation of young people in decisions that affect their lives. The term is frequently used in policy, law, education, and healthcare to denote matters related to youth welfare and development.

In culture and literature, the word appears in discussions about family life, education, and youth, and it is common in media, organizations, and institutions dedicated to children’s welfare. As a basic linguistic unit, it helps describe generations, upbringing, and the social roles of young people within Hungarian-speaking contexts.