hézag

Hézag is a Hungarian noun meaning gap, opening, or interval. It is used to describe a physical space as well as more abstract separations between things, edges, or moments in time. In everyday language, it can refer to any noticeable distance or breach.

In linguistic contexts, hézag denotes a hiatus or boundary between syllables or vowel sounds, where two adjacent vowels belong to separate units and are pronounced in sequence rather than as a single glide. The term features in discussions of Hungarian phonology and prosody, helping to describe how pronunciation can create or avoid breaks between sounds.

Beyond linguistics, hézag can be used metaphorically to describe gaps in data, information, or sequences, such as missing observations or discontinuities in datasets. In design, architecture, or visual arts, the word can also refer to deliberate spaces or breaks within a composition, contributing to rhythm or emphasis.

The term is primarily found in Hungarian-language sources and is not widely established as an international technical term. As a common noun, its precise meaning is strongly influenced by context, and translations typically render it as “gap,” “opening,” or “hiatus” depending on usage. When encountered in specialized literature, the specific definition of hézag should be inferred from the field and the surrounding description.