kâz

Köz is a Hungarian noun with several related senses that center on the idea of the public, the common good, or the shared space of society. In contemporary usage, its primary sense denotes the public sphere or matters that affect people as a group, rather than private individuals. It also appears in compounds that describe physical or social spaces that are open or accessible to all, such as public roads or public space.

In linguistic and social contexts the term functions as a root in a wide range of expressions. Common examples include közélet (public life), közérdek (public interest), közszolgáltatások (public services), and közigazgatás (public administration). The concept underpins political and legal terminology, such as közhatalom (public authority) and közgyűlés (a public or general assembly). The word also contributes to the meaning of related nouns like köztársaság (republic), which etymologically emphasizes public life and the common good within a political community. Terms for the physical realm include közterület (public space) and közút (public road). In everyday speech, phrases with köz often contrast public or collective concerns with private life, or describe actions and policies that serve the wider population.

Historically and culturally, the notion of köz has been central to debates about democracy, governance, and the organization of social life in Hungary. It informs the language of law, governance, and civic discussion and remains a frequent reference point when discussing what is considered part of the common good or shared by society at large. Related concepts include közösség (community) and közhatalom (state authority).