népek

Népek is the Hungarian word for "peoples" or "ethnic groups." The term refers to groups that share a sense of collective identity based on language, culture, history, or ethnicity. It can denote both historical communities and contemporary groups. In Hungarian usage, nép is used in everyday and formal discourse, and the plural népek refers to multiple such groups.

The concept differs from nemzet (nation). While a nemzet often implies political organization and statehood, egy nép can exist without its own state. In anthropology and political theory, nép emphasizes cultural and ethnic belonging, while nemzet emphasizes political self-government or national identity. The overlap between these notions varies by context and language.

In international law and human rights discourse, the idea of the rights of peoples (a népek jogai) appears in debates about self-determination, minority rights, and autonomy. Some groups are discussed as distinct peoples within or across states, regardless of statehood, particularly in discussions about indigenous peoples and minority cultures. Conversely, others are framed as ethnic groups within a single nation.

Usage ranges from scholarly discussions of global ethnic diversity to discussions of the cultural and historical traditions of various groups around the world. The term népek is a neutral, descriptive label used to identify social groups with common linguistic, cultural, or historical features.