Érdek

Érdek is a Hungarian noun used to denote the benefit or advantage someone seeks, or the stake, concern, or motive a person or group has in a matter. It can also refer to interest in the sense of curiosity or attention. In legal, political, and economic language, érdek describes the interests of individuals, groups, or nations.

Common usages include national interest (nemzeti érdek), economic interests (gazdasági érdekek), and conflicting interests (érdekellentétek). In everyday speech, érdek can express personal motivation: “Mi az érdeked ebben?” (What is your interest in this?). The related verb érdekli or érdekli valakit means “to interest” or “to be of interest,” as in “Ez a téma engem érdekli” (This topic interests me). The plural form is érdekek, and there are related compounds such as érdekesség (an interesting thing or curiosity) and érdekérvényesítés (advocacy or the exertion of influence to protect interests).

In usage, érdek typically conveys a neutral notion of stake or motive; the exact implication—whether personal, corporate, or national—depends on context and accompanying modifiers. The term is common across economics, politics, law, and media when discussing motives, benefits, or strategic considerations.