Ügyfél

Ügyfél is a Hungarian noun meaning “client” or “customer,” referring to a person or organization that uses or receives services from a professional, firm, or institution. The term is typically used in situations involving a continuing professional relationship rather than a one-off purchase.

In professional and business contexts—such as law, finance, consulting, healthcare, and other services—the word denotes the party receiving services and guidance. Service providers have duties toward their clients, including confidentiality and, in certain fields, fiduciary obligations. In formal or contractual language, one will commonly encounter phrases like “az ügyfél” (the client). For retail or everyday shopping, “fogyasztó” (consumer) or “vevő” is more common; “ügyfél” emphasizes an ongoing relationship with a provider.

Etymology: the term is formed from the noun ügy, meaning matter or affair, with the agentive suffix -fél, indicating a person who is involved in or associated with a matter. The form has plural "ügyfelek" and various possessive forms such as "ügyfelem" (my client).

Related terms and usage: common compounds include ügyfélkapu (client portal, a secure online access point for clients), ügyféladat (client data), and ügyfélkapcsolat (client relationship). The word remains a standard, neutral descriptor in professional and administrative language, distinguishing the client from other parties in a transaction or service arrangement.