árva

árva is the Hungarian noun meaning an orphan. It refers to a person, typically a child, who has lost one or both parents and lacks a living guardian to provide parental care. The term distinguishes between a full orphan (teljes árva) and a half-orphan (félárva), where one parent remains alive.

In everyday language, árva denotes someone deprived of parental care and is used in literature, media, and official contexts. The phrase árva gyermek is common for an orphan child.

Socially and legally, an árva is cared for by relatives or by state or NGO child-protection programs when no guardian is available. Modern systems typically include guardianship, foster care, and adoption as ways to provide permanent care. Economic support, education, and social services may accompany these arrangements to ensure welfare.

Historically, orphans in Europe often lived in charitable institutions or foundling homes. Beginning in the 19th and 20th centuries, reforms created more structured child-protection frameworks and a shift toward family-based care such as adoption and foster families.

See also: orphan, orphanage, foster care, adoption.