önként

Önként is a Hungarian adverb meaning voluntarily or of one's own accord. It is used to describe actions performed by choice, without coercion or obligation. The word is closely related to önkéntes, which can be used as a noun (volunteer) and an adjective (voluntary).

The formation comes from the pronoun ön (self) plus the suffix -ként, which yields an adverb of manner. While önként denotes the manner of acting, önkéntes functions as a descriptor for people, activities, or programs that are voluntary.

Common usage includes sentences like: "Önként segített a közösségnek" (They helped the community voluntarily), "Önként jelentkezett a programba" (They volunteered for the program). In combination with nouns, phrases such as "önkéntes munka" denote volunteer work, and "önként vállalt feladat" means a task undertaken of one’s own free will.

The term is widely used in civil society, nonprofit contexts, and administrative language to distinguish actions performed by choice from those that are mandatory or coerced. In contrast to kényszer (coercion) or kötelező (mandatory), önként emphasizes voluntary participation or effort.

Notes: Although related, önként and önkéntes occupy different grammatical roles. Önkért is an adverb describing manner, while önkéntes acts as an adjective or noun describing a person, thing, or activity that is voluntary.