hygge

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cosiness, comfortable togetherness, well-being, enjoy oneself, have a cosy time
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/ˈhykə/
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A Danish noun for comfortable, unhurried well-being and a verb for enjoying or creating that kind of pleasant time.

Examples

  • Vi hygger os med te og brætspil.
    We are having a cosy time with tea and board games.
  • Det var ren hygge at spille kort sammen.
    Playing cards together was pure hygge.
  • Hun forbinder julen med hygge og ro.
    She associates Christmas with cosiness and calm.
  • De vil hygge med familien i weekenden.
    They will spend a pleasant time with the family this weekend.
  • Der var rigtig hygge omkring pejsen.
    There was real cosiness around the fireplace.

Similar words

more sig
nyde
velvære
slappe af
hjemlighed
forkæle
gemytlighed
behag

Meanings

Comfortable, companionable well-being

noun
everyday
neutral
A pleasant feeling or atmosphere of comfort, ease, safety, and unhurried enjoyment, alone or with other people.

Examples

  • Der var rigtig hygge omkring pejsen.
    There was real cosiness around the fireplace.
  • Stearinlysene skabte hygge i stuen.
    The candles created a cosy atmosphere in the living room.
  • Vi nød aftenens hygge.
    We enjoyed the evening's comfortable togetherness.
  • Hun forbinder julen med hygge og ro.
    She associates Christmas with cosiness and calm.
  • Det var ren hygge at spille kort sammen.
    Playing cards together was pure hygge.

Similar words

Enjoy or create a pleasant time

verb
everyday
neutral
To spend time pleasantly and at ease, often expressed reflexively as hygge sig, or to make someone or somewhere comfortable and welcoming.

Examples

  • Vi hygger os med te og brætspil.
    We are having a cosy time with tea and board games.
  • Hun hyggede sig med en bog hele aftenen.
    She enjoyed a relaxing time with a book all evening.
  • De vil hygge med familien i weekenden.
    They will spend a pleasant time with the family this weekend.
  • Jeg hyggede om gæsterne med mad og tæpper.
    I made the guests comfortable with food and blankets.
  • Børnene sad og hyggede sig i hulen.
    The children sat cosily enjoying themselves in the den.

Similar words

Etymology

Borrowed into Danish from Norwegian hygge in the nineteenth century. The word is related to Old Norse hyggja, meaning to think or feel, and hugr, meaning mind or mood.

FAQ

What does hygge mean?

As a noun it means comfortable, unhurried well-being or a pleasant atmosphere. As a verb it means enjoying or creating that kind of time.

Does hygge require candles?

No. Candles may help create it, but conversation, food, games, rest, or quiet time can also produce hygge.

How is hygge used as a verb?

Common patterns include hygge sig, hygge med someone or something, and hygge om someone.

How is hygge pronounced in Danish?

A standard Danish pronunciation is /ˈhykə/.

Is hygge always social?

No. It often involves companionship, but a person can also experience hygge alone.

Where does hygge come from?

Danish borrowed it from Norwegian in the nineteenth century, with earlier roots related to mind, mood, and thought.

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