lagom

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just enough, moderately, to the right degree, suitable, just right
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/ˈlɑːɡɔm/
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A Swedish word for the right amount, degree, or fit, neither too much nor too little, often linked with moderation and balance.

Examples

  • De hittade ett lagom stort hus utanför stan.
    They found a house of just the right size outside town.
  • Soppan är lagom salt.
    The soup is just salty enough.
  • Barnen kom lagom tidigt till skolan.
    The children arrived at school just early enough.
  • Väskan är lagom stor för en kort resa.
    The bag is just the right size for a short trip.
  • Kakan blev lagom söt.
    The cake turned out just sweet enough.

Similar words

skäligt
precis
avvägd
passande
rimligt
tillräcklig
måttlig
passande
lämplig
tillräckligt

Meanings

In just the right amount

adverb
everyday
neutral
To the right degree or amount, neither too much nor too little for the situation.

Examples

  • Soppan är lagom salt.
    The soup is just salty enough.
  • Barnen kom lagom tidigt till skolan.
    The children arrived at school just early enough.
  • Skruva ner värmen tills rummet känns lagom varmt.
    Turn down the heat until the room feels comfortably warm.
  • Han talade lagom högt för att alla skulle höra.
    He spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear.
  • Vi köpte lagom mycket mat till helgen.
    We bought just the right amount of food for the weekend.
  • Kakan blev lagom söt.
    The cake turned out just sweet enough.
  • Väskan är lagom stor för en kort resa.
    The bag is just the right size for a short trip.

Similar words

Suitable or just right

adjective
everyday
neutral
Suitable in size, amount, intensity, or quality, with nothing excessive or insufficient.

Examples

  • Den här jackan är lagom för hösten.
    This jacket is just right for autumn.
  • Bordet är lagom för fyra personer.
    The table is suitable for four people.
  • Hon valde en lagom svår bok till kursen.
    She chose a book that was suitably difficult for the course.
  • En lagom paus gjorde mötet bättre.
    A well-timed break made the meeting better.
  • Priset kändes lagom för en enkel lunch.
    The price felt reasonable for a simple lunch.
  • De hittade ett lagom stort hus utanför stan.
    They found a house of just the right size outside town.
  • En lagom lösning fungerar bättre än en perfekt på pappret.
    A balanced solution works better than one that is perfect on paper.

Similar words

Etymology

From an old dative plural form of Swedish lag, meaning law or rule, with the sense of being according to what is fitting or customary.

FAQ

What does lagom mean?

Lagom means just the right amount or degree, neither too much nor too little.

Is lagom an adjective or an adverb?

It can be both. It works as an adverb in lagom varmt and as an adjective in en lagom lösning.

Is lagom the same as average?

No. Lagom means fitting or well balanced, while average can sound merely ordinary or mediocre.

Where does lagom come from?

It comes from an older form connected with lag, meaning law or rule, not from the popular laget om story.

How is lagom used in Swedish culture?

It often expresses moderation, balance, and enoughness in daily life, design, food, work, and social behavior.

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