noun

hygge

HOO-guh

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Hygge (noun) means a feeling of warm, cosy contentment, especially one created by simple pleasures such as candlelight, soft blankets, good food and the company of people you like. Example: “There is nothing more hygge than a wet afternoon, a fire and a pot of tea.”

noun

A feeling of warm, cosy contentment, especially one created by simple pleasures such as candlelight, soft blankets, good food and the company of people you like.

"There is nothing more hygge than a wet afternoon, a fire and a pot of tea."

"The Danes credit hygge with getting them through the long winter."

adjective

informal Having the cosy, comforting quality of hygge.

"The little bookshop café is unbelievably hygge."

How to use hygge

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThat warm, cosy, contented feeling of being snug with people you like.

When to use it

A borrowed word, now common in English lifestyle writing; it is not usually italicised any more.

Memory tip

Lagom is a Swedish idea about having just the right amount; hygge is about warmth and atmosphere, not moderation.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cosy → lagom gemütlichkeit

Common pairings

a sense of hygge hygge lifestyle so hygge hygge at home

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “hygge” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

There is nothing more _____ than a wet afternoon, a fire and a pot of tea.

Etymology

A Danish word, related to Norwegian hygge meaning wellbeing or comfort.

Origin: Danish

Synonyms

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cosiness comfort conviviality snugness cosy snug homely

Related words

close beautiful hurt comfortable relief upset tight hidden

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce hygge?

Roughly HOO-guh, with the first syllable close to the oo in book and a soft g. English speakers who say HIGG-uh will still be understood, but it is not the Danish sound.

What is the difference between hygge and cosy?

Cosy describes physical warmth and comfort. Hygge includes that but adds atmosphere and company: an evening can be hygge because of who is there and how unhurried it feels, not just because the room is warm.

Is hygge only a winter thing?

It is most associated with dark Nordic winters, but Danes apply it year round to anything relaxed and companionable, including summer picnics and long outdoor meals.

What is the meaning of hygge?

"hygge" (noun) means a feeling of warm, cosy contentment, especially one created by simple pleasures such as candlelight, soft blankets, good food and the company of people you like.

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