Scandinavia is a region rich in culture and history. Nordic countries are known for the beautiful landscapes, friendly people, beautiful design, and unique customs. Another thing that makes Scandinavia special is the language. Scandinavian words, i.e. the  Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian languages have a wide range of words for positive emotions and uplifting everyday experiences. You may know that the languages are similar, yet different,  sort of in the same way as Spanish and Portuguese. 

In addition, the Nordic countries together have a reputation for being a happy place. The countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland consistently rank at the top of the list for happiest countries in the world. and there are probably many reasons why. A part of that happiness may come from the way Scandinavians approach joy. Here are 10 of my favorite Scandinavian words that capture joy in all its forms.

 

1. Hygge (Danish): Chances are you already know about hygge: It’s probably the most famous Scandinavian word outside Scandinavia. Hygge is about creating cozy contentment and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. It’s about spending time with loved ones, getting lost in a good book, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature. Basically, if it feels good, it’s hygge! I have described hygge in more depth in several other blogs .

2. Lagom  (Swedish): Next on my list of Scandinavian words is Lagom, which is a Swedish word: Lagom means “just the right amount,- not too much and not too little ” It’s the philosophy of finding contentment in moderation and living a balanced life. This word is often used to describe Sweden’s famous work-life balance; Swedes work hard but also make time for leisure and relaxation. Learn more about Lagom here

3. Glädje  (Swedish): Glädje is pure, unbridled joy. It’s that feeling you get when something really good happens and you just can’t help but smile from ear to ear.

4. Naerhet (Norwegian and Danish):Naerhet translates to “closeness” or “intimacy,” but it goes beyond physical proximity. This word encompasses the emotional bond between people who care for one another deeply.

5. Koselig (Norwegian):The Norwegian word Koselig describes those warm, fuzzy feelings you get when you’re surrounded by people you love in a cozy setting. It’s often used to describe evenings spent relaxing at home with family or friends.

6. Fika (Swedish): Fika is both a noun and a verb meaning “to have coffee.” In Sweden, fika is more than just grabbing a cup  – it’s also about taking a break from work to enjoy some quality time with friends or family. Fika can be enjoyed anywhere, but it’s often done in cafes and bakeries where Swedes love to socialize over pastries and strong coffee. See my blog dedicated to Fika here.

 

7. Losji (Norwegian):The next Scandinavian word is actually Norwegian: The Norwegians love a good (and long) hike. The concept of Losji refers to finding contentment and peace of mind in nature – whether that means climbing a mountain, taking a brisk walk through the forest, or simply sitting on a rock watching the sunset over the water

 

 8. Friluftsliv (Norwegian and Danish) Now let’s talk about ‘friluftsliv.’ which is a Scandinavian word that has recently received a good deal of attention in media; (pronounced “free-loofts-liv”). It translates roughly to “open-air living” and is deeply ingrained in the Scandinavian heritage. The concept of friluftsliv encourages outdoor adventures for all ages in all kinds of weather. Friluftsliv is a commitment to celebrating time outdoors, no matter the weather forecast. It offers a cold-hardy inspiration for a frigid time of year. My family’s Norwegian branch (my sister-in-law is Norwegian) will go to their cozy cabin in the mountains whenever they can. In the summertime, they are hiking, and in the wintertime, they are cross country skiing – the whole family. But Friluftsliv is more than just an activity; it’s a kind of lifestyle; time spend in nature will expand of our spiritual and physical being.

 

9. Gökotta (Swedish): Getting up early in the morning to listen to the birds — that’s what Swedes call “gökotta.” The term consists of “gök,” which means cuckoo, and “otta,” which means earliness. According to the Swedes, this early bird activity will bring you a deep feeling of happiness and joy for the rest of the day.

10. Lykke (Danish, Norwegian):The final Scandinavian word I have for you – but certainly not the least: In Danish and Norwegian, we have the concept of “Lykke” (pronounced like’ lu-Keh’), which is the word for joy and happiness, describing a general state of happiness with life – Often based on making the most of life’s simple pleasures. You can learn more about the concept in “The Little Book of Lykke” for a much deeper discussion of this.

Book-cover to the little book fykke

These are just a few of the many wonderful Scandinavian words for describing joyous moments and experiences! Next time you’re feeling happy, maybe you can relate it to one of these words. No matter what language you speak, I hope this article brought a little bit of joy into your day 

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