What is Nordic hygge? Learn it from a Dane
Want to learn the real hygge meaning? This is what Nordic hygge means in Danish and how we use it in words and sentences.
Hygge is a Danish word we use to describe an atmosphere. Like a Nordic zen.
In addition to describing things as hyggelig (hygge-like), we also add hygge to other words. For example, you can listen to hygge music, sit in your hygge corner with hygge lighting perhaps enjoy a hygge chat with your best friend.
It doesn’t take much to hygge. Hygge is simple.
You can create hygge in almost any situation, it’s all about how you feel and your way of thinking.
For instance, when I tuck Toby in, I swaddle him in warm blankets with his soft plush cuddle cloth against his chin. It’s hygge because it makes him feel safe and loved, and that makes me happy. It doesn’t take more than that.
Here’s what else is considered hygge in Denmark:
Read next: A beginner’s guide to hygge
Table of Contents
Nordic Hygge meaning
Hygge is about an atmosphere. It’s about being with the people we love. A feeling of home and that we are safe. It’s about the little things in life. Like warm socks. A dim-lit room. A hot cup of tea in your favorite mug.
In a time when times go fast, people live stressful lives and look more into a screen than each other, hygge is a reaction. A much-needed relaxed and carefree break from all that. A break that we Danes are obviously good at.
We use it as a barometer to measure how people feel. “Do you think the guests had a hyggelig time?” Even our cafes are rated after how hyggelige they are.
Hygge pronunciation
Hygge is pronounced “hue-gah” or “hoo-guh”. Try puckering your lips while you say it.
Hygge is not a lifestyle
When I read some of the advice on how to hygge, I can’t help but smile:
“Light a fire. Invite the neighbors over.”
“Enjoy a warm, silky bubble bath. Add scented candles and relaxing melodies”.
That’s what many of the self-help books about hygge suggest. And while all those things sure can be hyggelige, it’s also a bit forced – and you can’t force hygge.
Hygge is simple and genuine. You can’t buy hygge. You have to create it yourself. When you try to make it a lifestyle, you’re actually killing the hygge by formalizing it.
For Danes, hygge is easy and something we always have in mind. Not JUST the candles and bobblebaths you read about in American and English articles, but in our culture, language, and way of thinking. I’m sure you’re already doing it. In Denmark, we just make it a priority.
Hygge is nostalgia
In this article about hygge, the author describes Nordic hygge as a break from our stressful everyday life. A nostalgia and reminiscing of a time when everything was simpler:
“A time when you visited each other, even unannounced, sat down and talked about this and that, rather than liking each other on Facebook. Where fire was the primary source of heating and light. Where most things were homemade and many were unique. Where stories were told as darkness descended.”
Read next: 10 great ways to hygge as a family
Synonyms of hygge
- Well-being
- Happiness
- Being content
- Comfortable
- Safe and relaxed atmosphere
- Nostalgia
- Homeliness
- Intimacy
- Friendship or family love
- Relaxation, satisfaction, relaxation, de-stressing
- Warmth (in winter-time)
- Security
- Simplicity, unpretentiousness, minimalism
- Candles, open fireplace, soft clothes, tea, sweet things
What’s the opposite of hygge
- Stress
- Uhygge
- Controversy and alterations
- Publicity, being busy
- Tension
- Fear
- Chaos
- Alienation
- Consumerism
Hygge as a noun
Fredags hygge
Fredagshygge is something we do on Fridays (fredag) after a long week. What better way to celebrate than with Friday hygge:
“Fredagshygge is snuggling up on the couch with popcorn, a warm blanket, and Game of Thrones.”
Familiehygge
Hygge you have with your family. Family hygge is about spending time with your family (in Danish: familie). Playing games, cooking together, watching TV, or going to the park.
“We had family hygge this weekend. We baked cookies and saw the latest Ice Age movie.”
Venindehygge
Hygge between girls. This could be anything from a girl’s trip to a spa date or just a cup of coffee with your friend.
“I’ve invited the girls over for some venindehygge.”
Råhygge
The ultimate form of hygge. It’s something you’d say when you’re having an extra hyggelig time. It literally means ‘raw hygge’.
“Listening to heavy rain on my window as I fall asleep is pure råhygge.”
Hyggesnak
Cozy chitchat or conversations that are pleasant and don’t touch on controversial or upsetting issues. Politics and other heavy topics are no-go.
“I had a nice hyggesnak with my mom the other day.”
Hyggespreder
A hyggespreder is a person who spreads hygge. It’s that colleague who decorates for Christmas, or the person who always makes sure everyone around her is comfortable and feels welcome.
“She’s such a hyggespreder.”
Julehygge
Christmas is the high season of hygge. It’s a time when families gather to make decorations like julehjerter (
“Are we having julehygge this weekend, dad?”
Hyggestund
A moment of hygge.
“We enjoyed a hyggestund at the lake”
Hygge bukser
Hyggebukser is that pair of pants you’d never be caught wearing in public, but practically live in when you’re at home on the weekends.
Hyggeaften
An evening of hygge, similar to a hyggestund, but often longer.
“We’re having a hyggeaften tonight with homemade lentil soup.”
Hyggestemning
An atmosphere, mood, and feeling of relaxation.
“She’s good at creating hyggestemning.”
Hyggekrog
Essentially a nook where you can get cozy. Imagine a corner of your living room where you can wrap yourself up in a blanket and read a good book.
“I love my little hyggekrog.”
Hyggehjørne
The same as a hyggekrog. A hyggehjørne is always in a corner, though.
“I’ve created a hyggehjørne in the corner of the bedroom.”
Hyggebelysning
A special kind of lightning that’s really cozy.
Uhygge
When something is scary. Like watching a horror movie, walking in a dark alley, or if you’re home alone and suddenly hear a sound outside.
Hygge as a verb
Hyg dig!
A common way of saying goodbye, for example, “have a hyggelig time”
Hygge sig
This means having a nice, cozy experience with someone.
Hygge om
Make it hyggeligt for someone. For instance by making sure people around you feel good and comfortable. Like the situation with Toby that I described at the beginning of the post. Moms often hygger om their kids.
FAQ – Hygge meaning
What is the true meaning of hygge?
The true meaning of hygge is about creating a sense of comfort, warmth, and contentment in everyday life.
It’s a Danish concept that focuses on enjoying simple pleasures, being present in the moment, and valuing coziness and togetherness.
It’s not just about things; it’s a mindset to appreciate and savor the small, happy moments in life.
What are the ten rules of hygge?
The ten rules of hygge, as outlined by Meik Wiking in “The Little Book of Hygge,” are:
- Atmosphere: Create a cozy and inviting environment.
- Presence: Be in the moment and enjoy the now.
- Pleasure: Indulge in the things you enjoy.
- Equality: Share tasks and experiences equally.
- Gratitude: Appreciate the little things.
- Harmony: Focus on peace and refrain from bragging.
- Comfort: Seek out comfort and relaxation.
- Truce: Avoid drama and conflict.
- Togetherness: Value time spent with loved ones.
- Shelter: Feel safe and secure in your environment.
What is the English equivalent of hygge?
The English equivalent of hygge doesn’t exist as a single word.
Hygge encompasses feelings of coziness, contentment, and well-being, often achieved through enjoying simple pleasures and creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
It’s about savoring moments and being present with others or even alone.
The closest terms might be “coziness” or “comfort,” but these don’t fully capture the comprehensive cultural concept that hygge represents in Danish culture.
How do you pronounce hygge and what does it mean?
Hygge is pronounced “hoo-ga.”
It’s a Danish concept that means creating a warm, cozy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. It’s about comfort, contentment, and finding happiness in simple, everyday moments.
I love this article and your breakdown of hygge. As an American we need to embrace this more and find our hygge!