Summary

The article discusses nine unique Scandinavian words that encapsulate life concepts not easily translated into other languages, reflecting the author's personal experiences living in Sweden.

Abstract

The author shares insights into nine Scandinavian words that convey complex emotions and cultural practices, which they found to be an integral part of their experience living in Sweden for three years. These words include "Fika," a Swedish term for a coffee break with social interaction; "Hygge," a Danish concept of coziness and comfort; "Sisu," a Finnish expression of stoic determination; "Forelsket," a Danish and Norwegian term for the euphoric feeling at the onset of love; "Lagom," a Swedish philosophy of balance and moderation; "Orke," a Danish word for having the energy or will to do something; "Hyttekontor," a Norwegian phrase for working from a cabin in nature; "Kura Skymning," a Swedish idiom for quiet contemplation at dusk; and "Gruglede," a Norwegian term combining dread and joyful anticipation. The article emphasizes the beauty and depth of these words in expressing the nuances of life and human emotion.

Opinions

The author believes that the Scandinavian concept of "Fika" is a crucial social ritual that nourishes both body and soul.
"Hygge" is presented as a key to happiness, focusing on the simple pleasures and comforts of life.
"Sisu" reflects a cultural admiration for resilience and the courage to persevere against all odds.
"Forelsket" captures the unique and exhilarating stage of falling in love, distinct from being in like or full-fledged love.
"Lagom" is seen as a guiding principle for a contented life, avoiding excess and finding satisfaction in having just enough.
"Orke" acknowledges the human need to sometimes opt-out of activities due to a lack of mental or physical energy.
"Hyttekontor" is viewed as a beneficial practice for mental health and productivity, combining work with the tranquility of nature.
"Kura Skymning" is valued as a meditative practice to unwind and reflect after a busy day.
"Gruglede" is recognized as a complex emotion, blending fear and excitement, particularly in the face of new experiences or life changes.

The 9 Most Beautiful Words I Learned When Living in Scandinavia

Some words are too unique to translate

The best part of living abroad is to experience things that are unique for a country or a region. I was blessed to live for three years in Sweden, part of Scandinavia.

I learned a lot of beautiful concepts about life and the world there. Sometimes through words that cannot be directly translated to other languages. Here are nine of the most beautiful ones I still keep with me to this day.

Fika

|fee-ka| Swedish

Fika is a concept, a state of mind, an attitude and an important part of Swedish culture. It means making time every day for friends and colleagues to share a cup of coffee or tea and a little something sweet to eat.

The idea is you’re having a moment of socialization and relaxation with something which nourishes your body and soul.

Hygge

|hew-gah| Danish

Hygge is about cosiness and surrounding yourself with the things that make life good, like friendship, laughter and security, as well as more concrete things like warmth, light, seasonal food and drink.

It is about taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about, or even by yourself, to relax and enjoy life’s quieter pleasures.

Sisu

|si-su| Finish

Sisu means strength, perseverance in a task that for some may seem crazy to undertake, almost hopeless. It means to be stubborn, determined and sometimes stupidly brave.

To run head first to the brick wall until the wall gives in if you really believe there is something worth the trouble on the other side.

Forelsket

|fo-rel-skit| Danish & Norwegian

Forelsket refers to that crazy, head-spinning time when you’re starting to fall in love. It’s more than being in like, but less than being in love.

It’s the euphoric feeling of walking on air, when you view your partner through rose colored glasses. All you want to do is gaze into each others eyes longingly and forget the rest of the world exists.

Lagom

|law-gum| Swedish

Lagom is a lifestyle that encourages balance and mindfulness in everything that you do. Lagom translates roughly to: ‘not too little, not too much, just the right amount’.

It means knowing when enough is enough, and trying to find balance and moderation rather than constantly grasping for more. Lagom is that feeling of contentment we all get when we have all that we need to make us comfortable.

Orke

|orr-ke| Danish

Orke means to have the physical or mental energy to do something; to be bothered to do something.

It’s used a lot within the same phrasing — ‘Jeg orker det simpelthen ikke’. This translates as ‘I simply can’t be bothered’. We all have to take days off, don’t we?

Hyttekontor

|hy-te-con-tor| Norwegian

Hyttekontor — Working from home, except you are at your hytte (cabin) instead. It’s kind of like being on a workation — a working vacation, in a tranquil place like the mountains or by the sea.

It’s more like working from nature, an office retreat that allows to be transported, leaving behind stress, enhancing creativity, deep thought and collaboration.

Kura Skymning

|cure-ah-skim-ning| Swedish

Kura Skymning means ‘sitting quietly and pondering at dusk’.

A perfect reminder for all fast-living, busy day workers to just calm and slow down at the end of a hectic day and take in natural beauty and reflect on ones day. Just close your eyes, take some deep breaths and let your thoughts wonder.

Gruglede

|groo-lee-ah-duh| Norwegian

Gruglede is like excitement, with a tinge of fear. Like you might feel on the first day of school, or waiting for a new baby.

It comes from the words ‘grue’ meaning dread, and ‘glede’ which means to happily look forward to something.