Fika
Meaning: A ritual pause in the day — coffee, something sweet, good company — that is more about connection than caffeine.
Language: Swedish
Literally: coffee break
Category: Everyday
Origin: Swedish; a near-sacred institution in Swedish workplaces and homes.
More untranslatable words — Everyday
- Gezellig — The warm, fuzzy feeling of being somewhere cosy and comfortable with people you like — a…
- Madrugada — The liminal hours between midnight and sunrise — that strange, quiet time when the night…
- Estrenar — The specific pleasure of wearing, using, or showing off something brand new for the very…
- Abbiocco — The heavy, irresistible drowsiness that comes after a large meal — the post-lunch stupor…
- Culaccino — The ring or stain left on a surface by a wet or cold glass — that small, damp circle that…
- Merak — An intense, almost obsessive intellectual curiosity — not idle interest, but a passionate…
More Swedish untranslatable words
- Orka — To have the energy or will for something. Jag orkar inte carries the whole of 'I can't fa…
- Hinna — To manage something inside the time available — not speed, but fitting the act in before…
- Vabba — To stay home from work on paid leave to look after a sick child.
- Blunda — To close your eyes on purpose — and, by extension, to knowingly refuse to see something.
- Fredagsmys — The Friday-night ritual of soft clothes, snacks and television with the people you live w…
- Gökotta — Rising at first light for no reason but to go outside and hear the birds sing.
From our compliments & insults
- Você é um amor — You're a sweetheart — warm, caring, and impossible not to like.
- Você tem muita garra — You have fierce, relentless determination — you claw your way through any obstacle.
- Ты умница (ty umnitsa) — You're bright, clever, and admirable — said warmly of someone who handles things well.