Fika

Meaning: A ritual pause in the day — coffee, something sweet, good company — that is more about connection than caffeine.

Literally: Coffee break

Origin: Swedish; a near-sacred institution in Swedish workplaces and homes.

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.

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

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.

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