Lagom
Meaning: Not too much, not too little — perfectly moderate, appropriate, and balanced. A cultural ideal of sufficiency over excess.
Language: Swedish
Literally: just the right amount
Category: Everyday
Origin: Swedish; possibly from 'laget om' ('around the team'), referring to passing a drinking horn.
More untranslatable words — Everyday
- Fika — A ritual pause in the day — coffee, something sweet, good company — that is more about co…
- 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…
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 idioms
- Tirar la casa por la ventana — To spare no expense; to go all out.
- Meter la pata — To make a blunder or put your foot in it.
- Tomar el pelo — To pull someone's leg; to tease.