How to Pronounce “hygge”

American (US)

/ˈhuːɡə/

British (UK)

/ˈhʊɡə/

noun — A Danish idea of cosy contentment and warm, simple comfort.

Example: Candles and thick socks are the whole of hygge.

Where the stress falls. “hygge” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈhuːɡə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈhuːɡə/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "hygge" mean?

hygge (noun): A Danish idea of cosy contentment and warm, simple comfort. For example — Candles and thick socks are the whole of hygge.

How do you pronounce "hygge" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈhuːɡə/. British English: /ˈhʊɡə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "hygge"?

/ˈhuːɡə/ in American English, /ˈhʊɡə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "hygge"?

“hygge” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈhuːɡə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.