A couple of years ago a new word came into force that we all went crazy for – the Danish word Hygge (pronounced hue-guh not hoo-gah). There is no clear English translation – basically it is used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special.

On that note, Shutterfly (the greeting cards, photo books and gifts company) have explored just how home isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling. They’ve compiled a number of untranslatable words like Hygge across the world that perfectly express the feeling of being at home in its many incarnations. Enjoy and impress friends with your new vocab!

Fjaka
Croatian
Relaxing your body and your mind and delighting in the feeling of doing nothing

Gezellig
Dutch
“Good vibes” – the feeling of warmth you get when spending time with people you care about in a cozy environment

Gluggaveður
Icelandic
“Window weather” – weather that’s lovely to look at, but unpleasant to be outside in

Kanso
Japanese
Keeping things simple and achieving clarity by eliminating clutter and omitting the non-essential

Morgenfrisk
Danish
The feeling of waking up refreshed after a good night’s sleep

Peiskos
Norwegian
“Fireplace coziness” – sitting in front of a crackling fire, relishing its warmth

Philoxenía
Greek
To welcome strangers into your home with love and respect

Retrouvailles
French
The joy of reuniting with loved ones after a long time apart

Sambo
Swedish
Sharing a life together as a couple under the same roof, without being married nor engaged

Talanoa
Hindi – Fijian
The sharing of stories and ideas in order to foster understanding, build relationships, and resolve problems between people

For more info go to: www.shutterfly.com/ideas/close-to-home/