gezellig
/ɣəˈzɛ.ləx/
The Dutch word for cozy is gezellig.
gezellig is used to describe something that is cozy, sociable, pleasant or convivial. Unlike the English word 'cozy', which focuses primarily on physical comfort and warmth, gezellig covers both physical coziness and the quality of social interaction, such as a pleasant atmosphere or a person's company.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of gezellig is gezelligheid, which means coziness, conviviality or sociability.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɣəˈzɛ.ləx/. The word has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word gezellig shares the same root as the English word 'companion', through the Middle Dutch word 'gesell', meaning a fellow or a comrade.
- Dutch speakers might describe a warm and friendly argument as gezellig, provided the social bond remains strong.
- While 'cozy' in English is often a positive feeling, calling a situation gezellig can sometimes be used sarcastically to describe a chaotic or overly crowded social event.
Examples in context
- Het is hier gezellig.It's cozy in here.This sentence is useful for describing the atmosphere of a room using gezellig.Tatoeba #9333515 by megamanenm, translation #9333511 by megamanenm
- Dit tuincentrum heeft een gezellig café.This garden centre has a cozy café.This sentence shows how to describe a place, like a café, as being gezellig.Tatoeba #13005673 by Tom9358, translation #13005676 by Tom9358
- Ik heb het gevoel dat Tatoeba een erg warme en gezellige plek is geworden voor ons taalliefhebbers, in het bijzonder voor diegenen van ons die relatief gemakkelijk en snel talen kunnen begrijpen en leren.I feel that Tatoeba has become a very warm and cozy place for us language lovers, especially for all those of us who can grasp and learn languages relatively easily and quickly.This sentence illustrates using gezellig to describe a warm and pleasant environment.Tatoeba #11224542 by SunnyMoon, translation #1786054 by Eldad
Example conversation
Sophie and Daan are sitting in a small, warm cafe.
- SophieVind je dit café ook zo gezellig?Do you also find this cafe so cozy?
- DaanJa, het is hier erg gezellig.Yes, it is very cozy here.
- SophieDat is een goede plek voor ons.That is a good place for us.
- DaanZeker weten, Sophie.Certainly, Sophie.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gezellig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gezellig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
