ljúffengur
[ˈljuf.feiŋkʏr]
The English word 'delicious' can be translated into Icelandic as ljúffengur or bragðgóður.
Meaning: pleasing to taste (adj)
Ways to say it
| Icelandic | IPA |
|---|---|
| ljúffengur | [ˈljuf.feiŋkʏr] (narrow) |
| bragðgóður |
Both words are used to describe something that is pleasing to the taste. You can use Ótrúlega bragðgóður to say something is 'incredibly delicious'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word bragðgóður is a compound formed from bragð, meaning 'taste' and góður, meaning 'good'.
Which one should you use?
Bragðgóður is a more literal and understated way to say something is 'tasty' or 'good tasting'. In contrast, ljúffengur is a stronger and more emotive word for 'delicious'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective ljúffengur must change its ending to ljúffengt when describing a neuter noun, such as matur (food).
Did you know?
- The word bragð in bragðgóður can also mean a 'trick' or a 'stunt'. Depending on the context, the root of the word for 'taste' is the same as the word for a 'prank'.
- While bragðgóður is a common way to say something is 'tasty', using the word ljúffengur too frequently in casual settings can sometimes sound overly dramatic or even slightly theatrical to native speakers.
- If a drink is delicious because it is refreshing, Icelanders often use the word svalt, which literally means 'cool', rather than bragðgóður.
Examples in context
- Þetta er ljúffengt!This is delicious!
Example conversation
Sigurður and Katrín are eating dinner together.
- SigurðurHvernig smakar maturinn, Katrín?How does the food taste, Katrín?
- KatrínHann er mjög ljúffengur!It is very delicious!
- SigurðurÉg er glaður að þér líki hann.I am glad that you like it.
- KatrínTakk fyrir matinn, Sigurður.Thank you for the meal, Sigurður.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “delicious” translations and entries ljúffengur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
