lagom
The Swedish word lagom means "just right".
lagom is an adjective used to describe an amount, degree or state of being that is in perfect balance. It implies a sense of sufficiency and moderation, suggesting that something is neither too much nor too little, but rather the ideal amount.
Which one should you use?
While the English word "enough" can sometimes imply a minimal or barely sufficient amount, lagom carries a positive connotation of being the ideal or perfect amount.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverbial adjective, lagom does not change its form based on the gender or number of the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- A popular folk etymology suggests lagom comes from laget om, describing how Viking Age clans shared a horn of mead so that everyone received an equal and sufficient amount.
- While it denotes 'just right', lagom can be used sarcastically to describe something that is mediocre or uninspiringly average.
- The term is so central to the Swedish identity that it is often used to describe the national ethos of consensus and social balance. It represents a cultural preference for avoiding conflict and extreme excess in public life.
Examples in context
- Hon äter alltid måttfulltShe always eats in moderation
- Ja, det är lagomYes, it's just right
- Det är lagom varmt i rummet.It is just the right temperature in the room.
- Jag vill ha lagom mycket socker i kaffet.I want a moderate amount of sugar in my coffee.
Example conversation
Maja and Oscar are deciding how much milk to put in the tea.
- MajaHur mycket mjölk vill du ha?How much milk do you want?
- OscarBara lagom, tack.Just the right amount, thanks.
- MajaÄr det lagom nu?Is it just right now?
- OscarJa, det är perfekt.Yes, it is perfect.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lagom, CC BY-SA 4.0.
