Gezellig
Gezellig is the warm, easy pleasantness of good company — used of a room, an evening, or a person.
Full definition of Gezellig →:: COMPARE ::
GezelligvsHygge
The short answer
Not synonyms. Hygge is weighted toward atmosphere and sensory comfort; gezellig is weighted toward company, and can be applied to a person, which hygge doesn't do the same way. A loud crowded bar can be gezellig — that's a poor fit for hygge.
Side by side
| Aspect | Gezellig | Hygge |
|---|---|---|
| Weighted toward | Company | Atmosphere |
| Describes a person | Yes | Not really |
| Loud bar qualifies | Can do | No |
| Dutch for the cosy sense | knus | — |
What each one means
Hygge
Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of cosy, contented togetherness — the everyday warmth, comfort and easy conviviality of feeling safe, unhurried and at home with the people you're with.
Full definition of Hygge →