gezellig
cozy, convivial, sociable, pleasant togetherness
Pronunciation
/ɣəˈzɛ.ləx/
Cultural Note
Gezellig is arguably the most iconic and untranslatable Dutch word. It encompasses coziness, togetherness, warmth, and a feeling of belonging. A candlelit dinner, a lively pub with friends, or a quiet evening at home can all be 'gezellig.' The noun form 'gezelligheid' is considered a core Dutch value and is central to social life in the Netherlands.
📝 Example Sentences
Wat een gezellige avond was dat!
What a cozy/pleasant evening that was!
Kom binnen, het is hier lekker gezellig.
Come in, it's nice and cozy here.
We hadden het heel gezellig samen.
We had a really nice time together.
📊 Adjective Forms
| Gender | Form |
|---|---|
| base | gezellig |
| inflected | gezellige |
| comparative | gezelliger |
| superlative | gezelligst |