The Swedish Concept of Mys
Mys is a cherished Swedish lifestyle concept that captures the art of coziness and contentment. At its heart, mys embodies slowing down, delighting in the small things that make life feel special, and finding contentment in the simple, cozy moments of life. More than just a word, it’s a way of life woven into Swedish culture. It celebrates creating a comfortable atmosphere with the simple joys of everyday moments. Glowing candles, sharing a pastry and coffee with a friend, soft blankets, and the unhurried pleasure of being fully present are all examples of mys.
The verb mysa means “to get cozy” or “to enjoy a cozy moment or atmosphere,” while the adjective mysig describes anything that embodies comfort. Whether it’s gathering with friends on a snowy evening or curling up with a good book, mys is less about what you’re doing and more about how it feels: lovely, content, and wonderfully cozy.
For example, fredagsmys (literally “cozy Friday”) is a Swedish tradition that kicks off the weekend with comfort and togetherness. Instead of going out, many Swedes spend Friday evenings at home, winding down from the workweek with loved ones and good food (often tacos, believe it or not). It’s not about extravagance, it’s about creating a cozy atmosphere and enjoying simple pleasures as the weekend begins. For many Swedes, fredagsmys is as much a cultural ritual as Sunday dinners are in other places.
Other Examples:
“Det är så mysigt här.”
“It’s so cozy here.”“Ha en mysig kväll.”
“Have a cozy evening.”
(A common send-off, like wishing someone a lovely night.)“Mysfaktor.”
“Cozy factor.”“Jag längtar efter att mysa med dig ikväll.”
“I’m looking forward to getting cozy with you tonight.”“En mysig stund.”
“A cozy moment.”
It’s a lovely way to describe a small, comfortable, and heartwarming moment, like reading by candlelight, sharing a cup of tea, or cuddling.
Mys — the small, golden pauses in life where everything feels cozy.