Fika
Coffee break
Phrase in 30 Seconds
Fika is Sweden's essential social ritual involving coffee, treats, and meaningful connection with others.
- Means: A social break with coffee and snacks.
- Used in: Workplaces, dates, and meeting friends.
- Don't confuse: With just 'drinking coffee' alone.
Explanation at your level:
意思
A social break with coffee and snacks.
文化背景
The 'Sju sorters kakor' (Seven types of cookies) tradition dates back to the 19th century. A good host was expected to serve exactly seven types of homemade cookies—no more, no less. Many Swedish companies have a 'fika-policy' where the company provides free fruit and coffee, and sometimes 'fredagsfika' (Friday treats) to build team spirit. The 'last piece' rule: Swedes are notoriously polite. If one piece of cake remains, it will be cut in half repeatedly until it is a microscopic crumb, because no one wants to be 'greedy'. Fika changes with the calendar. In February, everyone eats 'Semla' (a cream-filled bun). In December, it's 'Lussekatter' (saffron buns).
Don't skip it!
If you are new at a Swedish office, always join the fika. It is where the real decisions and social bonding happen.
The 'Påtår' Rule
In most Swedish cafés, 'påtår ingår' (a refill is included). Check the sign!
意思
A social break with coffee and snacks.
Don't skip it!
If you are new at a Swedish office, always join the fika. It is where the real decisions and social bonding happen.
The 'Påtår' Rule
In most Swedish cafés, 'påtår ingår' (a refill is included). Check the sign!
Not just coffee
You can fika with tea, juice, or even just a bun. Don't feel pressured to drink coffee if you don't like it.
自我测试
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'fika'.
Vi ___ varje dag klockan tre.
The present tense of 'fika' is 'fikar'.
Which of these is a common 'fikabröd'?
Vad äter man till fika?
Kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) is the most iconic fika treat.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to invite a colleague for a break.
'Ska vi fika?' is the standard invitation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ska vi fika? B: Ja, jag är jätte-___!
'Fikasugen' means you are craving a fika.
🎉 得分: /4
视觉学习工具
常见问题
4 个问题Yes, you can 'fika själv', but the heart of the concept is social. Doing it alone is more of a 'paus'.
No, you can have 'förmiddagsfika' (morning fika) as well!
The 'kanelbulle' (cinnamon bun) is the undisputed king of fika.
Yes, it is highly encouraged in Sweden's flat hierarchy.
相关表达
fikabröd
specialized formSweet treats for fika
fikasugen
builds onCraving a fika
kaffepaus
synonymCoffee break
mellanmål
similarSnack between meals
påtår
builds onA second cup of coffee
在哪里用
At the Office
Anders: Är det dags för fika snart?
Beata: Ja, vi går till fikarummet nu!
First Date
Lars: Vill du fika med mig på tisdag?
Sara: Gärna! Jag vet ett bra café.
Visiting Grandma
Mormor: Kom in! Jag har bakat till fikan.
Barnbarn: Åh, vad gott det doftar!
Meeting a Friend
Erik: Ska vi fika på stan?
Olle: Ja, jag är jätte-fikasugen!
Study Break
Student 1: Jag orkar inte plugga mer.
Student 2: Nej, låt oss ta en snabb fika.
After a Hike
Henrik: Har vi fika i ryggsäcken?
Malin: Ja, kaffe och kanelbullar!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Fika is for Friends, Frosting, and Fun.
Visual Association
Imagine a giant cinnamon bun (kanelbulle) sitting on a coffee cup like a lid. The steam from the coffee warms the bun, and you are sitting on a wooden bench with a friend, laughing.
Rhyme
Ta en fika, bli min lika (Take a fika, be my equal).
Story
You are walking through a snowy Stockholm street. You feel cold and lonely. Suddenly, you see a warm glow from a window. Inside, people are sitting with steaming mugs and plates of cookies. You walk in, say 'Ska vi fika?', and instantly you have a new friend and a warm belly.
Word Web
挑战
Go to a café (or your kitchen) and invite one person to 'fika' with you. You must stay for at least 20 minutes and not look at your phone.
In Other Languages
La merienda
Fika is more focused on the coffee and the social break than the food itself.
Le goûter
Fika is a universal adult activity; le goûter is primarily for kids.
Kaffee und Kuchen
Fika is a daily habit; Kaffee und Kuchen is often a more formal weekend event.
おやつ (Oyatsu)
Fika is a social obligation/ritual; Oyatsu is more about the snack.
استراحة قهوة (Istirahat qahwa)
Arabic coffee culture is about hospitality; fika is about the scheduled break.
下午茶 (Xiàwǔ chá)
Fika is egalitarian and simple; afternoon tea can be quite fancy.
간식 시간 (Gansik sigan)
Fika is a cultural concept; Korean cafe culture is more of a lifestyle/trend.
Cafezinho
Cafezinho is usually just the coffee; fika almost always includes a snack.
Easily Confused
Both involve eating between meals.
Fika is social and usually sweet; mellanmål is often healthy (like yogurt) and can be eaten alone.
Both involve coffee and snacks.
Kafferep is old-fashioned and formal; fika is modern and casual.
常见问题 (4)
Yes, you can 'fika själv', but the heart of the concept is social. Doing it alone is more of a 'paus'.
No, you can have 'förmiddagsfika' (morning fika) as well!
The 'kanelbulle' (cinnamon bun) is the undisputed king of fika.
Yes, it is highly encouraged in Sweden's flat hierarchy.