Globally, IKEA is well-known as THE store to go to for stylish, affordable furniture.
But despite its popularity, people everywhere are still saying its name all wrong.
English speakers tend to pronounce the company name as “AYE-kee-yah”, while the Japanese seem to prefer the term “Ik-kyah”. If a Swedish person were to hear us pronouncing IKEA the way we do, they’d probably be slightly confused as first.
Here’s why: Founded by Swedish founder Ingvar Kamprad, the name as pronounced by the Swedes, is as follows: “Eee-KEH-yah”.
Given how we rarely do the IKEA name justice, can you imagine all the endless ways we’re probably butchering the names of the products it sells?
Let us count the top 9 ways….and how to get them right:
1. EKET
“Eh-cat”? “Ee-get”?
The correct way to pronounce the EKET series at IKEA, which is their storage series, is “Hee-yeah-cat”, said quickly.
If saying this makes you sound like a cowboy teaching your kitty how to do cool tricks, so be it (makes it easier to remember too).
2. HEMNES
It may be tempting to think otherwise, but the ‘n’ in HEMNES is not meant to be heard…at all.
This is how it’s said: “Hems” with a silent ‘n’.
You’re welcome.
3. FRIHETEN
Contrary to popular opinion, “Fry-he-ten” is not how you pronounce the name of this sofa series from IKEA.
What it should be, is “Free-heh-thun”. with the last syllable pronounced the way you would say the last syllable in the name Jonathan.
4. HASSELBY
This should be an easy name to say, right?
After all, its spelling makes it pretty obvious that “hassle-bye” is how you say it.
But as our non-Swedish luck would have it, “Hassle-bee” is what it should actually sound like.
Not as hassle-free as one would imagine, this one.
5. KIVIK
Surely this should be pronounced “Kee-week”?
No such luck. The Swedes actually say “snee-week”.
The more you know!
6. POANG
It may look like someone accidentally added an A to “pong”, but we assure that the spelling of this name was no accident.
So how do you say it then?
It is actually made of two syllables, and Poang is pronounced “Poe-ang”, with “ang” as in anger. Try as we might, we can’t find a legit reason to get angry at our favourite wooden armchair, though.
Fun fact: The Poang line of wooden armchairs from IKEA have been in production since 1978 and about 1.5 million chairs are sold annually. In fact, you can get yourself one here.
7. YPPERLIG
Wait, what now?
And just in case you were wondering, no, this is not a two-syllable word with a silent Y.
Instead, how you say it is this: “Yee-per-lig”.
YPPERLIG is a collaboration between IKEA and Danish company HAY, which creates furniture using sophisticated industrial manufacturing. How you say the name may be confusing, but we would say “yes” to having a YPPERLIG (or several) in our homes any time.
8. MALM
The most common way people would say this is to pronounce it as though the name Malcolm was missing the “col” bit, like “Mal-mm.”
But surprise, surprise: It’s actually a three-syllable word that one would say as “Ma-lee-mer”
Just like you, we’re still scratching our heads over how this one has 4 alphabets but 3 syllables, too.
9. LACK
There is nothing lacking in the way you would normally pronounce the word LACK. At IKEA, however, you’d be falling short plenty.
Why? Because LACK is actually pronounced “Lark-ke”, with a soft emphasis on “ke”.
We’re sure there are plenty of other names at IKEA that we’re getting wrong, but hey, a rose by any other name still smells just as sweet.
Love IKEA just as much as we do? Get our top tips on how to decorate your home without breaking the bank with a FREE copy of our Timeless Living: How To Design A Classy IKEA-Inspired Home ebook:
27 Comments
by Joanne
This was fun to read & good to know, since I have or have had 5 of the 10 items in my home & didn’t pronounce any of them properly! =D I had Ikea’s Godmorgon sink in our bathroom for a few years before I found out Godmorgon actually means “good morning” in Swedish!
by Ning Lim
Godmorgon to you, Joanne! 🙂
by Peg Donovan
Hi! How do you know these are the right pronunciations? Plugging some of the words into a Swedish translator gives me different results?
by Naomi
Hey Peg,
Gosh yes; that really was the case for us too! It took a multitude of research and tracking/tracing back to find out the right pronunciations for each name. We even asked some native speakers at the time and we were super lucky to have had help. This definitely took us a while to compile and we hope it helps anyone looking for it. 🙂
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horizontal balancing machines
Horizontal Balancing Machines: A Humorous Dive into DIY Dynamics
Welcome to the whimsical world of horizontal balancing machines! Are you ready to embark on a delightful journey to understand how these fascinating devices work? Well, grab your toolbox and let’s get this party started! If you’re someone who’s ever dreamt of building your own balancing machine, you’re in for a treat. This guide covers everything you need to know about DIY horizontal balancing machines with a generous sprinkle of humor.
What Are Horizontal Balancing Machines?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s answer the burning question: what on earth are horizontal balancing machines? Well, in the most straightforward terms, they are devices designed to fix the pesky problem of unbalanced rotors. If you’ve ever seen a fan wobbling ominously on your ceiling, you know just how crucial it is to keep things balanced! Horizontal balancing machines come equipped with a royal ensemble of measuring and computing systems to help determine the mass and placement of corrective weights needed to keep our rotors happy and healthy.
Why Build Your Own Horizontal Balancing Machine?
Why might one want to don the DIY cap? For starters, building your own machine can save you a boatload of cash! Traditional balancing machines can break the bank faster than a leaky wallet at a carnival game. Along with that, you gain the bragging rights that come with the badge of a true DIY fanatic! But remember, while common sense and some online research can guide your efforts, making your own machine is a bit of a balancing act itself. You’ll need to embrace the spirit of exploration and perhaps the chance of a few amusing misadventures.
Types of Horizontal Balancing Machines: With a Dash of Wit!
There are two main types of horizontal balancing machines that we’re interested in: soft bearing and hard bearing machines. Let’s break them down!
Soft Bearing Machines
Soft bearing machines are like the gentle giants of the balancing world. They feature flexible supports—think of them like the yoga instructors of machines, effortlessly bending and stretching to accommodate varying vibrations. These machines typically use spring suspensions that allow them to maintain low natural frequencies. This is essential for balancing because we want those rotors to dance without making too much ruckus.
These machines are often cobbled together by DIY enthusiasts who thrive on building high-quality machines at a low cost. You might find yourself replicating designs like the DB-50 model or other variations that perform admirably across numerous applications. Who doesn’t want a machine that can balance everything from turbochargers to drive shafts?
Hard Bearing Machines
On the other hand, we have hard bearing machines, the serious contenders that demand your utmost attention. These devices boast rigid plates with intricate designs that are as complex as an origami crane. Designed to withstand more stress, hard bearing machines allow for precision balancing at various rotational frequencies, including those low and slow numbers. Don’t be fooled by their austere appearance; they deliver high-quality results, proving that simplicity and effectiveness can go hand-in-hand!
Picking Your Balancing Components
No balancing machine is complete without its components. Here’s where things get spicy! You’ll need to decide on a variety of parts: bearings, drives, and measuring systems. The selection of vibration sensors can be a delightful decision to make! Remember, the right sensor will ensure that you can track the oscillations of your rotor as it rotates. It’s a lot like selecting the right dance partner—one that won’t throw you off-kilter when the music starts!
Assembling Your Horizontal Balancing machine
Once you’ve gathered your parts and decided on a type of machine, it’s assembly time! This is where the real fun begins. Put on your favorite apron—err, I mean, safety gear—and prepare for some hands-on action. You’ll need to meticulously follow the designs you’ve chosen or the blueprints you’ve come across in your quest for knowledge. Remember, precision is key! You wouldn’t want your DIY project to become a DIY “oopsie” project, would you?
Testing and Calibration: The Moment of Truth!
Congratulations! You’ve built your very own horizontal balancing machine. Now it’s time for the exhilarating process of testing and calibration. This part may feel like walking a tightrope, but it’s essential for ensuring that everything works harmoniously. Be ready to tweak and adjust as needed. After all, even the finest jugglers didn’t master the art overnight!
The Joys of DIY: Community and Sharing
Once you’ve successfully balanced your first rotor—or have some hilarious disaster stories to tell—don’t keep that knowledge to yourself! Share it with fellow DIY enthusiasts! Join forums, engage on social media, or start a blog. The more you engage, the more you will find yourself surrounded by a supportive community. And no one likes the notion of balancing on their own, right?
Conclusion: Keep the Balance Alive!
In conclusion, horizontal balancing machines may seem like a complicated affair, but embarking on this DIY journey can be incredibly rewarding and, dare we say, fun! From soft to hard bearing machines, the key lies in understanding what you need and how to assemble it. With this humorous guide in your pocket, you’re ready to tackle those quirks of rotor imbalance like a pro! So gather your tools, unleash your creativity, and keep that balance alive!
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