Untranslatable words are like the unicorns of the linguistic world—they're almost magical, elusive, and downright fascinating. Imagine trying to tag a butterfly; that’s what explaining these words feels like. As we journey through 2024, a year bursting with new adventures, we’ve handpicked 14 premium-language gems that capture sentiments and situations so perfectly, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. Trust me, once you're in on the secrets of these words, your everyday language will never feel the same again.
Have you ever experienced that awkward, slightly creepy feeling of someone staring at you for just a bit too long? There’s a word for that exact discomfort in Japanese. Or how about that amazing feeling when you finish a satisfying meal and lean back, utterly content? Yup, there’s a word for that too, thanks to the Turkish language! Buckle up and join us for a roller-coaster dive into the most exotic untranslatablelinguistic treasures that make even multilingual folks pause and ponder.
In the “Japanese Concepts that Defy Translation” section, you’ll discover why sometimes English just doesn't cut it. Trust me, these words are so spot-on that you'll be tempted to start using them in your English conversations, no matter how outlandish it may sound to others.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the infamous Schadenfreude, that peculiar German term for taking pleasure in others' misfortune. Perfect for those guilty pleasures that we wouldn’t dare admit to, right? Don’t worry, we’ll cover this delicious word in the “German Words that Capture Human Experience” section.
I’ve had personal run-ins with many of these words during my travel escapades. Back in my student days, I spent a semester in France, where I was introduced to “La douleur exquise.” No, it’s not a fancy dish, but it beautifully describes the heartache of wanting someone you can't have. Talk about specific! This, among other fascinating phrases, will be unraveled under the chapter—“Romantic Words from Romance Languages”.
And let’s not forget those quirky words from Nordic countries. Like the Norwegian kveldsmat, a light evening meal that’s more like a comforting hug in food form. This and other northward linguistic oddities are tucked away in the “Northern European Gems” section.
So hit the brakes on your linguistic mundanity and get ready for a delightful detour into the land of untranslatable terms. Whether you’re a word nerd or just someone who loves sprinkling your speech with exotic flair, this ride promises to be as informative as it is entertaining.
Quiz: Uncover Your Word-Wizard Personality
1/5
Which untranslatable word captures your sense of wanderlust?
Quiz Complete!
Get notified about new quizzes like this.
1. Cafuné
Cafuné is Brazilian Portuguese. It’s described as “The act of tenderly running one’s fingers through someone’s hair.” How cool is that? Cafuné is one of the untranslatable words that would be used very frequently if there was a word for it in English.
2. Ayurnamat
Ayurnamat is Inuit and it’s a word describing the philosophy that there is no reason to worry about the things that can’t be changed. Since I use Hakuna Matata absolutely too much, I can switch it up a little and start saying Ayuramat instead!
Frequently asked questions
3. Jayus
Jayus is Indonesian and it refers to a joke so poorly told and so unfunny that one cannot help but to laugh. I love this word! Here’s an example of a Jayus: Why do seagulls fly over seas? Because if they flew over bays they would be called bagels! Ha! It’s not really funny now because it’s a bad joke, but I bet it will be when you tell your friends! It gets funnier every time!
4. Dépaysement
Dépaysement is French for the feeling that comes from not being in one’s home country. So instead of homesick, it’s home countrysick! I think the translators could’ve managed to translate that one!
5. Donaldkacsázás
Donaldkacsázás is Hungarian and it literally means “Donald Duck-ing,” aka wearing a shirt but no pants nor underpants at home. It’s hilarious that the Hungarians actually came up with that and made it an official word! Do you Donaldkacsázás?
6. Saudade
Saudade is a Portuguese word that describes the feeling of longing for something or someone whom you love and which is lost. I’m not sure how to pronounce it, but I’m sure it sounds absolutely romantic.
7. Hyggelig
Hyggelig is a Danish word that describes a feeling of openness, warmth and friendship often between friends. I love that feeling. I wish it were a word in English. It’s so hard to describe emotions, and Hyggelig is a perfect word describing those warm and comfortable feelings you get among friends.
8. Mamihlapinatapei
Mamihlapinatapei is Yagan, an indigenous language of Tierra del Fuego. It means the wordless, yet meaningful look shared by two people who both desire to initiate something but are both reluctant to start. I’m sure you know that look! I know I do!
9. Tartle
Tartle is Scottish! It’s the act of hesitating while introducing someone because you’ve forgotten his or her name. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve Tartled! I always try to play it off by asking the other person how to pronounce their name, and when they tell me I say, “Oh! I knew that!”
10. Yoisho
Yoisho is a Japanese word that has no exact meaning. It’s what the Japanese say when they flop onto their seat after a long day. It’s the equivalent of a long exhale or a loud grunt. I actually say “Sheesh,” so in my book Yoisho is translated!
11. Mokita
Mokita is a New Guinean word describing the truth everyone knows but nobody says. I think it’s similar to the English phrase “there’s an elephant in the room.”
12. Gheegle
Gheegle is a Filipino word that refers to something that is so ridiculously cute that you want to squeeze it! I would use this word when describing cute kitties, puppies, and children! It’s a funny word that I think the English language should adopt. It’s much shorter than “He’s so fluffy I’m gonna die!”
13. Age-otori
Age-otori is Japanese and it means to look worse after a haircut. I wonder how many people use this word to the person’s face!
14. Pochemuchka
Finally there’s Pochemuchka! It’s a Russian word that means "a person who asks too many questions." I know a few Pochemuchkas I wish would mind their own business sometimes! Is there an untranslatable word for that?!
It’s always fun to learn about other cultures, geographic locations, and languages! What’s your favorite untranslatable word? What are some emotions or situations you’d like to have a word for in the English language?
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge
Comments
Jean:On aurait pu aussi intégrer le mot ubuntu, qui signifie à peu près en swahili "je suis parce que tu es", mon identité est consubstancielle à la tienne, ou bien encore nous sommes un.
Diane:#7 is my fav! I'm Portuguese and I can tell you that it sounds very romantic!!!
Liam:Such a cool article!!
Akuec:#3 is just called flashing people in Kenya. ( it's used mostly when you don't have enough credit to actually call)
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge