Many languages are not able to perfectly capture the exact meaning of a word in another language. This means many ideas become “lost in translation.” These words are often considered “untranslatable.” Linguists have spent decades deconstructing and studying these words, trying to discover why.
Welsh
Hiraeth is a Welsh word that refers to homesickness mixed with sadness for the lost or departed. It implies a longing for the homeland or the romanticized past.
Serbian
The Serbian word merak is a wonderful little word. It refers to the feeling of bliss and sense of oneness with the universe that comes from simple pleasures.
- As one of the world’s most spoken languages and the second most spoken language in the United States, there’s never been a better time to learn Spanish.
Dutch
Gezelligheid refers to a convivial, cozy, or warm atmosphere
Yaghan
Mamihlapinatapai is the word for “meaningful look” shared by two people who both want to initiate something, but are both reluctant to
French
The verb flâner was defined in the 19th century. It refers to strolling the streets of Paris in a leisurely way.
Japanese
Komorebi is a Japanese word that refers to the sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees. The word consists of three kanji and the hiragana particle れ.
Swedish
This beautiful word describes the reflection of the moon on water. It refers to the wavy, road-like shape that appears across the water when the moon is shining on it.
Tagalog
Kilig is the feeling of butterflies you get in your stomach when something romantic happens.
Chinese
The Chinese word ré nao is usually translated as “lively” or “bustling”, but its true meaning goes beyond these adjectives.
Utepils
Literally translates to “outdoor lager.” It is common within Scandinavian culture and used among beer drinkers worldwide.
Arabic
Ya’aburnee literally means “you bury me”.
Danish
“Denmark” refers to a delightfully cozy, intimate moment or thing
Russian
The Russian word toska can be roughly translated to mean sadness or mournfulness
Hebrew Firgun
Firgun is a modern, informal Hebrew term used in Israeli culture. It refers to the feeling of joy that something good has happened, or might happen, to someone else.
- It also describes genuine, unselfish delight or pride in someone else’s accomplishment.
Portuguese Saudade
This is the feeling of longing for something or someone you love which is gone. It is a bittersweet, empty feeling that carries the knowledge that the object of longing may never return.
