Words that can't be translated into English

Charlotte Guest
A man sat in a living room with books and plants in the background, he is reading a book
Reading time: 4 minutes

While English is a rich language, there are some words from other languages that don’t have a direct translation. These words often describe special feelings, situations, or ideas that are deeply connected to their cultures. For example, just as some languages have specific words for different types of weather, other languages have unique words for particular moments or emotions that are hard to explain in English. Here are some interesting examples of untranslatable words that show us the different ways people see the world.

Words that can't be translated directly into English
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Examples of untranslatable words

1. Wabi-sabi (侘寂)

 Language: Japanese 

 Origin: Zen Buddhist philosophy 

Meaning: Wabi-sabi is a way of seeing beauty in things that are imperfect and temporary. It appreciates the natural cycle of growth and decay. For example, a weathered wooden bench or a chipped ceramic bowl are beautiful because they show signs of age and use.

2. Saudade

Language: Portuguese 

Origin: From Latin "solitas" meaning solitude 

Meaning: Saudade is a deep feeling of missing someone or something you love but that is not present. It is a mix of sadness and happiness, often brought on by memories.

3. Schadenfreude

Language: German 

Origin: From "Schaden" (damage/harm) and "Freude" (joy) 

Meaning: Schadenfreude is the feeling of pleasure or satisfaction when you see someone else experience trouble or suffering. It is a complex emotion that shows the mix of empathy and rivalry.

4. Hygge

Language: Danish 

Origin: From Old Norse "hugga" meaning to comfort or console 

Meaning: Hygge is a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being from enjoying simple things in life. It is often associated with candlelit evenings, warm blankets, and spending time with loved ones.

5. Mamihlapinatapai

Language: Yaghan (Indigenous language of Tierra del Fuego) 

Origin: Yaghan people 

Meaning: This word describes the look shared by two people who both want to start something but are both too shy or hesitant to do so. It is a moment of mutual understanding and hesitation.

6. Toska

Language: Russian 

Origin: From Old Russian 

Meaning: Toska is a word that describes a deep, spiritual sadness or longing. It can range from a vague restlessness to an intense, existential yearning. It is a complex emotion that can include nostalgia and a sense of the ineffable.

7. Sobremesa

Language: Spanish 

Origin: From "sobre" (over) and "mesa" (table) 

Meaning: Sobremesa is the time spent relaxing and talking after a meal, enjoying the company of others. It is a cherished tradition in many Spanish-speaking countries.

8. Gökotta

Language: Swedish 

Origin: From "gök" (cuckoo) and "otta" (early morning) 

Meaning: Gökotta is the act of waking up early in the morning to go outside and listen to the first birds singing. It is a celebration of nature and the peace of early morning.

9. Komorebi (木漏れ日)

Language: Japanese 

Origin: From "ko" (tree), "moreru" (to leak through), and "bi" (light) 

Meaning: Komorebi describes the sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees, creating a beautiful play of light and shadow. It captures a peaceful and almost magical moment in nature.

10. Meraki (μεράκι)

Language: Greek

Origin: From Turkish "merak" (labor of love) 

Meaning: Meraki is the soul, creativity, or love you put into something; the essence of yourself that you put into your work. It is often used to describe the passion and dedication you pour into a task.

Borrowing words from English

Interestingly, just as English speakers sometimes struggle to find the right word for certain feelings or situations, speakers of other languages also face similar challenges. When a language lacks a specific word for a new concept or item, it often borrows from another language. English, being a dominant global language, is frequently the source of these borrowed words.

For example, Japanese has adopted many English words. Here are a few examples:

1. コンピュータ (Konpyūta)

Origin: English "computer" 

Meaning: This word is used in Japanese to refer to a computer. While Japanese has its own words for many things, the rapid advancement of technology brought with it new concepts that didn't have existing Japanese terms.

2. ペパロニ (Peparoni)

Origin: English "pepperoni" 

Meaning: This word is used in Japanese to mean pepperoni, a type of spicy salami often used as a pizza topping. The concept of pepperoni was introduced from Western cuisine and the English term was adapted to fit the Japanese phonetic system.

3. アイスクリーム (Aisukurīmu)

Origin: English "ice cream" 

Meaning: This word is used in Japanese to refer to ice cream. The concept of ice cream was introduced to Japan and the English term was adapted to fit the Japanese phonetic system.

4. エレベーター (Erebētā)

Origin: English "elevator" 

Meaning: This word is used in Japanese to refer to an elevator. As modern buildings with elevators became more common in Japan, the English term was borrowed.

These borrowed words are often adapted to fit the phonetic and grammatical systems of the borrowing language. This process of borrowing and adapting words shows how languages evolve and influence each other, enriching their vocabularies and enabling speakers to communicate new ideas.

These words show us that language is not just a way to communicate but also a reflection of the unique ways different cultures understand and interact with the world. While they may not have direct translations in English, their meanings resonate with universal human emotions and experiences. So next time you experience a moment that feels hard to describe, remember that somewhere in the world, there might be a perfect word for it.

Explore our blog posts 'Translating sayings into English – with some funny results' and 'English tongue twisters to test your English skills'.

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