Words that can't be translated into English

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 dont 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
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree app can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Examples of untranslatable words

1. Wabi-sabi ()

?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. G?kotta

Language: Swedish?

Origin: From "g?k" (cuckoo) and "otta" (early morning)?

Meaning: G?kotta 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 (ľ©)

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 (̦Ŧ?ʦ)

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. ԥ` (Konpyta)

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. ڥѥ (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. ` (Aisukurmu)

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. ٩`` (Erebt)

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.

More blogs from app

  • Expressing love around the world: Interesting facts and how to say "I love you" in different languages

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Love is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures and languages. For those learning another language, understanding how to express love in various tongues can be both fascinating and useful. Whether you're planning to travel, connect with friends from different backgrounds, or simply expand your linguistic repertoire, knowing how to say "I love you" in different languages as well as the cultural context, can be a beautiful way to show appreciation and affection. Let's take a look at some of the many ways to express this timeless sentiment and some interesting facts.

    1. Cultural nuances:

    In many cultures, the way you express love can carry different weights and meanings. For example, in Japanese, "ۤƤ" (aishiteru) is a very strong expression of love, often reserved for serious relationships, whereas "ä" (daisuki) is more commonly used among friends and family.
    However, French, often called the language of love, uses "je t'aime" to express love as a romantic phrase that can be used for both partners and close family members.

    2. Gender differences:

    Some languages have gender-specific ways of saying "I love you." For instance, in Arabic, "????" (a?ibbuka) is used when a woman says "I love you" to a man, and "????" (a?ibbuki) is used when a man says it to a woman. Similarly, in Hindi, men say "??? ????? ????? ???? ???" (main tumse pyaar karta hoon) and women say "??? ????? ????? ???? ???" (main tumse pyaar karti hoon).

    3. Formal vs. informal:

    Some languages have formal and informal ways of expressing love. In Spanish, "te amo" is more formal and used for romantic love, while "te quiero" is more casual and can be used for friends and family.
    ?

  • Understand your English level

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Learning English as a second language is a journey that can be fun and tough. A key part of this journey is knowing your current skill level. The Global Scale of English (GSE) helps learners check their skills. The GSE is a scale from 10 to 90 that measures English ability. It gives clear information about what learners can do at each level. In this blog, well look at how to find out your English level using GSE scores, levels, and "I can..." statements.

    Why understanding your English level matters

    You may wonder, Why is it important for me to know my language level? If you start studying without knowing your skill level, you might feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or find learning too easy and be put off or not make any learning progress.
    Knowing your English level helps you in many ways, such as to:

    1. Set realistic goals: Tailor your learning objectives to your current abilities.
    2. Choose appropriate materials: Select books, courses, and resources that match your proficiency.
    3. Track progress: Measure improvement over time and stay motivated.

    GSE levels and what they mean

    The GSE levels range from Starter to Expert, each with specific "I can..." statements that describe what you should be able to do at that level. Heres a breakdown of each level, along with some practical examples:

  • English is the language of AI - why teaching it matters

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    In the rapidly evolving age of artificial intelligence (AI), language plays a critical role in shaping the future of technology. English, in particular, has emerged as the dominant language in the AI domain, driving innovations, collaboration and accessibility. As we delve deeper into the digital age, the importance of teaching English becomes increasingly evident. Here are some key points that underscore why English is essential in the realm of AI and why its teaching matters.

    Global collaboration and research

    AI is a field that thrives on collaboration and the sharing of knowledge. Researchers, developers and engineers worldwide contribute to the collective advancement of AI technologies. English is the common linguistic thread that binds this global community together, enabling seamless communication and collaboration among these diverse professionals.

    By teaching English, we empower individuals from various linguistic backgrounds to participate in global research projects, attend international conferences and publish their findings in widely accessible journals. This global exchange of ideas not only accelerates the pace of AI innovation but ensures that advancements are inclusive and representative of a wide array of perspectives.

    Access to educational resources and technical documentation

    Many AI research papers, educational materials, textbooks, online courses and technical documents are published in English. Leading AI platforms, libraries and frameworks, offer extensive documentation and support primarily in English.

    By equipping individuals with English language skills, we empower them to access these invaluable resources. This democratizes the learning process, allowing aspiring AI practitioners from non-English-speaking regions to acquire the knowledge and tools needed to contribute effectively to the field.

    Enhancing communication and language learning with AI systems

    As AI systems become more integrated into our daily lives, the ability to communicate effectively with these systems is paramount. Many AI-driven applications, from virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to customer service chatbots, operate predominantly in English. Teaching English ensures that users can interact seamlessly with these technologies, maximizing their utility and enhancing user experience.

    Moreover, as continues to advance, proficiency in English allows individuals to better understand and contribute to the development of more sophisticated and intuitive AI communication interfaces.
    ?