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.
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?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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 C with some funny results' and 'English tongue twisters to test your English skills'.
In the fast-paced world of business, there is one undeniable fact that holds true: employees are the key to success. Their commitment and expertise propel organizations towards their objectives, which is why investing in a learning culture is essential. The advantages are numerous and include improved staff retention, increased productivity and the goal of higher employee engagement.
Language is not only a tool for communication but also a means to explore and comprehend diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Europe, with its vast array of languages, is a prime example of this linguistic diversity. Each year on September 26th, Europe observes the European Day of Languages, which is a day solely dedicated to celebrating and embracing this linguistic richness.
Europe is a magnificent tapestry of languages, with over 200 spoken throughout the continent. This diversity is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of each nation and reminds us of the intricate historical, social, and linguistic elements that mold our identities. The European Day of Languages inspires people to cherish and honor this linguistic heritage.
September 26th marks an important date for celebrating linguistic diversity and promoting multilingualism. This day commemorates the adoption of the "European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages" by the Council of Europe in 1992, a crucial document that recognizes and safeguards the linguistic rights of minority languages spoken within European countries. By celebrating the European Day of Languages on this date, it renews our commitment to supporting the rich diversity of languages and cultures that make our world a more vibrant and fascinating place.
The European Day of Languages offers language learners a chance to participate in language exchanges, which is an exciting opportunity. During such exchanges, learners from diverse backgrounds partner up and teach each other their native languages. This not only helps improve language skills but also promotes intercultural understanding.
Various European cities offer language workshops led by enthusiasts and experts, providing an introduction to different languages.
Storytelling is an incredibly effective tool for learning languages. Libraries, schools, and cultural centers hold multilingual storytelling sessions, where stories from different cultures are shared in their original languages. This helps both children and adults to better understand and appreciate the beauty of linguistic diversity.
Cinema provides a wonderful opportunity to explore different languages and cultures. Throughout Europe, foreign films are often shown with subtitles, enabling viewers to fully immerse themselves in new linguistic worlds.
Museums often showcase exhibitions highlighting the linguistic and cultural heritage of various regions, providing insight into the history and traditions of different languages.
Cafs and restaurants might offer special menus featuring diverse cuisines and multilingual staff C a delightfully tasty way to explore languages and cultures.
Language-based games and competitions, such as crossword puzzles and spelling bees, are organized in schools and communities to provide a fun and educational way to celebrate language.
If you are a teacher hoping to celebrate this occasion make sure to on what to do.
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Just like the European day of Languages, we at app Languages are fully committed to empowering and celebrating language learners and educators alike. That's why we are now supporting French, Italian, and Spanish language learning with the Global Scale of Languages (GSL). With these new language learning frameworks at your fingertips, you can confidently design curriculums and personalize learning pathways to help fast-track your learners progress and help your learners be themselves in French, Italian and Spanish.
Whether you're a teacher, a language learner, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of languages, the European Day of Languages and the GSL provide exciting opportunities to explore, learn, and enjoy the rich tapestry of Europe's linguistic heritage.
