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.

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

More blogs from app

  • A group of teenagers reading together in a library smiling

    Ideas using festive literature in your English language classes

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    The holiday season is a magical time to bring festive cheer and rich cultural traditions into your English language classroom. Classic holiday stories and poems not only capture the spirit of the season but also provide excellent opportunities for language learning. In this blog post, we'll suggest some timeless holiday literature and explore how they can be effectively used in the classroom to enhance your students' language skills and allow you to make the most of these festive texts.

    Classic holiday stories and poems

    A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

    This novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Through these supernatural visits, Scrooge learns the importance of kindness, generosity and the true holiday spirit.

    How to use in the classroom:

    • Reading comprehension: Assign chapters to read in class or as homework. Discuss key events and character developments.
    • Vocabulary building: Highlight and define challenging vocabulary words. Create flashcards or vocabulary quizzes.
    • Role-playing: Have students act out scenes to practice speaking and improve their understanding of the dialogue.
    • Creative writing: Ask students to write a diary entry from the perspective of Scrooge at different points in the story.

    Discussion questions:

    - What are the main reasons for Scrooge's initial behavior?
    - How do the visits from the ghosts change Scrooges perspective on life?
    - What lessons can we learn from "A Christmas Carol" about the true meaning of Christmas?
    ?

  • 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.
    ?

  • placeholder

    How to write a spooky story: tips for English language students

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    How to write a spooky story: tips and tricks for English language students

    Halloween is the perfect time to let your imagination run wild and create a spooky story that will send shivers down your readers' spines. If you're a student learning English, or an ESL teacher hoping to inspire and enthuse your students, writing a Halloween-themed story can be a fun way to practice your English skills. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of writing a spooky story step by step, from brainstorming ideas to polishing your final draft. Let's get started!