Words that can't be translated into English

Charlotte Guest
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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
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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'.

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    1. The Beatles C Blackbird

    The Beatles are the best band to help you learn English. There are many Beatles songs with catchy melodies and simple lyrics, but Blackbird captures the Fab Four at their most poetic:

    Blackbird singing in the dead of night
    Take these broken wings and learn to fly
    All your life
    You were only waiting for this moment to arise

    2. The Cure C Friday Im In Love

    This song is a great way to help learn the days of the week (that may be obvious). Love is also a very popular English word, so this one is for all the romantics out there.

    Always take a big bite
    Its such a gorgeous sight
    To see you eat in the middle of the night

    3. Ed Sheeran C Thinking Out Loud

    Another one for the lovers, Eds heartfelt lyrics are huge in the mainstream pop charts. Here, he tells the sweet story of long-time love in this ballad and hes becoming one of the worlds most sought-after songwriters.

    Take me into your loving arms
    Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
    Place your head on my beating heart

    4. The Smiths C How Soon Is Now?

    This classic from Morrissey and co was voted runner-up in VH1s Top Lyrics poll, for the lyrics: So you go and you stand on your own, and you leave on your own, and you go home and you cry and you want to die but its the opening lines of the song that are the most intriguing. Firstly, theyre adapted from George Eliots novel Middlemarch and include some rather clever double meanings C namely son (sun) and heir (air).

    I am the son
    And the heir
    Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar

    5. Neil Young C Heart of Gold

    This was Neil Youngs only number-one hit single from 1972s Harvest album. He uses simple lyrics and melodies to tell his story of searching for true love.

    Ive been in my mind
    Its such a fine line
    That keeps me searchin for a heart of gold
    And Im gettin old

    6. U2 C City of Blinding Lights

    U2 is the second-best band to help you learn English and frontman Bono is the second-best male artist to help you learn (edged out by Justin Timberlake). The chorus was inspired by a moment during a performance in New York City, when Bono saw the audience lit up and shouted, Oh, you look so beautiful tonight!

    And I miss you when youre not around
    Im getting ready to leave the ground
    Oh you look so beautiful tonight
    In the city of blinding lights

    7. The Police C Every Breath You Take

    These lyrics are a good use of repetition and rhyme, which is excellent for helping memorization. Most people consider this a love song, but thats a common mistake. In 1983, Sting was interviewed for New Musical Express and explained: I think its a nasty little song, really rather evil. Its about jealousy and surveillance and ownership.

    Every move you make and every vow you break
    Every smile you fake, every claim you stake, Ill be watching you
    Every move you make, every step you take, Ill be watching you

    8. Bob Dylan C Mr Tambourine Man

    Dylans whimsical, poetic lyrics might be difficult for an English language learner to interpret, but that doesnt mean theyre not a pleasure to listen and sing along to.

    Hey! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
    Im not sleepy and there is no place Im going to
    Hey! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
    In the jingle jangle morning Ill come followin you

    9. Madness C Our House

    This song takes you through the daily goings-on in a typical household in the 80s. This song has been around for a while now but is a story that most people can still connect with. This is an excellent song for understanding the concept of nostalgia!

    I remember way back then when
    everything was true and when
    we would have such a very good time
    such a fine time

    10. Otis Reading C (Sittin on) The Dock of the Bay

    Sadly, Otis Redding lost his life in a plane crash shortly after this song was recorded, and it was released after his death. His lyrics are quite reflective, provoking both contentment and sadness. You can really imagine yourself sitting on the dock with his simple yet descriptive words.

    Sittin in the morning sun
    Ill be sittin when the evening comes
    Watching the ships roll in
    Then I watch them roll away again

    11. Leonard Cohen C Everybody Knows

    No list of standout turns of phrase would be complete without Leonard Cohen, a man whose songwriting process is so painstaking hell often spend years on the same song. When quizzed on his process, Cohen once said it often took so long because, After a while, if you stick with the song long enough it will yield. Its interesting to note then that, even for a master of the English language, the words dont always come easily. Everybody Knows remains a firm favorite among fans, with the majority of lines starting with the words Everybody knows Its a lengthy song, but for the sheer beauty of its words and phrasing, the opening lines are a highlight:

    Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
    Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
    Everybody knows that the war is over
    Everybody knows that the good guys lost

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    Webisode

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    Use it: Theres a new Breaking Bad webisode online, have you seen it?

    Crowdfunding

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    Use it: We raised enough money to launch our business using crowdfunding.

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    Lookalike

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    Handover

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    Use it: Ill send my notes in a handover email so you can continue the project while Im away.

    Meh

    When something is a little uninspiring or dull. Also a word you could use to describe your lack of interest or indifference. Its basically a verbal shrug.

    Use it: The film was a bit meh.

    Binge-watch

    Watching multiple episodes of a TV show, one after another, in a single sitting. Usually, with a DVD box set or using online streaming.

    Use it: Im planning to binge-watch the entire series of Game of Thrones this weekend!

    Spill the tea

    When someone 'spills the tea' they are telling you all the latest news or gossip.?

    Use it: Please spill the tea about last week's party!"