The word learn in other languages

На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать грубую лексику.

На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать разговорную лексику.

изучать другие языки

учить другие языки

учить иностранные языки

изучать и другие языки

изучения других языков

изучить другие языки

выучить другие языки

While they are in this natural language learning phase it is extremely easy for them to learn other languages.

В то время как они находятся в этой фазе естественного изучения языка это очень легко для них, чтобы изучать другие языки.

I enjoy it, because it gives me the chance to learn other languages.

They can also much more readily learn other languages.

Easier to learn other languages: This may be an example of a brain benefit, but learning a language is about so much more than cognitive ability.

Легче учить другие языки: возможно, это пример пользы для мозга, но изучение языка отнюдь не ограничивается развитием когнитивной способности.

But people are reluctant to learn other languages in most countries.

With the advent of these technologies, do we still need to learn other languages?

In this connection indigenous young people need to learn other languages in order to facilitate their contacts with other cultures.

В этой связи молодежь коренных народов должна изучать другие языки, с тем чтобы содействовать их контактам с другими культурами.

His extensive travels and time as an expatriate allowed him great opportunities to learn other languages and cultures.

Его многочисленные путешествия в качестве экспатрианта позволили ему получить большие возможности изучать другие языки и культуры.

The mere fact that people are able to learn other languages is itself evidence of the uniqueness and fundamental unity of the human race.

Лишь тот простой факт, что люди способны изучать другие языки, уже само по себе является свидетельством уникальности и фундаментального единства человеческой расы.

A key feature is that the site provides the opportunity to learn other languages in a playful way (even together with other members!).

Ключевая особенность в том, что сайт предоставляет возможность изучать другие языки в игровой форме(даже совместно с другими участниками!).

Why is it so important to learn other languages?

Children taught in their own language for at least six to ten years acquire the literacy and learning skills that allow them to learn other languages better.

Дети, чье обучение проходит на их родном языке в течение, как минимум, шести — десяти лет, приобретают грамотность и познавательные навыки, позволяющие им лучше изучать другие языки.

If you’ve had the opportunity to travel to different countries and learn other languages, you might be able to start a business as a translator.

Если у вас была возможность путешествовать по разным странам и изучать другие языки, начните работать в качестве переводчика.

People in Japan do not want to learn other languages, and this causes great difficulties in sharing ideas about decentralized technologies.

Люди тут не хотят учить иностранные языки, и это создает довольно большие трудности при популяризации идей о децентрализованных технологиях.

I mean, some British people think that everyone speaks English, so it’s not necessary to learn other languages.

Некоторые считают, что если все в мире говорят по-английски, то нет необходимости учить другие языки.

They can learn complex tasks, learn other languages (including human sign language), have used tools as weapons against other animals, and of course; ape DNA is extremely close to human DNA.

Они могут изучать другие языки, пользоваться камнями и палками в качестве оружия против других животных, ну и, конечно же, ДНК обезьяны стоит ближе всего по своей структуре к ДНК человека.

It’s weird in ways that are easy to miss, especially since Anglophones in the United States and Britain are not exactly rabid to learn other languages.

Его странности легко можно не заметить, поскольку англоязычные жители Соединённых Штатов и Британии не особенно стремятся изучать другие языки.

His oddities can easily fail to notice because the English-speaking residents of the United States and Britain are not particularly eager to learn other languages.

Его странности легко можно не заметить, поскольку англоязычные жители Соединённых Штатов и Британии не особенно стремятся изучать другие языки.

Even though I could not understand a word of what he said, his talk motivated me to become a missionary, to learn other languages, and to give talks like that one.

Хотя я не понял ни слова, мне захотелось тоже стать миссионером и учить другие языки, чтобы выступать с такими же речами.

They typically learn other languages as well, including obscure ones, and they are fond of sprinkling their speech with words borrowed from other tongues: Orc curses, Halfling culinary terms, Elven musical expressions, Dwarven military phrases, and so on.

Они обычно изучают другие языки, включая непонятные, они также любят включать в свою речь слова, которые заимствованы из других языков: проклятия орков, кулинарные термины хоббитов, музыкальные выражения эльфов, военные фразы дварфов, и так далее.

Ничего не найдено для этого значения.

Результатов: 62. Точных совпадений: 62. Затраченное время: 86 мс

Documents

Корпоративные решения

Спряжение

Синонимы

Корректор

Справка и о нас

Индекс слова: 1-300, 301-600, 601-900

Индекс выражения: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200

Индекс фразы: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200

Princeton’s WordNetRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. learn, larn, acquireverb

   gain knowledge or skills

   «She learned dancing from her sister»; «I learned Sanskrit»; «Children acquire language at an amazing rate»

   Synonyms:
   watch, grow, ascertain, produce, larn, gain, get wind, memorize, win, get word, develop, acquire, evolve, instruct, learn, get a line, find out, check, study, assume, get, adopt, hear, discover, take, pick up, read, take on, con, memorise, determine, teach, see

2. learn, hear, get word, get wind, pick up, find out, get a line, discover, seeverb

   get to know or become aware of, usually accidentally

   «I learned that she has two grown-up children»; «I see that you have been promoted»

   Synonyms:
   turn around, ensure, read, pick up, collar, unwrap, key out, reveal, look, experience, get word, visualise, come upon, watch, assure, memorise, fancy, intoxicate, go steady, distinguish, disclose, learn, chance upon, receive, instruct, run into, discover, light upon, escort, try, perk, fall upon, lift up, con, uplift, reckon, give away, take heed, consider, gain vigor, study, name, come across, get a line, elate, collect, chance on, bring out, divulge, take care, let on, control, ascertain, insure, attend, date, realize, check, peck, interpret, meet, image, larn, gather up, strike, take, catch, see to it, cop, find out, see, listen, construe, regard, visualize, describe, picture, find, catch out, call for, perk up, visit, identify, view, project, percolate, arrest, let out, hear, realise, go out, envision, happen upon, determine, take in, nab, get wind, nail, encounter, figure, acquire, examine, expose, break, witness, understand, detect, teach, key, run across, attain, memorize, go through, notice, observe, apprehend

3. memorize, memorise, con, learnverb

   commit to memory; learn by heart

   «Have you memorized your lines for the play yet?»

   Synonyms:
   rook, check, nobble, victimize, gip, read, goldbrick, swindle, con, memorise, get word, take, diddle, study, gyp, determine, see, find out, defraud, hornswoggle, instruct, teach, get a line, bunco, get wind, short-change, pick up, memorize, ascertain, acquire, watch, learn, larn, scam, discover, mulct, hear

4. learn, study, read, takeverb

   be a student of a certain subject

   «She is reading for the bar exam»

   Synonyms:
   require, read, pick up, occupy, interpret, rent, withdraw, make, lead, ingest, get word, take on, carry, watch, assume, meditate, scan, memorise, subscribe to, hold, choose, learn, fill, instruct, necessitate, discover, pick out, examine, register, con, have, hit the books, consider, need, study, get a line, say, get wind, contract, deal, adopt, film, remove, ascertain, translate, lease, train, check, consume, take up, larn, bring, analyze, strike, use up, select, take, engage, drive, find out, see, claim, demand, get, get hold of, exact, take away, pack, canvas, call for, take in, analyse, submit, canvass, take aim, shoot, aim, contemplate, direct, charter, hear, postulate, contain, determine, subscribe, convey, involve, acquire, look at, record, hire, accept, understand, guide, admit, teach, show, memorize, ask, conduct

5. teach, learn, instructverb

   impart skills or knowledge to

   «I taught them French»; «He instructed me in building a boat»

   Synonyms:
   watch, ascertain, larn, get wind, memorize, get word, apprise, acquire, instruct, learn, get a line, find out, check, study, apprize, hear, discover, take, pick up, read, con, memorise, determine, teach, see

6. determine, check, find out, see, ascertain, watch, learnverb

   find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort

   «I want to see whether she speaks French»; «See whether it works»; «find out if he speaks Russian»; «Check whether the train leaves on time»

   Synonyms:
   encounter, ensure, take, read, hold in, jibe, look out, look, experience, tick off, visualise, square up, watch, gibe, assure, image, hold, run across, moderate, look on, learn, checker, condition, check out, run into, discover, regulate, escort, keep an eye on, stop, examine, pick up, memorize, visit, hear, chequer, observe, fix, mold, consider, study, con, tally, come across, regard, define, get a line, suss out, instruct, get wind, check off, check over, take care, watch out, match, check up on, control, look into, ascertain, mark, insure, attend, date, realize, go over, train, check, hold back, specify, interpret, meet, go out, witness, memorise, set, fancy, catch, decide, construe, find out, see, discipline, square off, limit, visualize, picture, find, catch out, go through, take in, correspond, curb, view, influence, project, watch over, fit, arrest, check into, follow, contain, get word, envision, determine, larn, make up one’s mind, retard, crack, turn back, go steady, figure, acquire, see to it, break, understand, delay, teach, reckon, shape, settle, tick, realise, agree, mark off

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for «learn»:

   learning, teach, discover, learned, draw, know, hear, iearn, acquire, learnt, obtain, learns, get, sepa, study, apprenticeship, gain

How to pronounce LEARN?

How to say LEARN in sign language?

How to use LEARN in a sentence?

1. EW Howe:

   If you don’t learn to laugh at troubles, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you are old.

2. Sophocles, Antigone:

   There is no happiness where there is no wisdom;No wisdom but in submission to the gods.Big words are always punished,And proud men in old age learn to be wise.

3. Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spake Zarathustra:

   That everybody is allowed to learn to read spoileth in the long run not only writing but thinking.

4. Marie Ebner von Eschenbach:

   In youth we learn in age we understand.

5. Nobukazu Kuriki:

   When I climb by Nobukazu Kuriki, I can feel things I can’t in a city, and therefore, I learn from nature and grow as a human being, it’s not for a record or honor. I believe everybody in the world has his or her own mountain in life. Many people might stop climbing or challenging themselves because others judge them negatively or it seems tough.

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Translations for LEARN

From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary

• leerAfrikaans
• መማርAmharic
• تعلم, درسArabic
• вучыццаBelarusian
• уча сеBulgarian
• སྦྱོང་བ, སློབ བསླབས བསླབ སློབསTibetan Standard
• aprendre, estudiarCatalan, Valencian
• zjistit, dovědět se, učit se, zlepšovat se, studovat, dozvědět se, poučit se, zdokonalovat seCzech
• lære, studere, erfareDanish
• studieren, lernen, erfahrenGerman
• μαθαίνωGreek
• lerniEsperanto
• aprender, enterarse, estudiarSpanish
• omandama, arenema, õppimaEstonian
• ikasiBasque
• یاد گرفتن, آموختنPersian
• oppia, opiskella, tietää, opetella, saadaFinnish
• vuliFijian
• læraFaroese
• apprendre, faire des études, étudierFrench
• leare, studearreWestern Frisian
• foghlaimIrish
• ionnsaich, faigh a-machScottish Gaelic
• למדHebrew
• सीखनाHindi
• tanulHungarian
• սովորել, ուսանելArmenian
• apprenderInterlingua
• belajarIndonesian
• lernarIdo
• læra, nemaIcelandic
• imparare, apprendere, studiareItalian
• 勉強, 習う, 学ぶJapanese
• სწავლა, შესწავლაGeorgian
• រៀនKhmer
• ಕಲಿKannada
• 배우다Korean
• فێربوون, فێر بوون, سه‌عی کردن, خوێندنKurdish
• scisco, cognosco, disco, studeo, resciscoLatin
• ຮຽນLao
• išmoktiLithuanian
• mācītiesLatvian
• akoMāori
• कळणे, शिकणेMarathi
• belajarMalay
• သင်ကြားBurmese
• सिक्नुNepali
• ervaren, vernemen, leren, op de hoogte gesteld worden, studeren, te weten komenDutch
• læreNorwegian
• íhoołʼaahNavajo, Navaho
• uczyć sięPolish
• estudar, aprender, [[descobrir]] [[que]], [[ficar]] [[sabendo]]Portuguese
• yachayQuechua
• învăța, studiu, aflaRomanian
• учиться, учить, изучать, узнатьRussian
• ඉගෙනගන්නවාSinhala, Sinhalese
• učiť sa, dozvedieť saSlovak
• učiti seSlovene
• lära, redaSwedish
• நேர்படு-தல், நேர்Tamil
• నేర్చుకొను, తెలుసుకొనుTelugu
• ศึกษา, เรียนThai
• öğrenmekTurkish
• учитисяUkrainian
• سیکھنا, سیکھتے ہیںUrdu
• 學, học tập, 學習, họcVietnamese
• lärnönVolapük
• aprindeWalloon
• 學習Chinese

Get even more translations for LEARN »

Translation

Find a translation for the LEARN synonym in other languages:

Select another language:

• — Select —
• 简体中文 (Chinese — Simplified)
• 繁體中文 (Chinese — Traditional)
• Español (Spanish)
• Esperanto (Esperanto)
• 日本語 (Japanese)
• Português (Portuguese)
• Deutsch (German)
• العربية (Arabic)
• Français (French)
• Русский (Russian)
• ಕನ್ನಡ (Kannada)
• 한국어 (Korean)
• עברית (Hebrew)
• Gaeilge (Irish)
• Українська (Ukrainian)
• اردو (Urdu)
• Magyar (Hungarian)
• मानक हिन्दी (Hindi)
• Indonesia (Indonesian)
• Italiano (Italian)
• தமிழ் (Tamil)
• Türkçe (Turkish)
• తెలుగు (Telugu)
• ภาษาไทย (Thai)
• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
• Čeština (Czech)
• Polski (Polish)
• Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)
• Românește (Romanian)
• Nederlands (Dutch)
• Ελληνικά (Greek)
• Latinum (Latin)
• Svenska (Swedish)
• Dansk (Danish)
• Suomi (Finnish)
• فارسی (Persian)
• ייִדיש (Yiddish)
• հայերեն (Armenian)
• Norsk (Norwegian)
• English (English)

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Citation

Use the citation below to add these synonyms to your bibliography:

Предложения с «learn the words»

In other words , when kids get outside and practice bravery, they learn valuable life lessons.	Другими словами , когда дети выходят на улицу и тренируют смелость, они получают ценные жизненные уроки.
We learn new words and write exercises.	Мы учим новые слова , делаем упражнения и учим правила.
I like to learn new words , to dramatize texts and dialogues, discuss interesting things.	Я хотел бы учить новые слова , разыгрывать тексты и диалоги, обсуждать интересные вещи.
Studying the English language under the guidance of the University teachers I want to learn much about the history of words , their origin and usage in ancient times.	Изучая английский язык под руководством преподавателей университета, я хочу многое узнать о происхождении слов и их употреблении в давние времена.
I learn new words by heart, work at grammar doing innumerable exercises and listen to foreign speech, trying to answer the questions.	Я изучаю новые слова наизусть , работа над грамматикой, делающей неисчислимые упражнения и слушаю иностранную речь, пробуя ответить на вопросы.
On the English lessons we read and translate the text and learn new words .	На английских уроках мы читаем и переводим текст и изучаем новые слова .
You learn the alphabet and you have all the tools you need to spell any word that exists.	Ты выучиваешь азбуку, и обретаешь средство передать любое существующее слово .
Each word was something I had to learn and memorize separately from the handtalk spelling.	Мне приходилось выучивать и запоминать каждое слово безотносительно к его записи на языке жестов.
Learn to preserve their timelessness amid the routine of everyday actions, amid the numbness of banal words .	Научиться сберегать их вечность в рутине повседневных действий, в тупости расхожих слов.
Yes, when you learn you’re alone and live in despair Then words don’t come easily.	Да, когда учишься жить в одиночестве и страдании, слова выходят с трудом.
We know that dogs can learn words , so this is a possibility.	Мы знаем, что собаки способны учить слова , так что это возможно.
To learn more, see Research for your paper easily within Word.	Дополнительные сведения см. в статье Удобная работа с источниками в Word.
Your desire to learn is admirable, but, if you were to put the loop of the P at the top, like a head rather than a foot, you’d have much more success with the word play.	Ваше желание учиться вызывает уважение, но если бы вы нарисовали петельку буквы Р наверху, а не внизу, вы бы уже написали слово игра.
I learn lots of new words , like tedious.	Я учу много новых слов, таких как утомительно.
For fear the letter might be some day lost or stolen, he compelled Dantes to learn it by heart; and Dantes knew it from the first to the last word.	Опасаясь, как бы записка как — нибудь не затерялась или не пропала, он заставил Дантеса выучить ее наизусть, и Дантес знал ее на память от первого слова до последнего.
Like basically your entire ability to learn is wrapped up in how many words you hear in your first years of life.	То есть твои способности обучаться в основном зависят от того, какое количество слов ты слышишь в первые годы своей жизни.
You will learn to savour words and language.	Вы научитесь ценить слова и язык.
Words, my dear boy, are like leaves on a tree. If we want to find out why the leaves take one form instead of another, we must learn how the tree grows. We must study books, my dear boy.	Слова, дружище, это — как листья на дереве, и, чтобы понять, почему лист таков, а не иной, нужно знать, как растёт дерево, — нужно учиться!
He was a stool-strange words for a professor of agronomics to use in writing, but a professor of agronomics may well learn strange words when pent in prison for the term of his natural life.	Изящные слова , не правда ли, в устах профессора агрономии? Но и профессор агрономии может научиться дурным словам , если запереть его в тюрьму на всю жизнь.
Funny thing is, once we grow up, learn our words , and really start talking, the harder it becomes to know what to say.	Забавно, мы взрослеем, узнаем слова , начинаем говорить, и нам всё сложнее понять, что именно сказать.
Family, friends, colleagues, but in Solly’s case we have the added benefit of being able to learn about him from his own words .	Семья, друзья, коллеги, но в случае Солли у нас вдобавок есть и роскошь узнать о нём из его же слов.
Let him realize the significance of the written word so that he may learn of your glory, and in turn, may spread your word.	Да осознает он важность слова письменного, дабы постичь славу Твою, и самому нести слово божье.
I don’t have to tell you every community has a different part, so I’ve had to learn it piece by piece… Every sacred site, every ceremony, every word.	Не мне тебе говорить, что у каждой общины всё по — своему, так что мне пришлось учиться шаг за шагом… каждое священное место, каждая церемония, каждое слово .
But at least he had managed to learn a few local words , which came in handy at the next filling station.	Но по крайней мере ему удалось узнать Несколько местных слов, которые очень пригодились на следующей заправочной станции.
Yes, when you learn you’re alone and live in despair Then words don’t come easily.	Да, когда учишься жить в одиночестве и страдании, слова выходят с трудом.
Most of us learn to talk by our first birthday but by 2 years old, we’re learning 10 new words a day	Большинство из нас начинает говорить первые слова уже к первому дню рождения, а в возрасте 2 — х мы выучиваем около 10 новых слов каждый день.
Stunned and grieved by these cold words in black and white, she was still relieved to learn that he was to be at the hotel instead of his home.	Ошеломленная, расстроенная холодными словами газетного сообщения, Беренис все же облегченно вздохнула, узнав, что Каупервуд в отеле, а не у себя дома.
In Years 7 and 8, boys learn the basics of word processing, spreadsheet software, web design and simple programming.	В 7 и 8 лет мальчики изучают основы обработки текстов, электронных таблиц, веб — дизайна и простого программирования.
I now learn from you that the attempt to change the embarrassing words ‘Krishna Costume’ was tackled twice , once by you and then Ruminton. Fine.	Теперь я узнаю от вас , что попытка изменить неловкие слова костюм Кришны была предпринята дважды, один раз Вами, а затем Руминтоном. Хорошо.
Infants are able to apply this to larger words and sentences as they learn to process language.	Младенцы могут применять это к более крупным словам и предложениям, когда они учатся обрабатывать язык.
When the difficult sound is mastered, the child will then learn to say the sound in syllables, then words , then phrases and then sentences.	Когда трудный звук будет освоен, ребенок научится произносить его слогами, затем словами , затем фразами и затем предложениями.
Users were not awarded for labeling images by any means other than points but they may learn new English language words slowly.	Пользователи не были награждены за маркировку изображений никакими другими средствами, кроме очков, но они могут медленно изучать новые слова английского языка.
While this is understood by English speaking toddlers, it is not applicable with Dutch toddlers as they learn that elongated vowels reference different words .	Хотя это понимают англоговорящие малыши, это не применимо к голландским малышам, поскольку они узнают, что удлиненные гласные ссылаются на разные слова .
In addition to the root words and the rules for combining them, a learner of Esperanto must learn some idiomatic compounds that are not entirely straightforward.	В дополнение к корневым словам и правилам их сочетания, изучающий эсперанто должен изучить некоторые идиоматические соединения, которые не совсем просты.
She can read newspapers, find and correct misspelled words , learn about banks like Barclays, and understand that some restaurants are better places to eat than others.	Она может читать газеты, находить и исправлять неправильно написанные слова , узнавать о таких банках, как Barclays, и понимать, что некоторые рестораны являются лучшими местами для еды, чем другие.
In 1982, Gudrun was the subject of an experiment in two-communications, designed to see if she could learn new words and incorporate them into her vocabulary.	В 1982 году Гудрун стала объектом эксперимента по двусторонней коммуникации, целью которого было выяснить, сможет ли она выучить новые слова и включить их в свой словарный запас.
Noob is a word used to insult or deride novices who are disrespectful, uninterested, or unwilling to learn .	Нуб — это слово , используемое для оскорбления или высмеивания новичков, которые неуважительны, не заинтересованы или не желают учиться.
Another words , lots of students learn language in half the time.	Другими словами , многие студенты изучают язык в два раза быстрее.
One other chimpanzee, Gussie, was trained along with Sarah but failed to learn a single word.	Еще один шимпанзе, Гасси, был обучен вместе с Сарой, но не смог выучить ни одного слова .
think of all the new words we could learn .	подумайте обо всех новых словах , которые мы могли бы выучить .
They don’t want to learn Bosnian words .	Они не хотят учить боснийские слова .
They, like me, want to learn more english words … as opposed to you i assume?	Они, как и я, хотят выучить больше английских слов… в отличие от вас, я полагаю?
Together, the two help each other with reading and write all the words they learn on a wall in the basement.	Вместе они помогают друг другу читать и писать все слова , которые они выучили на стене в подвале.
While Alan is treating him, Joe learn’s from Alan’s words that the Devil Star girl he killed earlier was Alan’s fiancé.	Пока Алан лечит его, Джо узнает из слов Алана, что девушка — звезда дьявола, которую он убил ранее, была невестой Алана.
Children need unstructured, creative playtime; in other words , children need time to learn through their play.	Детям нужно неструктурированное, творческое игровое время; другими словами , детям нужно время, чтобы учиться через свою игру.
And if they learn another application of a perfectly serviceable English word, then so much the better.	А если они выучат еще одно применение совершенно исправного английского слова , то тем лучше.
An even more serious reader will quickly learn how to find out exactly where any wording in the article came from.	Еще более серьезный читатель быстро научится узнавать, откуда именно взялась та или иная формулировка в статье.
If you learn something, know it, and then explain it to someone else in your own words then you’re not violating copyright.	Если вы что — то узнали, знаете это, а затем объясняете это кому — то другим своими словами , то вы не нарушаете авторское право.
It is not always possible to just look at the world and learn a word from the situation.	Не всегда можно просто посмотреть на мир и извлечь из ситуации какое — то слово .
If children only learned words based on what they saw in the world they would not be able to learn the meanings of these words .	Если бы дети учили только слова , основанные на том, что они видели в мире, они не смогли бы узнать значения этих слов.
One can only hope you learn the proper meaning of two words eventually.	Остается только надеяться, что в конце концов вы научитесь правильно понимать два слова .
You will learn to savor language and words because they are the stepping stones to everything you might endeavor to do in life and do well.	Вы научитесь наслаждаться языком и словами , потому что они являются ступеньками ко всему, что вы могли бы попытаться сделать в жизни и сделать хорошо.
Through the efforts of Pepperberg, Alex has been able to learn a large vocabulary of English words and phrases.	Благодаря усилиям Пепперберга Алекс смог выучить большой словарь английских слов и фраз.

From Afrikaans to Zulu, here are 203 most beautiful untranslatable words in other languages from around the world that should exist in English.

If you’ve ever tried to learn a language, then you’ll know that translating is not always an easy task. There are over 7,000 languages in the world and just as many words and ideas that get ‘lost in translation’ due to differences in grammar and semantics, or even linguistic complications. When a language fails to convey the essence of a word during translation, the word is considered to be ‘untranslatable.’

There are many terms that drip with feeling and emotion that are simply untranslatable into English. By taking a closer look at some of the most beautiful untranslatable words from around the world, they can give us a glimpse into different cultures and belief systems that help us to understand the people who speak these marvellous languages. 

English is no stranger to borrowing words from other languages and even inventing new ones like ‘hangry‘, a combination of anger and hunger because you need something to eat asap. Then there is ‘nomophobia‘, an irrational fear or sense of panic felt when you’ve lost your phone or are unable to use it. Even English playwright William Shakespeare invented plenty of words too such as ‘faint-hearted‘ and ‘tongue-tied‘. These new words have entered English dictionaries at a fast pace, keeping up with the diversity of the English-speaking world. 

In spite of this, the English language can’t explain everything so succinctly, and yet there are many other languages that have, in just one word. This comprehensive list looks at some of the most beautiful words in different languages that are simply untranslatable into English. Many of which we should definitely borrow.

From Afrikaans to Zulu, here are 203 of the most beautiful untranslatable words from other languages.

Afrikaans

Loskop – Used to describe someone who is forgetful, absent-minded and a bit air-headed. It’s literally means, ‘loose (los) head (kop)’.

Learn Afrikaans for travel! Get my free Afrikaans travel phrase guide here.

Albanian

Besa –  An Albanian verb and pledge of honour that means to keep a promise by honouring your word. It’s usually translated as “faith” or “oath”.

Arabic

Samar (سمر) – Staying up late after the sun has gone down and having an enjoyable time with friends. Samar is also an Arabic name meaning ‘evening conversations including Arabic music and poetry’. Samar in Arabic is a cognate of the Hebrew name Shamar which means ‘to preserve’.

Taarradhin  (تراض) – Taarradhin is the act of coming to a happy compromise where everyone wins. It’s a way of reconciling without anyone losing face.

Ya’aburnee (يقبرني) –  This word is an emotional declaration of one’s hope that they’ll die before another person to express how impossible it would be to live without them. The literal meaning of the Arabic word ya’aburnee is ‘you bury me’. The underlying idea goes deeper than that (no pun intended). Ya’aburnee is said in the hope that a loved one will outlive you. It is a painful yet beautiful expression of a desire to save yourself the pain of a life without a person you love.

Learn Arabic for travel! Get my free Arabic travel phrase guide here.

Basque

Aspaldiko – This untranslatable Basque word describes the euphoria and happiness felt when catching up with someone you haven’t seen in a long time.

Learn Basque for travel! Get my free Basque travel phrase guide here.

Bengali

Ghodar-dim (ঘোড়ার ডিম) – Pronounced [gho-rar-deem], this Bengali word is a sarcastic term for ‘nothing’ or false hope. It literally means ‘horse’s egg’, therefore representing something that doesn’t exist.

Bulgarian 

Ailyak – Ailyak is a beautiful Bulgarian term for the subtle art of doing everything calmly and without rushing, whilst enjoying the experience and life in general.

Learn Bulgarian for travel! Get my free Bulgarian travel phrase guide here.

Chinese (Mandarin)

Guanxi (关系) – Pronounced [gwan-shee], guanxi is often translated as ‘connections’, ‘relationships’ or ‘networks’ and refers to having a strong personal relationship with someone which involves moral obligations and exchanging favours. This is one of the essential ways of getting things done in traditional Chinese society. To build up good guanxi, you do things for people such as give them gifts, take them to dinner, or other favours. If you need to call in a favour then you ‘use up’ your guanxi.

Once a favour is made, an unspoken obligation exists. Because of this, people often try to refuse gifts, because, sooner or later, they may have to repay the debt. However, the bond of guanxi rarely ends, because once the relationship exists, it sets up an endless loop that can last a lifetime.

Ré nao (热闹) – The Chinese word ré nao is usually translated as ‘lively’ or ‘bustling,’ but its true meaning goes beyond these adjectives. It refers to a fun, lively place with an inviting vibe that makes you want to be there.

Czech

Litost – Litost is nearly untranslatable, but Czech writer Milan Kundera describes it as ‘a state of torment created by the sudden sight of one’s own misery’. 

Mít kliku – This Czech verb means to have luck on your side or be lucky enough to achieve something. It literally means, ‘to have a door handle’.

Prozvonit – Prozvonitis when you call but only let it ring once so that the other person calls back without so you save money or minutes. 

Learn Czech for travel! Get my free Czech travel phrase guide here.

Danish

Arbejdsglæde – Pronounced [ah-bites-gleh-the], this compound word is make up of arbejde meaning ‘work’ and glæde meaning ‘happiness’ so arbejdsglæde literally means ‘job joy’, ‘job satisfaction’ or ‘happiness at work.’ It’s the heightened sense of happiness, fulfilment, and satisfaction you get from having a great job.  This untranslatable word also exists in the other Nordic languages, including Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Icelandic.

Hygge – Pronounced [HEU-guh], Hygge is a well-known Danish term that describes the emotional warmth created by relaxing in the company of loved ones such as good friends and family. Hygge usually involves spending the evening at home, and getting cozy by candlelit with warm blankets, and maybe some alcohol. Watching the glow of a roaring log burner is hygge and so too is building a snowman with your children – however old they are. Similar words are also found in German (gemütlichkeit), Swedish (gemytlig) and Norwegian (hyggelig). 

Learn Danish for travel! Get my free Danish travel phrase guide here.

Dutch

Uitwaaien – Uitwaaien is an idiomatic Dutch expression which means to go out in windy weather, particularly into nature or a park, in order to refresh and clear one’s mind. Uitwaaien comes from the Dutch uit– ‘out-‘ and‎ waaien, ‘to blow’, of wind.

Voorpret – Voorpret is the build up of anticipation, joy or pleasure you feel ahead of the actual event such as setting up for a party and can’t help but dance as you do it. Voorpret literally means, ‘pre-fun’ but means more than just the anticipation of something fun, it’s enjoying the anticipation. It’s voorpret!

Gezelligheid – This Dutch word combines the Danish concept of hygge and the German gemütlichkeit. Gezelligheid is the idea of being in a comfortable, cozy atmosphere with loved ones, catching up with an old friend, or just the general togetherness that gives people a warm feeling. It suggests a sense of closeness that many consider encompasses the heart of Dutch culture.

Epibreren –  Pronounced [ep-i-BREER-un], epibreren describes giving the appearance of being busy and important in the workplace when in reality you’re being super lazy. This term comes with an interesting origin story too. It was originally coined by Simon Carmiggelt, a Dutch newspaper columnist who explained in one of his columns that this previously unknown term had been revealed to him in 1953 by a civil servant from whom he had requested some papers. The civil servant said that the papers still needed epibreren. Not knowing what he meant, Carmiggelt asked, and the civil servant eventually confessed that he had made it up to fend off enquiries.

Learn Dutch for travel! Get my free Dutch travel phrase guide here.

Estonian

Leiliviskaja – A person who throws water on hot rocks to make steam in a sauna.

Finnish

Hyppytyynytyydytys – This may look like I fell asleep on my keyboard, but this Finnish word literally means, ‘bouncy cushion satisfaction’. It describes the pleasure and satisfaction derived from sitting or bouncing on a bouncy cushion. I want to learn Finnish just so I can use this word!

Jaksaa – A severe absence of enthusiasm to do something. When you just don’t have enough strength, will power to do something or can’t be bothered.

Kaamos — Kaamos is more than just Polar Night when there are 24 consecutive hours of darkness,  kaamos describes the longing for sunshine, and a feeling of depression and lack of motivation and enthusiasm. It signifies long dark days and bad weather, no social life, and a lack of inspiration.

Lieko – A trunk of a tree that has submerged to the bottom of a lake.

Myötähäpeä – Experiencing a shared embarrassment or shame when seeing someone else do something embarrassing. Myö means ‘we,’ myötä means ‘with’ and häpeä is ‘shame’, so it can be roughly translated to something like ‘co-embarrassment’ or ‘secondhand embarrassment’.

Poronkusema – Talk about very Finnish problems, poronkusema describes the distance a reindeer can comfortably travel before taking a break to urinate. In case you were wondering, it’s around, 4.7miles / 7.5km. Poronkusema was once an official unit of measurement until the metric system was introduced in the late nineteenth century.

Sauna – A sauna is a small room used as a hot-air or steam bath for cleaning and refreshing the body. Saunas were invented in Finland several millennia ago and are still a cornerstone of Finnish culture, as well as of every Finnish home. So much so that, traditionally, when people moved they used to build the sauna first, and only then the house. 

Sisu – Sisu is a Finnish concept that describes a stoic resilience, determination and hardiness considered to be necessary to face the difficulties of life in general and of life in harsh conditions in particular. This Finnish term that can be roughly translated as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity. Sisu isn’t momentary courage, but the power to sustain that courage to see something through.

Tokka – Pronounced [talk-uh] is a Finnish collective noun for a large herd of reindeer. It is said that there are as many reindeer as there are people in Finland.

Learn Finnish for travel! Get my free Finnish travel phrase guide here.

French

Bérézina – A sense of panic associated with a huge defeat. The word Bérézina is used in the French idom ‘C’est la Bérézina’ meaning a complete defeat, loss. The origin of this expression dates back over 200 years to the banks of the river Berezina in Belarus. It was here that a fierce battle took place between Napoleon’s retreating army and the Imperial Russian army. The battle ended in a victory for the Russian Empire and heavy losses for the French.

Dépaysement – Dépaysement is a feeling of restlessness that comes with being away from your country of origin and feeling like a foreigner. It’s a mix of disorientation to culture shock. Dépaysement can also be used when you’re a bit fed up with your environment and need a change of scenery. Literally, dépaysement means something like ‘to be uncountried’.

Bricoleur — A bricoleur is a handyman who uses whatever materials he can get his hands on to create a construction (or bricolage). Think of the well-known term Bric-à-brac –  miscellaneous objects and ornaments of little value. The closest equivalent in English would be something like a DIY-er. 

Flâneur –  Flâner is a verb meaning ‘to stroll’ but a flâneur is a person of leisure who enjoys wandering the streets and soaking in the city and surroundings and appreciating its beauty. The term flâneur was first coined in the 19th century to describe a literary man of a certain social class, who would spend his time exploring the streets of Paris.

La douleur exquise – If French is the language of love, then it seems only fitting that it has a term to describe all the feelings associated with unrequited love. La douleur exquise literally means ‘the exquisite pain’,  the pain of wanting something you can’t have, such as someone who will never return your feelings.

L’appel du vide – L’appel du vide is that little voice in your head telling you to do something stupid like jerking the steering wheel to the right and take a flying leap off the edge or staring out at the view from a balcony and have a sudden urge to jump over the ledge. In English, you might refer to it as the call of the Siren song.

L’esprit de l’escalier – Literally ‘stairwell wit’, l’esprit de l’escalier is the feeling that you’ve got the perfect comeback, but you think of it too late. Similar to the German, treppenwitz, mentioned earlier.

Retrouvailles – This beautiful French word means ‘refindings’, referring to the reunion you would have with someone you care deeply for but haven’t seen in a long time. The English word ‘reunion’ doesn’t quite capture this intense feeling.

Yaourt – The need to sing along to a song even though you don’t know the lyrics. Instead, you use nonsensical noises that vaguely resemble the lyrics of a song.

Learn French for travel! Get my free French travel phrase guide here.

Georgian

Shemomedjam – When you eat something because it’s so yummy and delicious, even though you’re not hungry.

German

Backpfeifengesicht – German is full of hilarious phrases and backpfeifengesicht is one of the most inventive. This German compound word literally means a ‘face that should be slapped’ or ‘a face in need of a slap!’ Backpfeifengesicht is made up of 3 separate words: back – from die Backe, meaning cheek; pfeifen – German verb meaning to whistle; das Gesicht – The German word for face. You might be thinking, but, Michele, that means ‘cheek whistle face’. True! But when you combine the words back and pfeife you get die Backpfeife, which means slap in German. 

Drachenfutter – Literally, ‘dragon fodder’, this is a gift someone gives to placate and apologise to someone, especially a spouse, after they’ve done something wrong or stupid.

Erklärungsnot – The urgent need to explain something, either yourself or the situation. It can also mean to struggle explaining something. Erklärungsnot is made up of the German words Erklärung (‘explanation’) and not (in this case, can be translated as ‘need.’)

Extrawunsch – A term used to call someone who complicates things by being fussy or picky, and thus slows things down.

Fachidiot – Fachidiot, literally it means ‘subject-idiot’. A fachidiot is a person with expert knowledge in their own field and are well-accomplished but are clueless when it comes to anything outside that area. 

Fahrvergnügen – The love and pleasure one feels from simply driving around. The German compound word fahrvergnügen comes from fahren (‘to drive’) and‎ vergnügen (‘pleasure’). This term was popularised in the USA by Volkswagen advertisements in the 1990s.

Fernweh – Fernweh is one of my favourite travel words that describe wanderlust perfectly. Fernweh is a feeling of homesickness for a place, even though you’ve never been there. The word fernweh is made up of fern (‘far’) and‎ weh (‘pain’) and can be literally translated as ‘farsickness’ or longing for far-off places. This is the opposite of heimweh, which means homesickness.

Fisselig – This represents a temporary state of sloppiness, usually elicited by a person’s nagging. This often means that a person is flustered to the point of incompetence.

Kabelsalat – Kabelsalat literally means, ‘a cable salad’, a beautiful word to describe the mess of tangled cables.

Handschuhschneeballwerfer – Handschuhschneeballwerfer is German slang for ‘coward’. It literally means, ‘someone who wears gloves to throw snowballs’. In other words, a cowardly person who criticises and abuses something from a safe distance.

Kummerspeck – Guilty of eating your feelings? That’s called ‘grief bacon’ or kummerspeck. This term refers binge eating as a result of an emotional blow and the excess weight you can gain from emotional overeating. 

Lebensmüde – Lebensmüde is a German compound noun made up of the words leben (life) and müde (tired), and literally means ‘life tired’. It describes the feeling of being tired or weary of life. Its closest English equivalents are probably world-weary, depressed, fed up, restless and dissatisfied.

Schadenfreude – A feeling of joy and pleasure that comes with seeing another’s misfortune. Usually. someone you really dislike.

Schilderwald – A street that is so overcrowded and rammed with street signs, that you’re more prone to getting lost rather than finding your way.

Schlimmbesserung – Something that was meant to be an improvement, but actually makes things worse.

Schnapsidee – Literally, ‘schnapps idea’, is a plan so ridiculous you must have been drunk when you thought it up.

Sitzfleisch – Literally translated, sitzfleisch means ‘sitting meat’ or ‘sitting flesh’ – in other words, your bottom. This German refers to a person with the ability to sit through something very boring. But not only. It’s also used to refer to someone who is hardworking and has the physical discipline to sit down and get on with the job. If you have, sitzfleisch, you possess the ability and the stamina to stay seated for extended periods of time in order to be productive and get the job done.

Torschlusspanik – This beautiful word is used to refer to the feeling you experience at a certain point in your life where you see an imaginary door closing on all your opportunities, and you wonder what could have been. Tor means ‘gate,’ schluss means ‘closing’ or ‘ending,’ and panik means, ‘panic.’ So, torschlusspanik literally translates to ‘gate closing panic.’

Treppenwitz – Possibly the most useful untranslatable word on this list, treppenwitz describes all the things you should have said in the heat of the moment but only think of when it is too late. Also known as, the best comeback line you never said.

Waldeinsamkeit – The feeling of being alone in the woods. Derived from two German words ‘wald,’ meaning forest, and ‘einsamkeit,’ meaning loneliness, it refers to a connectedness with nature and the peace experienced in that moment.

Weichei – Weichei is a German slang term which used to refer to a cowardly person. Literally meaning ‘a soft egg’, the closest English equivalent would be ‘wimp’.

Weltschmerz – The literal translation of the word is ‘world grief’, or ‘world-pain’,  a term first coined by the German author Jean Paul. Weltschmerz refers to a deep sadness about the imperfection and pain of the world.

Verschlimmbessern – Verschlimmbessern describes the act of trying to make something better, only to end up making it worse than it initially was. In English, you might say something like ‘to put your foot in it’.

Learn German for travel! Get my free German travel phrase guide here.

Greek

Filotimo (φιλότιμο) – Filotimo is almost impossible to translate but can be summed up as ‘love of honour’. It describes a person who understands the responsibility to themselves, as a human, being to always do the right thing and with honour. Even if their wealth, safety, freedom, or even life is at peril. No matter what, this person will do the honourable thing, regardless of the consequence.

Parea (παρέα) – In Greek culture, a parea is when a group of friends gather to share life experiences, philosophies, values, and ideas.

Psithurism (Ψυθισμός) – Psithurism is the rustling sound of leaves in the wind. It comes from the Greek psithuros, meaning ‘whispering, slanderous.’

Meraki (μεράκι) – Meraki is when you pour yourself wholeheartedly into doing something with soul, creativity, or love that you leave a piece of yourself in your work.

Learn Greek for travel! Get my free Greek travel phrase guide here.

Hawaiian

Pana Po’o – The act of scratching your head in an attempt to remember something you’ve forgotten.

Akihi –  When you ask someone for directions, walk off, then immediately forget what they said. You’ve gone ‘akihi’.

Hebrew

Firgun (פירגון) – Firgun is a Hebrew term and concept in Israeli culture used to describe genuine and sincere happiness for another person without any ulterior motives. This often means a feeling of pure joy on seeing someone else’s accomplishment.

Learn Hebrew for travel! Get my free Hebrew travel phrase guide here.

Hindi

Chai-Pani (चाय पानी)– The phrase ‘Chai-Pani’ literally meaning, ‘tea and water’, is used to offer welcome drinks and facilitate guests in houses of India. It can also refer to a bribe given to someone, often a bureaucratic worker, to get a job done quickly.

Jijivisha (जिजीविषा) – This Hindi word conveys an intense desire to live life to the fullest. The word often refers to a person who lives with intense emotions and ambitious desires, seeking to thrive.

Namaste (नमस्ते) – Namaste is both a gesture and divine greeting that sends a message of peace to the universe in the hopes of receiving a positive message back. Namaste comes from the Sanskrit namas (bowing) te (to you) and is often translated to ‘I bow to the divine in you’. 

Viraha (विरह) – Realising you love someone only after you’re separated.

Learn Hindi for travel! Get my free Hindi travel phrase guide here.

Hungarian

Elmosolyodni – A kind of smile that forms when something isn’t especially funny, but you can’t help but smile anyway.

Házisárkány – A nickname for your spouse or better half who is constantly nagging. It literally means an ‘Domestic Dragon’

Icelandic

Dalalæða – A low waist-deep fog that forms after a warm and sunny day. It literally means, ‘a fog that sneaks up from the bottom of a valley’ or ‘valley-sneak.’

Gluggaveður – When the weather looks pleasant from your window, but is actually really cold that you need a jacket. Gluggaveður literally means ‘window-weather.

Þetta reddast – Pronounced [THETTA red-ahst], Þetta reddast is Iceland’s unofficial motto that loosely translates as ‘everything will work out in the end’.

Tima – Being unwilling to spend time or money on a particular thing, even though you can afford it.

Learn Icelandic for travel! Get my free Icelandic travel phrase guide here.

Indonesian

Jayus – A joke so terrible and unfunny that you can’t help but laugh. It’s funny because it’s not funny, kind of like a dad joke. 

Mencolek – A lighthearted prank where you trick someone by tapping their opposite shoulder from where you’re standing in order to fool them. That’s mencolek!

Inuit

Iktsuarpok (ᐃᒃᑦᓱᐊᕐᐳᒃ) – From the Eastern Canadian Inuktitut, one of the principal Inuit languages of Canada, Iktsuarpok is the act of repeatedly going outside to keep checking if someone (anyone) is coming. Somewhere between impatience and anticipation. Iktsuarpok refers to the feeling of anticipation and impatient excitement that the person you’re waiting for has arrived.

Irish

Cúbóg – A batch of Easter eggs. 

Learn Irish for travel! Get my free Irish travel phrase guide here.

Italian

Abbiocco – This is one of my favourite Roman dialect words. It describes the drowsiness or ‘carb coma’ you feel following having eaten a big meal. 

Attaccabottoni – Literally, ‘attach buttons’, an attaccabottoni is a chatty person who corners you to tell you long, meaningless stories, in endless detail about their life.

Cavoli riscaldati – Literally reheated cabbage, this is essentially an attempt to reheat an old romance. In other parts of Italy, ‘minestra riscaldata‘ or ‘zuppa riscaldata’, meaning reheated soup, is used to describe the same sentiment.

Commovente – Often translated as ‘heartwarming,’ but it directly refers to being moved to tears. The verb commuovere  means to move, to touch, to stir emotions.

Culaccino – Culaccino refers to the dregs in a glass but also the residue or water ring left on a surface by a moist, cold glass or other small container. In Italian, ‘culo‘ means bottom.

Gattara – A woman devoted to caring for and feeding stray or domestic cats. A more extreme version of a cat lover.

Fare la scarpetta – To finish up the contents of your plate, especially the sauce, with a piece of bread.

Meriggiare – An Italian verb meaning to rest or relax at midday, usually in a shady spot on a sunny day. From ‘meriggio’ meaning ‘midday’.

Learn Italian for travel! Get my free Italian travel phrase guide here.

Japanese

Age-otori (上げ劣り) – Pronounced [aah-gey-oh-toh-ree], Age-otori is a beautiful Japanese word that perfectly sums up a disaster haircut that makes you look worse than before.

Arigata-meiwaku (ありがためいわく) – This is used to refer to an act that someone does for you, even though you didn’t want to have them do it and tried to avoid having them do. They might have gone ahead,  determined to do you a favour, then things going wrong, causing you a lot of trouble. In spite of this, social conventions required you to still express gratitude. What a mouthful! Yet the Japanese have a simple concise term that says it all in just 2 words, arigata-meiwaku.

Bakku-shan (バックシャン) – This dating slang term literally means ‘back beautiful’ and is used to describe a girl who is beautiful, as long as you’re looking at her from behind! Harsh!  An English equivalent could be either ‘good from afar, but far from good’, or ‘Butter face’ – where everything but her face is attractive). What makes this Japanese word so interesting is that it’s not Japanese at all, it’s a composite of バック (bakku, ‘back’, from English back) and‎ シャン (shan, ‘beautiful’, from German schön).

Boketto (ぼけっと) – Gazing vacantly into the distance without thinking of anything specific, in other words, daydreaming.

Chindōgu (珍道具) – A prank originating from Japan, which is done by a person seemingly inventing ingenious everyday gadgets that seem like an ideal solution to a particular problem, but are in fact nothing more than a useless gag. Literally translated, chindōgu means unusual (珍, chin) tool (道具, dōgu). 

Ikigai (生きがい) – Ikigai is a Japanese concept often translated to ‘your life purpose’, ‘a reason for being’ or getting up in the morning. Ikigai refers to having a direction or purpose in life which makes one’s life worthwhile and full of meaning. But is not just limited to this, it can also be something as small as a daily ritual you enjoy.

Kaizen (改善) –  Kaizen is a Japanese term and method meaning ‘change for the better’ or ‘continuous improvement.’ It’s a method for transforming habits incrementally, one step at a time, in order to continuously improve. It’s also a famous Japanese business philosophy where employees make small adjustments to processes that compound over time resulting in increased productivity.

Koi no yokan (恋の予感) – The feeling of excitement you get when you first meet someone and know that you will eventually fall in love with them and are hopeful about being more than just friends. This is a more realistic version of ‘love at first sight’. Koi no yokan comes from 恋 (koi) is romantic love, and 予感 (yokan) roughly translates to ‘premonition’ or ‘hunch’, and roughly translates to ‘premonition of love’.

Komorebi (木漏れ日) – This Japanese word beautiful describes the scattered sunlight that filters through the leaves on the trees. The word is composed of three kanji and the hiragana particles れ. While the first kanji refers to ‘tree’ or ‘trees,’ the second one means to ‘escape,’ and the third signifies ‘light’ or ‘sun.’ 

Kyōiku mama (教育ママ) – Pronounced [ky-oh-ee-kuu-mama], Kyōiku mama is an offensive Japanese term used to describe a mother who relentlessly pushes her children to achieve academic excellence. It literally translates to ‘education mother’.

Mono no aware (物の哀れ) – Literally ‘the pathos of things’, and also translated as ‘an empathy toward things’. The term Mono no aware was coined by Motoori Norinaga, an eighteenth century literary scholar, who combined aware, which means sensitivity or sadness, and mono, which means ‘things.’ Norinaga believed that this feeling was at the very centre of Japanese culture. 

Nekama (ネカマ) – Nekama refers to a certain type of male, who in their normal daily life are usually heterosexual, however, online they represent themselves as female. Thus, this term commonly refers to a man pretending to be a woman on the internet, regardless of his sexuality.

Shouganai (しょうがない) – A Japanese philosophy that states that if something is meant to be and cannot be controlled, then why worry about it? The idea is that worrying won’t prevent the bad things from happening; it will only deprive you of the joy of enjoying the good things in life. Translated literally, shouganai means ‘it can’t be helped’.

Tatemae (建前) and Honne (本音) – Tatemae has the specific cultural meaning. It refers to the behaviour that Japanese people adopt in public, according to what is socially accepted or not by Japanese society. It could be translated as the ‘public facade’. Privately held views that you would never admit in public is called honne.

Tsundoku (積ん読) – How many times have you bought a book but never read it? This is called tsundoku, a beautiful word used to describe the act of buying books but letting them pile without ever reading them. The term originated in the Meiji era (1868–1912) as Japanese slang. The word consists of tsunde-oku (積んでおく, to pile things up ready for later and leave) and dokusho (読書, reading books). It is also used to refer to books ready for reading later when they are on a bookshelf.

Wabi-Sabi (侘寂) – This is a beautiful Japanese concept that represents finding beauty in imperfections. It allows us to accept that growth and decay are a natural process. In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection.  Wabi-sabi is a concept derived from the Buddhist teaching of the three marks of existence (三法印, sanbōin), specifically impermanence (無常, mujō), suffering (苦, ku) and emptiness or absence of self-nature (空, kū).

Yoko meshi (横飯) – Used to convey the stress-induced while speaking a foreign language, the literal meaning is ‘a meal eaten sideways’. Need help learning a language? Check out my guide to the best language learning resources here.

Yūgen (幽玄)  – Yūgen is an important concept in traditional Japanese aesthetics. It refers to the sad beauty associated with human suffering, coupled with a sense of profound mysterious sense and beauty of the universe.

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Related: 69 Wonderful Japanese Expressions That Will Brighten Your Day

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Kivila

Mokita – From the Kivila language native to Papua New Guinea, mokita is a commonly known truth that no one wants to admit or talk about. 

Korean

Dapjeongneo (답정너) – A situation where you’re ‘the right thing’ by telling the other person what they want to hear, even though you might not actually believe it. Sort of like telling a white lie to avoid causing offence.

Gosohada (고소하다) – The feeling you get when someone finally gets what they deserves. When you think to yourself ‘HA serves you right!’, that’s Gosohada.

Gilchi (길치) – What you call someone who has a terrible sense of direction and who constantly gets lost.

Hyo – Pronounced [hee-yo], this is both a name meaning ‘dutiful’ and a term to describe the sense of duty children have towards their parents and the expectation that they may need to make sacrifices for them out of respect.

Latvian

Kaapshljmurslis – Kaapshljmurslis is used to describe the uncomfortable cramped feeling you get when you’re in a crowded bus or train during rush hour.

Lithuanian 

Nepakartojama – A never-to-be-repeated perfect situation. Directly translated, it means ‘unable to repeat’

Malay

Manja – Manja is a person who shows so much outward love and affection towards someone they care about, like a spouse, partner, or child, to the point where they are pampering or spoiling them

Pisan Zapra – The time it takes to eat a banana. Which apparently, is roughly two minutes.

Māori (Cook Islands Maori) 

Papakata – To have one leg shorter than the other.

Norwegian

Dugnad – Is a type of community day where Norwegians get together to help clean up their neighbourhoods by fixing, cleaning, painting or just tidying things up. A dugnad takes place around the change in seasons. Every Norwegian has participated in a dugnad. It’s a great occasion to socialise with your neighbours, which – if you live in Norway – you will know is pretty rare. The added benefit is that a dugnad is usually accompanied by kaffe og kaker (coffee and cakes).

Forelsket – The indescribable euphoria you feel when you start to fall in love with someone.

Pålegg –  Anything that you can put on top of open-faced sandwiches, such as brun øst (Norwegian Cheese) cold cute, tomatoes, lettuce, spreads or other topping.

Utepils – Pronounced [OOH-ta-pilz], Utepils is a beautiful Norwegian compound word where ute means ‘out, outside, outdoors’ and pils means ‘lager’, so it literally translates to ‘outdoors lager’. Utepils is the act of enjoying a beer  while sitting outside on a sunny day – usually after surviving a long winter. Utepils is also the name of a famous brewing company.

Uffda! / Uff da!  – Is a versatile interjection and expression which basically means ‘Oh, I’m sorry to hear that’. It expresses surprise, astonishment, exhaustion, relief, and can be used to express empathy. It means a combination of ‘Ouch for you!’ and ‘I’m so sorry that you hurt yourself’. Within Scandinavian-American culture, Uff da often translates to, ‘I am overwhelmed’. 

Yr – Yr can only be described as a very specific kind of rainfall with tiny, almost floating  raindrops (or snowflakes). It’s similar to drizzle or mist but one as one Norwegian puts it ‘It paints a picture not only in how it’s spelled but how it’s said, it’s more a sound than a word. Also when conjugated: ‘det yrer litt‘. I see foggy whispers of misty rain in the fjords.’ (Source). I think this is the most beautiful untranslatable word I’ve learned so far since learning Norwegian.

Learn Norwegian for travel! Get my free Norwegian travel phrase guide here.

Pascuense (Easter Island)

Tingo – Continuously borrowing items  from a neighbour’s house and not returning them, thereby gradually stealing everything from them one-by-one until there is nothing left.

Persian

Zhaghzhagh – Pronounced [zhaang-zhaah-gh], it’s the uncontrollable chattering of teeth, either due to the cold, or from intense rage.

Polish

Dożywocie – A contract between parents and children, guaranteeing lifetime care in exchange for real estate.

Formacja – Formacja is used in colloquial speech to describe a state of mind that is widespread across a particular generation or period of time. The closest English word would be ‘zeitgeist’.

Kilkanaście – This Polish word refers specifically to any number between 12 and 19 and is used in a similar way as the English ‘umpteen’ or ‘many’, but neither translation is quite correct. 

Kombinować – To make something or try to resolve a problem with the bare minimum and in an unusual way. This could be as a result of having limited access to resources or knowledge.

Radioukacz – Telegraphists who were part of the resistance movements on the Soviet side of the Iron Curtain.

Zalatwic – Zalatwic means ‘to get done’, but in a very specific way and is often either illegal or bends the rules. It involves using a bribe, political clout or connections, or simply personal charm to get the job done. This was especially common in Poland during the days of communism in Poland where it was probably impossible to live without ‘zalatwic’.

Portuguese

Saudade – Saudade is an untranslatable Portuguese term that describes a solemn and melancholic feeling of longing. Saudade can be a longing for something which does not and probably cannot exist or refer to the love that remains long after someone or something is gone and may not return – a nostalgic longing for a person or thing that was loved once, but is now lost. This feeling is a recurring theme in Portuguese and Brazilian literature. Brazil celebrates a day of Saudade every January.

Desenrascanço – Desenrascanço literally means ‘disentanglement’, a term used in Portugal to describe the act of ‘disentangling’ oneself from a difficult situation by using all available means to solve the problem. 

Cafuné – The act of tenderly running your fingers through someone’s hair in a loving way. 

Learn Portuguese for travel! Get my free Portuguese travel phrase guide here.

Romanian

Dor – A sad longing or yearning for someone.

Soare cu Dinti – When you look out the window and it looks lovely and sunny until you actually step outside. Soare cu Dinti describes a beautiful sunny, but very cold day.

Rukwangali (Namibia)

Hanyauku – Pronounced [ha-ahn-yoh-kuu], this Rukwangali word spoken by Namibians, refers to the act of tiptoeing across warm or hot sand.  

Russian

Listopad (листопа́дъ) – The falling of leaves.

Odnoliub (однолюб) – Someone that only has one love in their life or is only capable of a single person at a time.

Pochemuchka (почемучка) – Pochemuchka is a person, usually a child, who asks too many questions. Pronounced [POH-chay-MOO-chka[, it comes from the Russian word pocemu [POH-chay-MUH], which means ‘Why?.’ Pochemuchka was first used in a popular Soviet-era children’s book whose boy hero was given the nickname Alyosha Pochemuchka because he was never satisfied with the answers he got. Pochemuchka is a light-hearted put-down that might be expressed in English with a warning like ‘curiosity killed the cat’.

Razljubit (разлюбить) – Razljubit is the opposite feeling of the Norwegian forelsket when you first fall in love. It’s the feeling you have towards someone you were once in love with. When you see or think of them, you may feel a twinge of affection, but by now it’s totally platonic. That’s razljubit.

Toska (тоска) – Toska is the feeling of anguish, sadness, or melancholia, even though there’s no specific cause. Often spiritual in nature, this is a deep sadness that touches the soul.

Zapoi (Запой) – Zapoi describes being drunk for several days and waking up in an unexpected place that you don’t recognize.

Zloradstvovat (злорадствовать) – Zloradstvovat means to be devilishly happy’, in the evil way, when seeing someone’s misfortune, pain, or loss.

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Learning Russian? Check out these hilarious Russian idioms and expressions

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Samoan

Faamiti – Pronounced [fah-mih-tee], faamiti is a high-pitched noise made by sucking air through tightly-sealed lips in order to attract the attention of a pet or children.

Scottish

Sgrìob –  This Scottish Gaelic term describes the tingle of anticipation felt in the upper lip before drinking whisky.

Suilk – Pronounced [swilk], this Scottish word means to make an abnormal amount of noise whilst such as to swallow, gulp, or suck with a slobbering noise. Suilk is now used in English and even has English verb conjugations, ‘suilking‘ is the act, and a ‘suilker‘ is one who suilks.

Tartle – The moment where you hesitate when introducing someone because you’ve just forgotten their name. You’ve just tartled, so you say, ‘Pardon my tartle!’

Learn Scots for travel! Get my free Scots travel phrase guide here.

Serbian

Merak – This beautiful Serbian word refers to the pursuit of small pleasures everyday, which all adds up to a feeling of contentment, fulfilment and oneness with the larger purpose and the universe.

Slovenian

Vedriti – To shelter from the rain, either literally or metaphorically, such as when you’re in a bad mood and you’re waiting for the negative emotions to pass.

Spregledati – To simultaneously understand someone on a deeper level, whilst also overlooking it.

Spanish

Anteayer – This single word means ‘the day before yesterday’. Anteayer is made up of the Spanish word ante, meaning before or in front of, and ayer, meaning yesterday. In some parts of Latin America and rural Spain, antier is used instead. 

Chingada – Chingada is a vulgar term commonly used in colloquial Mexican Spanish that shouldn’t be thrown around lightly. It can either refer to a special kind of hellish place that’s far away, where you send anyone who irritates you, like when you say ‘go to Hell’, or can be used as a variation of the f-word. Chingada stems from the verb chingar which means to ruin, annihilate, screw or f**k. Like I said, be careful how you use it, if at all!

Desvelado – While the Spanish are known for their siestas, they also have a word which means the complete opposite. Desvelado literally means ‘awake’ and comes from the verb desvelar, which means ‘to reveal’ or ‘to keep awake’. It can also be translated into English as being wide awake, unable to sleep, or sleepless. 

Duende – The word duende has two distinct meanings. The term derives from ‘duen de casa‘ (master of the house), referring to a magical, mythical creature or spirit such as an elf, leprechaun, or even a goblin found in Spanish and Latin American folklore.  The second, and more interesting and beautiful definition, describes the heightened state of emotion, expression, and expression that a performer gives off that draws in the audience. Duende or tener duende (‘to have duende’) is a Spanish term that is traditionally connected with flamenco and other activities that evoke Spanish fiery passion, like bullfighting. In some parts of Spain, duende is used to describe someone who is charming or alluring.

Encandilar – The aftermath of seeing a sudden bright flash of light, often associated with seeing spots. Encandilar comes from the Spanish verb encandilarse, meaning ‘to be dazzled/blinded by’.

Estrenar – Estrenar means ‘first time’ or the beginning of something. It’s used to describe the first time you do, wear or use something for the first time. Don’t you just love that feeling?

Friolero – Friolero describes a person who is particularly susceptible and sensitive to cold weather, prone to easily feeling cold. A similar term also exists in Italian, freddoloso.

Madrugada – The term madrugada is both Spanish and Portuguese and means to get up early in the morning at twilight – the time between midnight and the crack of dawn.

Pena ajena – Ajeno/a generally means ‘someone else’s’ or ‘other people’s’. Literally, meaning ‘sorry for others’, pena ajena is the feeling of humiliation or embarrassment you get upon watching another person’s embarrassment. It’s so embarrassing that it makes you cringe. 

Sobremesa – Shared mealtimes are a very important part of Spanish culture, and the time spent after the meal just chatting and relaxing is very important. So important that they even have a word to describe it. Sobremesa literally means ‘over the table,’  is a Spanish expression that describes that wonderful period after the meal is finished but you continue sitting at the table chatting and enjoy each other’s company.

Tuerto – A one-eyed man, blind in one eye .

Tutear – To speak to someone you know well (usually friends and family) informally by addressing using the ‘tú‘ form instead of the more formal ‘usted‘. The term tutoyer is used in French to describe the same thing where the speaker uses the informal second-person pronoun tu rather than the formal vous.

Vacinlando – Vacilando is a beautiful Spanish word which describes the journey or experience of travelling, is more important than reaching the specific destination.

Learn Spanish for travel! Get my free European Spanish travel phrase guide here and my Latin American travel phrase guide here.

Swahili

Hakuna matata – In the Swahili language, Hakuna matata can be directly translated to ‘there are no troubles’. This phrase was made popular in the English-speaking world thanks to the 1994 Disney movie The Lion King. It can be translated to ‘no worries’ or ‘no dramas’ and means to avoid worrying about things outside of your control. If you’re a fan of the film, here are 20 beautiful African words in ‘The Lion King’ that will make you smile. 

Swedish

Badkruka – A person who feels somewhat hesitant or doesn’t like to swim in an open body of water due to its low temperature.

Blunda – Blunda is a Swedish word that means to close or cover your eyes to avoid seeing something or facing a hard truth. It’s similar to the English expression ‘turn a blind eye’, or can be the simple act of ignoring something.

Duktig – If a Swede says you’re duktig, that’s a huge compliment, because they are saying you’re skilled, capable, or hard-working. Duktig comes from the Swedish verb duga, which means ‘to be good for / to be acceptable for’. You can use duktig on its own, just as you would say ‘you’re such a hard-worker!’ or  ‘good girl/boy!’ to a child. Duktig refers to an action of some sort, whether that’s a job or a specific task.

Fika – Fika is a special kind of Swedish coffee break that could go on for hours and is more about socialising than drinking coffee. It’s all about gathering together to enjoy coffee, pastries, and conversation.

Gökotta – I adore this beautiful untranslatable Swedish word. Gökotta describes waking up at dawn, and going outside, just to hear birds chirping and singing.

Harkla – Harkla is a fantastic verb that means something very similar to ‘to clear one’s throat’. A perfect example would be the moment before you’re about to give a speech and make a half-cough so you can speak clearly.

Hinna – Hinna is a common Swedish verb that means ‘to be on time’ ‘to find the time’. 

Jobbig – Jobbig is an all-encompassing word that means troublesome or trying, annoying or difficult. It can be used to refer to people, things, events – almost anything that is difficult, annoying, or tedious.

Lagom – Lagom means ‘just the right amount’, it’s neither too much, nor too little, but juuuuuust right. Lagom is important in Swedish culture, where you don’t want to ‘stand out’ but having or doing too much.

Mångata – Mångata refers to a long, wavy, road-like reflection of the moon that often appears on water. It draws its origin from ‘måne‘ meaning moon, and ‘gata‘ meaning street or road. So, mångata literally means ‘moon road’.

Mormor / farmor / morfar / farfar – We could definitely use these genius Swedish compound words in English to describe each of our grandparents. Mormor, farmor, morfar, farfar literally means mothermother, fathermother, motherfather, fatherfather – respectively. That is, mormor is your mother’s mother, farmor is your father’s mother, morfar is your mother’s father and farfar is your father’s father. So, the question is, do you want to see more of mormor and less of farfar? So see farmor far less? And while we’re at it, barnbarn (literally, ‘childchild’) is the Swedish word for grandchild.

Mysa – Mysa is a Swedish verb for feeling content, cozy and enjoying oneself, especially at home. Not to be confused with the Danish, hygge which relates to any activity or part of your day, mysa refers specifically to being at home. 

Orka – This common verb in the Swedish language means ‘to have the energy’.

Resfeber – Resfeber refers to the mixture of anxiety and anticipation before a trip or journey begins. Resfeber is considered one of the most beautiful travel words.

Tidsoptimist  – Literally, a ‘time optimist’ this is a person who is constantly late because they think they have more time than they actually do.

Tretår – When two cups of coffee isn’t enough, you go for a second refill or ‘threefill’ of coffee. In Swedish, ‘tår’ means a cup of coffee and ‘patår’ is the refill of said coffee. A ‘tretår’ is therefore a second refill, or a threefill.

Vobba – Describes the very specific act of a parent taking a paid day off to take care of their sick child but still work, for example they check emails or take calls. Vobba is a mash-up of the two verbs att vabba (to take care of a child) and att jobba (to work).

Vabba – From vobba, comes vabba, a shortened version of vård av barn, which means ‘to be at home with the kids’.

Learn Swedish for travel! Get my free Swedish travel phrase guide here 

Tagalog

Gigil – Gigil is the overwhelming feeling that comes over you when you see something unbearably cute that you want to squeeze or pinch it. Kind of like when your grandma wanted to pinch your cheeks when you were a child.

Tampó – In Filipino culture, tampó is when a person withdraws his or her affection or cheerfulness towards someone who has hurt them. A mild case of ‘to hold a grudge’ where you’re someone between hurt and disappointed.  It usually occurs between people related to each other. For example, when a husband forgets to bring his wife flowers for their anniversary, she can have ‘tampó‘ against him.

Kilig – Kilig can be roughly translated as ‘romantic excitement’, it describes the happiness and giddiness you feel when something romantic takes place, either to you or someone else. It’s the feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you catch your crushes’ eye for the first time, witnessing a marriage proposal, or watching your favourite TV show couple. 

Tamil

Oodal – An exaggerated, fake anger that usually follows a quarrel between lovers.

Tshiluba (Congo)

Ilunga – Pronounced [ee-lun-ga], this is a person who is ready to forgive someone once, tolerate it a second time, but never a third time. Kind of like, three strikes and you’re out!

Tulu (Indian)

Karelu – The mark left on the skin from wearing something tight, such as jeans, socks, or a bra.

Turkish

Ciğerpare – This beautiful word literally has Persian origins and literally means ‘liver part’. It refers to someone that you love as much as your own body. Lovers or friends may call each other ciğerparem, meaning ‘my liver part.’

Urdu

Goya – This Urdu word refers to a feeling of wonder and disbelief that accompanies a particularly realistic fantasy. The suspension of disbelief makes it seem so real that it temporarily becomes reality. This is usually associated with good storytelling.

Wagiman

Murr-ma – This beautiful word comes from Wagiman, an almost extinct Australian Aboriginal language spoken in Australia’s Northern Territory. It describes feeling around in water with your feet to find something.

Welsh

Glas wen – The literal translation is ‘blue smile’, and is used to describe a mocking sarcastic smile.

Hiraeth – Pronounced [here-eyeth] (roll the ‘r’), this beautiful Welsh word is much like the Portuguese saudade mentioned earlier or the Romanian dor,  it conveys a feeling of homesickness, sense of regret, along with a general sadness over the lost or departed. This is a longing for one’s homeland, or even a romanticized past, with a yearning for it to come back.

Yaghan 

Mamihlapinatapei – The word mamihlapinatapai (sometimes also spelled mamihlapinatapei) comes from the Yaghan language of Tierra del Fuego in Southern Argentina. Mamihlapinatapai is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘most succinct word’ and is considered extremely difficult to translate. Mamihlapinatapai is a meaningful, but wordless exchange between two people, who both desire to initiate something but are hesitant to act on it. It also can refer to a private but non-verbal exchange shared by two people, one where each knows that the other understands and agrees what is being expressed. 

Yiddish

Shlimazl (שלימזל) – A chronically unlucky, usually inept, clumsy person.

Trepverter – Literally, ‘staircase words’, trepverter is a witty comeback you think of only after it’s too late. 

Luftmensch (לופֿטמענטש‎) – Luftmensch is used to refer a person with their head in the clouds. They are more concerned with airy intellectual pursuits than practical matters like earning an income. From the Yiddish לופֿט‎ (luft, ‘air’) and מענטש‎ (mentsh, ‘man’).

Farpotshket – Pronounced [fahr-POTS-SKEHT], farpotshket is when you or someone you trust tries to fix something but only ends up making things worse, causing irreparable damage. All you can do is shrug, knowing that you should’ve known better. Farpotshket also has an associated verb – potshky (POTs-ski), which means ‘to fiddle with something in a well-meaning and purposeful way, but with a complete lack of competence.’

Chutzpah – Is an untranslatable Yiddish word for adopting a ‘don’t-take-no-for-an-answer’ attitude where you’ll build up the guts to do something ballsy.

Zulu

Ubuntu – The act of being kind to others because of one’s common humanity. Ubuntu is frequently translated as ‘I am because we are,’ or ‘humanity towards others’. 

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Over to you!

Which one of these words in your favourite? Was it the Malay, pisan zapra – the time it takes to eat a banana or the Portuguese cafuné – the act of tenderly running your fingers through someone’s hair. Share your favourites in the comments.

Can you think of any other ‘untranslatable’ words? Have you ever come across words and phrases that could not be translated into your native language? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to the list!

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