Every language has words that cannot be neatly translated into English. These untranslatable words carry emotions, situations, or ideas that are so unique to a culture that they need a whole sentence to explain. Learning them is like peeking into another way of seeing the world, a glimpse of how different cultures capture life in a single phrase.
Take the Portuguese word “saudade.” It describes a profound emotional state of longing for something or someone you miss, often accompanied by a mix of sadness and joy. It is not just missing someone, it is also cherishing the memory at the same time. There is no single English word that fully captures it, which is why “saudade” has become a cultural symbol in Portuguese-speaking countries, especially in music and poetry.
In Japanese, there is “komorebi,” which means the sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees. Imagine walking through a park and noticing the soft, dappled light shining through branches — that is “komorebi.” It serves as a reminder that Japanese has words for even the smallest and most delicate details of nature, illustrating how language can make us more aware of the world around us.
From German comes “Fernweh,” the feeling of longing for faraway places. It is similar to wanderlust, but deeper, almost like homesickness for places you have never been. For people who love travel, this word captures the restless spirit of wanting to explore the unknown.
Another gem is the Tagalog word “gigil,” which means the overwhelming urge to pinch or squeeze something because it is so cute. If you have ever seen a baby or puppy and felt that irresistible reaction, you know what “gigil” is. English has no equivalent, but the feeling is universal.
In Swedish, there is “fika,” which is not just “coffee break.” It is the tradition of taking time to slow down, enjoy coffee and pastries, and most importantly, connect with people. Fika is a cultural habit that values balance and togetherness, proving that sometimes a word can reflect a way of life.
These words remind us that language is not just about grammar or vocabulary lists. It is about culture, memory, and the way people interpret their experiences. Untranslatable words highlight how diverse human expression can be. They show that feelings we all share can take different forms depending on where we come from.
At the end of the day, learning untranslatable words is not only fun, it is also a way of connecting with the creativity of human expression. It proves that some emotions go beyond borders, and sometimes, the best way to understand them is to learn a new word.