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UntranslattableWord 1

20 Beautiful Untranslatable Words from Around the World

Posted on July 24, 2022August 12, 2022 By The Lingwist

As we know, each language has its own unique features, linguistic complexities, and grammatical rule. therefore, translating between them is not easy since the target language cannot capture nor carry the social and artistic aspects of the source language.

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Here, at the lingwist, we will share 20 beautiful untranslatable words around the world that none has a direct translation to others. These words provide a fascinating glimpse into foreign languages and cultures.

1. Tsundoku – Japanese

Buying a book and leaving it unread; usually surrounded by a lot of other unread books.

tsundoku
Via: The Stanford Daily

2. Gökotta – Swedish

To wake up early in the morning with the purpose of going outside to hear the first birds sing

istockphoto 689201708 612x612 1

3. Kyoikumama – Japanese

A mother who pushes her children to achieve academically.

dae9e157 7d54 450a ba21 1b151b68fd9e Hero.jpeg
Via: USA Today

4. L’abbioccio – Italian

The groggy, sleepy, happy feeling after a large meal.

Lockhart Sleepiness after Eating 100217
Via: Doctors Health Press

5. Hè hè – Dutch

a sigh of relief at the end of a long day

eden west lauren the last day by eden west dcpa54w fullview
Via: Lauren

6. Jaysus – Indonesian

An unfunny joke that’s told so badly that you actually laugh.

SEI 100806120
Via: iNews

7. Chanter en yaourt – French

to sing made-up words or sounds when you don’t know the lyrics to a song

savestheday1
Via: Louise et Arthur

8. L’appel du vide – French

Literally ‘the call of the void’ or the sudden desire to jump when you’re standing high up.

image asset
Via: The summit Guide

9. Linslus – Swedish

Someone who wants to be on camera all the time

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Via: warrenworks

10. Taarradhin  تراض – Arabic

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

90
Via: The Chronicle of Higher Education

11. Backpfeifengesicht – German

A face badly in need of a fist

face punch
Via: Fact Slides

12. Gluggaveður – Icelandic

Weather that looks beautiful but is unpleasant to be in.

heimasida vedurmynd litil77
Via: Visit South Iceland

13. Fernweh – German

Feeling homesick for a place you have never been to

Girlsittingonachairandstaringoutthewindowfeelinganxietyanddepression
via: The Soothe

14. Schnapsidee – German

Ideas and plans so ludicrous that they must have been conceived while drunk

17257110 6
Via: DW

15. L’esprit d’escalier – French

Literally ‘the spirit of the stairs’ it is when you think of the perfect come back or retort after the conversation has happened.

aid363973 v4 1200px Deal With People Talking About You Behind Your Back Step 13
Via:Wikihow

16. Feestvarken – Dutch

Literally “party pig”; someone in whose honor a party is thrown

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Via: Wishes

17. Komorebi – Japanese

The sort of scattered, dappled light effect that happens when sunlight shines through trees

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Via: Happiful Magazine

18. Schadenfreude – German

The feeling of joy or pleasure when one sees another fail or suffer misfortune

Eduardo Zamacois y Zabala Regreso al convento
Via: Wikipedia

19. Tingo – Pascuense

To gradually steal all the possessions out of a neighbor’s house by borrowing and not returning

07rdv possessions slide CEOL jumbo
Via: The new York Times Web Archive

20. Slampadato – Italian

The nice orange glow that comes from being addicted to tanning salons



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