We’ve all been there—caught in an emotion that words simply can't capture. It’s that moment when you feel so much, but trying to explain it sounds like a mix of half-finished thoughts and awkward hand gestures.
I was being taunted and tortured by a girl, a mean girl, way back when. It was not unusual; I was an easy target, plump, pimpled, and popularity limited. The girls were doing the usual quick and brutal summations of my clothes, weight,… whatever. Just sort of drive by quips that somehow these girls, my age or one year older, had become the masters of. They knew the pain points, the deepest fears to expose, and they did with ease and glee. And though my waistline was thick, my skin was still very thin, and these quick assessments, these hallway evaluations always left me with a stupid, they’re right, what can I say, smile. Inside, it hurt.
One day, after a particularly cruel, but admittedly accurate, summarization of me as a being whose worth was questionable, one of these mean girls stepped toward me and asked if all these insults bothered me. “I mean,” she said, looking back at their leader, a blonde cheerleader with perfect skin and the bluest eyes anyone had ever seen. She was the physical embodiment of popularity; even to a toad like me, she was perfect. Perfect in her person and perfect in her cruelty. Her minion looked back at this leader of the pack and continued on, “I mean, you have to admit, you never fight back, and that makes you kind of pathetic. Why don’t you fight back?”
In my head, I said, “I don't fight back because I have neither wit nor the courage for it. I am what you say. This is high school, for god’s sake, and every abnormality, weakness, defect, lapse in personal hygiene, is fodder for the popularity cannon. I have no weapons, I have no hope, and I just want this to stop so people stop looking at me and I can just slink down the hall to my next class and be forgotten.”
But out loud, I said something very different. I mustered the courage to say that what they said didn’t bother me because the ones saying it were of questionable morals. I pointed at her, the leader, the beauty queen of my pain, and I said, “For example, this girl is an easy glove, my friends, she goes off and on at pleasure.”
That’s right, I laid some Shakespeare on her, a little All’s Well That Ends Well. I was psyched, all my nerdy Shakespeare love had finally paid off, and there was the crowd that I had imagined gathered to hear me pull this quip from my quiver and unleash it on this poor, unsuspecting popular girl. I was full of pride, for about ten seconds. Then I realized that no one, not one person in the group in front of me, understood what I had just said. The faces were blank, the mouths were silent until one of the mean girls said, “Freak can’t even speak English.” The hall erupted with laughter. I had shot my shot and missed miserably.
This taught me a valuable lesson: know your audience, read the room, and speak a language everyone understands. What was a brilliant, stinging retort to me lay on the floor like a wet cracker to the world around me. If only I’d known the right word to describe that situation... but alas, there’s no direct translation in English. And yet, across the world, there are phrases that capture this very moment in ways that are often more perfect than any translation could be. So, let’s explore a few of these untranslatable gems, where language isn’t just a means of communication—it’s a window into different cultures, and sometimes, a good laugh.
The Feelings We All Get (But Don’t Know How to Describe in English)
We’ve all been there—caught in an emotion that words simply can't capture. It’s that moment when you feel so much, but trying to explain it sounds like a mix of half-finished thoughts and awkward hand gestures. This is where untranslatable words come in, offering up perfect, quirky solutions to the feelings we all know, but have trouble putting into words.
Take, for example, the German word "Fernweh"—a longing for faraway places, a deep, almost painful desire to travel and explore, even when there’s no immediate reason to leave home. It's that itch you get when you look at a map or see a travel vlog and wish you could just jump on a plane without a second thought. English just doesn’t have a word that captures this wanderlust in such a vivid way.
And then there’s the Japanese word "Mono no aware"—a beautiful, bittersweet understanding that nothing lasts forever. It’s the feeling you get when you watch the last petal fall from a flower, or when the final day of a vacation hits and you realize it’s time to go back to reality. It’s an emotional nuance that’s hard to explain in a single English phrase, but so universally understood.
Similarly, the Portuguese have "Saudade"—a word that seems to exist purely to describe a deep yearning for something or someone that is gone but never forgotten. It’s not just missing something; it’s a complex combination of longing, melancholy, and nostalgia. We all experience it, but "Saudade" encapsulates it in a way that feels complete, like an old friend calling you home after years apart.
And for those times when the universe just feels right, there’s the Finnish word "Sisu." It’s not a feeling of joy or elation, but a quiet determination to keep going, even when everything seems stacked against you. It’s the kind of resilience you discover when you push through fatigue, doubt, and setbacks, only to realize you’ve kept moving forward. This kind of quiet perseverance doesn't have a perfect English counterpart, but "Sisu" carries all of that weight and more.
These words speak to something larger than language—they capture the human condition in all its complexities, quirks, and fleeting moments. In our everyday lives, we experience these feelings, but without the perfect word to express them, we settle for something close, but never quite enough. These untranslatable words offer a gift: a chance to truly capture a feeling, to give it form and clarity, even if we can’t say it in English.
These words speak to something larger than language—they capture the human condition in all its complexities, quirks, and fleeting moments. In our everyday lives, we experience these feelings, but without the perfect word to express them, we settle for something close, but never quite enough. These untranslatable words offer a gift: a chance to truly capture a feeling, to give it form and clarity, even if we can’t say it in English.
But what about the situations that don’t just tap into our emotions—they take us by surprise, make us laugh, or even leave us scratching our heads? While our hearts may be filled with "Fernweh", sometimes the moments that make us laugh or wonder about the world around us need words that fit the bill just as perfectly. We’ve all been there: in a situation so ridiculous, so specific, that no matter how you try to explain it, there’s just no simple word for it. Luckily, other languages have us covered with expressions for those, too.
The Quirky Situations We All Find Ourselves In
Have you ever found yourself in a situation so unique and absurd that no matter how much you try to explain it, the English language just doesn’t have a word to capture the moment? Whether it’s that awkward moment when you wave at someone thinking they’re waving at you, only to realize they’re waving at the person behind you, or that time you tried to politely ignore someone’s weird dancing at a wedding, some situations deserve a word all their own.
Enter "Tingo"—a word from the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island, which means to borrow things from a friend’s house one at a time until they have nothing left. If you've ever had that friend who slowly "borrows" your stuff until your closet looks suspiciously empty, you know exactly what this feels like.
Then there’s the Swedish word "Fika"—but it’s not just a coffee break. It’s an experience, a social ritual, where people take time out of their busy lives to sit down, have coffee, and chat. In English, we have coffee breaks, but "Fika" carries a deeper sense of community, relaxation, and connection, turning an ordinary moment into something special.
And don’t forget about "Gigil", a Filipino word used to describe that irresistible urge to squeeze something so cute you might explode. We’ve all had that moment when a puppy or a baby is just too adorable to handle, and while English may offer us “cuteness overload,” "Gigil" takes it to a whole new level, describing the feeling in a way that’s both endearing and specific.
These quirky situations, where humor and the absurd meet, often need words that capture the essence of the moment perfectly. They remind us that life’s oddest moments are often the ones that leave us laughing or shaking our heads, but without a word to perfectly explain them, we end up describing them with long-winded stories, gestures, and plenty of exaggerated facial expressions.
Words That Make Us Laugh
Sometimes, words are just funny for the way they sound. Whether it’s a bizarre combination of syllables or a word that somehow just feels funny when you say it, some untranslatable words exist purely to make us laugh. Take the Dutch word "Koffietijd"—literally "coffee time." But when said with the right enthusiasm, it somehow becomes an invitation to joy, as if the word itself is a mini celebration.
Then there's the German word "Kummerspeck"—directly translating to "grief bacon," this word describes the weight gained from emotional overeating. We’ve all been there—stressed out or heartbroken and reaching for a pint of ice cream. "Kummerspeck" perfectly sums up that feeling of eating away your emotions—and it’s such a fun word to say, it almost makes you feel a little better about it.
And who can forget the Japanese word "Boketto"? It’s the act of staring vacantly into space, lost in thought, but with no real purpose. We’ve all done it, whether it’s during a meeting or on a long commute. The best part is how "Boketto" sounds—it's light, almost like the sound of an exhale. Just saying it might make you feel like you're floating away on your own daydreams.
These words capture the absurdity of life, turning everyday experiences into something that’s oddly delightful. When you encounter them, you can’t help but smile at how they’re so spot on and how they manage to elevate something as simple as a coffee break or a moment of distraction into something that feels memorable.
Why It’s Good to Look Outside of English
While English has its charm, it’s not always the best language for capturing the full spectrum of human experience. That’s where other languages come in, offering up words and expressions that convey complex emotions, thoughts, and situations more precisely than we ever could in our own vernacular.
The beauty of untranslatable words is that they make us realize how much we’ve been missing. Whether it’s the word "Kummerspeck" for the guilt we feel when stress leads us to emotional eating, or "Gigil" for the uncontrollable urge to squeeze something cute, these words fill gaps in our language that we didn’t even know existed. They show us that there are more ways to express ourselves than just what's available in English, and often, those words hold an emotional resonance that feels just right.
Take, for instance, the word "Hygge" from Danish. It’s the idea of cozy contentment, the warmth of a candlelit room, a soft blanket, and good company. English might offer us “comfort,” but "Hygge" captures the essence of that feeling in a way that connects deeply with the Danish approach to life: finding joy in simplicity and togetherness. It’s not just a word; it’s a lifestyle, one that reminds us to slow down and appreciate the little moments.
By using words from other languages, we’re not just borrowing vocabulary—we’re adopting perspectives and emotions that might have been overlooked in our own culture. "Saudade" from Portuguese, for example, isn’t just missing someone or something—it’s a profound, nostalgic longing that can never quite be fulfilled. To experience "Saudade" is to understand a different way of processing loss, one that doesn’t ask you to get over it but to sit with it, to feel its bittersweetness fully.
These untranslatable words also allow us to communicate more effectively. When you're trying to describe a moment that feels just a little too specific to put into a simple English phrase, it can be frustrating. But with the right foreign word, that frustration fades, and you feel understood. It’s a kind of linguistic shorthand—one that captures a feeling, a situation, or a concept perfectly, in just one word.
Looking beyond English also opens up our world to the diverse ways different cultures view the human experience. Every language is a reflection of the history, values, and worldview of the people who speak it. So when we adopt words from other languages, we’re not just learning a new expression—we’re expanding our own understanding of the world around us. It’s a way to enrich our vocabulary, gain new insights into ourselves, and maybe even add a little fun to our day-to-day conversations.
The next time you’re struggling to find the right words, maybe look beyond English and see if another language has just the phrase you need to capture that perfect moment or feeling. After all, sometimes a little extra vocabulary is all we need to make the world a little more meaningful.
The Cost of Playing It Safe
When we play it safe, we limit our potential—both as individuals and as communicators. Sure, sticking to the usual words and phrases might feel comfortable, but it also means missing out on the richness that comes from truly expressing ourselves. Just like how avoiding the unfamiliar can keep us in a linguistic bubble, sticking to what we know in life often results in missed opportunities for growth and connection.
Consider the word "Sobremesa" from Spanish, which describes the time spent sitting around the table after a meal, chatting, laughing, and savoring the moment. In English, we don’t have a word for this, so we simply say, “the time after dinner,” which doesn’t capture the essence of the experience. "Sobremesa" is about more than food; it’s about connection, relaxation, and savoring the small moments that make life rich. But without the word, we often rush through meals, moving on to the next thing without taking the time to appreciate the moment.
In a similar vein, how often do we feel emotions that we can’t quite articulate? The feeling of longing that’s more than nostalgia but not quite sorrow, something only "Saudade" from Portuguese can define. Without this word, we might try to describe that sense of melancholy with a variety of phrases, but none would quite match the depth of feeling. We risk losing the full expression of our emotions simply because we don't have the words for them.
When we limit ourselves to the standard expressions and avoid stepping outside of English, we’re not just limiting our vocabulary—we’re limiting how we experience the world. The beauty of words like "Ikigai" (Japanese for a reason for being) or "Gigil" (Filipino for the irresistible urge to squeeze something cute) is that they offer clarity and precision, making us more capable of describing the full spectrum of our experiences.
Taking the risk of stepping outside of English opens up a world of expression. At first, it might feel uncomfortable, like venturing into unfamiliar territory or trying on a new way of thinking. But when we embrace words from other languages, we broaden our horizons. We begin to realize that the words we use shape the way we understand the world. Embracing untranslatable words is not just about enriching our vocabulary—it’s about connecting to the world around us in a way that feels more authentic, more meaningful.
In the end, the cost of playing it safe in language is much greater than a few awkward moments. It’s the missed opportunities to express ourselves fully, to connect with others more deeply, and to see the world through a more colorful lens. So, maybe it’s time to step outside our comfort zones and let new words shape the way we experience life.
Summing Up: The Power of Words
Looking back at the moment from my opening story, when I stood there, floundering for the right words, I now realize that it wasn’t just the words I lacked—it was the perspective. The experience taught me how vital it is to have the right language to express what we’re feeling, thinking, or experiencing. And while I didn’t have the perfect words in that moment, I learned something important: the search for the right words is part of the process, and sometimes, the right word can change everything.
If only I’d known about words like "Kummerspeck" (grief bacon)—I could have laughed at my situation instead of letting frustration take over. Or perhaps "Gigil" would have helped me explain my feelings in that awkward, confusing moment. The more I think about it, the more I see how these untranslatable words, from "Sobremesa" to "Saudade", do more than just fill gaps in our language. They enrich the way we see the world, they allow us to communicate more authentically, and they give us the chance to understand and appreciate feelings and experiences that English just can't quite capture.
The beauty of language is that it's not static—it’s evolving, growing, and expanding. And sometimes, the key to truly understanding ourselves and others is stepping outside of the familiar. When we embrace untranslatable words, we’re not just adopting new vocabulary—we’re embracing new ways of thinking, new perspectives, and new ways of connecting with the world around us.
In the end, the pursuit of the perfect word is a reminder that language is more than just a tool for communication. It’s a bridge that connects us to each other, to our emotions, and to the deeper meanings of our lives. So, the next time you find yourself searching for the right words, remember that the perfect word might be waiting for you in another language. It could be the word that triggers a moment of Satori, a sudden enlightenment that shifts everything into place.
And hey, look at that, a little Panta Rhei, everything flows. Just like in my opening story, where I struggled to find the right words, we’ve come back to the idea that the right word can change everything. Sometimes, it just takes stepping outside of the familiar to see things in a new light.
