Untranslatable Words from Other Languages and What They Teach Us
Language is more than a means of communication. It is a vessel of culture, identity, and the collective experience of a people. While every language offers a unique lens through which to view the world, some languages capture sentiments, emotions, and concepts in ways that defy easy translation. 
These "untranslatable" words are often deeply embedded in cultural nuances, offering us valuable insights into how people across the world navigate life, relationships, and the human experience.
Exploring these words not only broadens our understanding of language but also teaches us valuable lessons about perspectives that we may overlook in our own language systems.
The Power of Words: Capturing What Can't Be Expressed
Many languages have words for experiences that English simply cannot encapsulate with one neat term. These untranslatable words hold powerful meaning because they point to concepts that might feel familiar but require a sentence or even a paragraph to convey in another language.
Saudade (Portuguese): Perhaps one of the most famous untranslatable words, saudade refers to a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that may never return. It is a bittersweet feeling, tinged with both joy from memories and sadness from absence. Portuguese speakers use saudade to convey a depth of emotion that transcends simple longing or sadness.
Gezelligheid (Dutch): This Dutch word captures a cozy, warm feeling of being in a pleasant, intimate atmosphere, often with loved ones. Whether it’s enjoying time with friends at home, a comfortable evening by the fire, or the general sense of conviviality, gezelligheid speaks to the value placed on warmth and togetherness in Dutch culture.
Wabi-sabi (Japanese): In Japan, wabi-sabi expresses a worldview that embraces imperfection and transience. It is the appreciation of the beauty found in the flawed or the incomplete, celebrating the natural cycle of growth and decay. While English speakers often emphasize perfection, wabi-sabi teaches us to find beauty in the imperfections that life inevitably presents.
These words offer more than definitions; they reflect the values and emotional landscapes of the cultures from which they come. For English speakers, learning about these untranslatable words broadens emotional and philosophical awareness.
What Untranslatable Words Teach Us About Perspective
The existence of untranslatable words reveals that language shapes how we see the world. Linguist Benjamin Lee Whorf’s theory of linguistic relativity posits that the language we speak influences the way we think. When we encounter words that have no direct translation in our own language, it is a sign that those concepts might not be as prominently recognized in our own culture or way of thinking.
Toska (Russian): Russian has a unique way of capturing emotions, and toska is a perfect example. It describes a deep, spiritual anguish or longing without a specific object. It can range from a mild sense of melancholy to an overwhelming existential pain. Unlike “boredom” or “sadness” in English, toska reflects the soul’s cry for something missing, whether that’s a person, a place, or a state of mind.
Hygge (Danish): While English speakers may describe coziness or comfort, hygge embodies a uniquely Danish focus on wellbeing, warmth, and creating a space where happiness flourishes. It’s about finding pleasure in ordinary moments, whether it's lighting a candle or sharing tea with a friend. This word is an important cultural concept in Denmark, teaching us the value of mindfulness in everyday life.
These examples offer a glimpse into the different emotional and cognitive frameworks that shape various cultures. Through these words, we learn that language is not simply a reflection of what we can express, but also a guide for what we learn to value.
Cultural Identity Encoded in Language
Language often reflects the specific environmental and cultural contexts in which people live. When examining untranslatable words, we see not only emotional depth but also the unique conditions and histories that gave rise to these terms.
Schadenfreude (German): This German word refers to the pleasure derived from another person’s misfortune. While this emotion may not be exclusive to German culture, the fact that there is a single word for it suggests an awareness of this specific emotion in human behavior. In English, we might say “guilty pleasure” or “taking joy in another’s pain,” but neither fully captures the succinct clarity of schadenfreude.
Ubuntu (Nguni Bantu, Southern Africa): This powerful word from South Africa is deeply tied to the philosophy of human interconnectedness. Ubuntu is the belief in "I am because we are," emphasizing the importance of community, empathy, and shared humanity. It teaches us that our well-being is intricately linked to the well-being of others, encouraging a collective approach to life.
In these words, we find pieces of cultural identity and history. Whether it’s the Scandinavian focus on simplicity and comfort or the African emphasis on community and shared responsibility, language is a repository of cultural wisdom.
The Expanding Reach of Untranslatable Words
The globalization of ideas and communication means that many untranslatable words are becoming part of international discourse. Through literature, film, and social media, words like hygge and schadenfreude are gaining recognition beyond their original linguistic boundaries. As they do, these words serve as bridges between cultures, allowing us to adopt new ways of thinking and experiencing the world.
Fernweh (German): A yearning for far-off places or a desire to travel, fernweh contrasts with homesickness, offering a poetic way to express wanderlust. As travel becomes increasingly accessible, this word resonates with people around the world who long for adventure and exploration.
Kilig (Tagalog, Filipino): This word captures the feeling of excitement or butterflies in your stomach that comes from a romantic encounter or a sweet gesture. It conveys the intensity of a moment that’s filled with joy, affection, and anticipation. As cultures share more through social media, words like kilig gain universal appeal, as they describe universally relatable experiences.
These words remind us that language is not static; it evolves and adapts as we connect with others. As we encounter words from other languages, we not only expand our vocabulary but also deepen our capacity for empathy and understanding.
Conclusion
The existence of untranslatable words reminds us that language, though powerful, has its limits. However, those limits are also opportunities. They push us to expand our minds, embrace new concepts, and appreciate the complexity of human experience across cultures. By learning these words, we gain more than just vocabulary—we gain insight into the emotional, philosophical, and cultural fabric of the world.
In a time where cultural exchange is easier than ever, understanding these untranslatable words can foster a deeper sense of global empathy. Whether it's the melancholic beauty of saudade or the collective wisdom of ubuntu, these words teach us lessons that transcend linguistic boundaries. Language, in its infinite diversity, offers a window into the soul of humanity. And through these unique expressions, we come to appreciate the shared joys, sorrows, and aspirations that make us human.
