Does something got you feeling “some type of way,” but you can’t quite describe it?
Well, you might be able to find the exact word for your very specific feeling in a different language.
In a book, titled A Brief History of Intelligence, author Max Bennett highlights emotion words in different cultures that are untranslatable in other languages.
He writes,
“In German, there is a word, sehnsucht, that roughly translates to the emotion of wanting a different life; there is no direct English translation. In Persian, the word ænduh expresses the concepts of regret and grief simultaneously; in Dargwa, the word dard expresses the concepts of anxiety and grief simultaneously. In English we have separate words for each.”
Language is a window into the soul of a culture, offering insights into the unique perspectives, values, and emotions that shape its identity.
Across the globe, there exist words that defy easy translation, encapsulating complex sentiments and experiences that eclipse linguistic bounds.
Let’s take a look at a few of these words.
Litost & the Soul
Litost, a Czech term, embodies a profound sense of anguish and torment, an existential angst that permeates the soul.
It reflects the bittersweet realization of one’s own inadequacies and failures, tinged with a yearning for redemption and absolution.
Pena Ajena & Public Humiliation
Pena ajena, from Spanish-speaking cultures, captures the cringe-worthy sensation of vicarious embarrassment or shame experienced when witnessing someone else’s social blunder or misfortune.
It evokes a feeling of discomfort and awkwardness, tinged with empathy and a desire to alleviate the other person’s discomfort.
Hygge & A Warm Cup of Tea
Hygge, a Danish concept, celebrates the art of cozy contentment and simple pleasures.
It encompasses the warmth of shared moments with loved ones, the comfort of a crackling fire on a cold winter’s night, and the joy of savoring life’s small delights.
Inshallah & The Divine
Inshallah, an Arabic phrase, translates to “God willing” and embodies a profound acceptance of fate and divine providence.
It reflects a belief in the uncertainty of the future and the recognition that outcomes are ultimately in the hands of a higher power.
Koi No Yokan & True Love
Koi no yokan, a Japanese term, describes the premonition or intuition of love, the sense of knowing upon first meeting someone that a profound and meaningful connection will blossom between them.
It conveys a deep-seated belief in the power of destiny and the inevitability of love’s unfolding.
Each of these words/phrases offers a glimpse into a world of human experience, revealing how emotion, belief, and perception come together in language.
In exploring the cultural significance of these words, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human expression and the universal yearning for connection, understanding, and meaning.
Success Across Cultures 