300+ Beautiful Foreign Words You’ll Wish Existed in English (With Aesthetic Visuals)
Discover the most beautiful foreign words with deep meanings you won’t find in English. Untranslatable, poetic, and full of feeling, this curated list says what English can’t.
There’s already a post out there. On my travel blog. A beautiful one. It’s called Most Beautiful Words in the World, and somehow, over the years, it became the soul of that blog.
My quiet little post about words turned into the most visited, most loved, most shared thing I’d ever written. Not a destination guide. Not a packing list. Just… words.
So now that I’ve started a blog dedicated to words, to their beauty, weight, wonder, and power, how could I not write this post again? Even if it means competing with my past self (sorry, Travel Me). This version, though, is bigger, better, and so much more me.
I’ve already shared a few of my favorite English words that feel like soft poetry and afternoon thoughts, and a list of beautiful bookish words that deserve to be dog-eared, underlined, and maybe whispered into your coffee.
And if you love tracing word roots like I do, you’ll enjoy this deep dive into English words that come from Greek, and also this one on Latin words quietly living their second life in English.
I’ve been collecting aesthetic words, the little heartbreakers and heart-menders, since childhood, hoarding them in my notes app, scribbling them on bookmarks, and saving them like pressed flowers, from the margins of books, the ends of poems, those strange little phrases people drop in conversations and never explain.
Later, I found more while traveling, in signboards, menus, train stations, overheard chats, and sometimes tucked quietly inside a stranger’s smile.
Some of these pretty words with no English equivalent, yet so much meaning, I’ve carried for years, like souvenirs. Others still surprise me. But all of them do something English often doesn’t; they name the unnamed. That exact feeling. That blink-and-you-miss-it mood. That memory you didn’t know you were still carrying.
We also call them untranslatable words. It’s a fancy way of saying that English doesn’t really have a word for this. It would take a whole sentence (or paragraph) to explain what this one delicate word from another language captures in a heartbeat. And that’s the magic. These words name what we feel but don’t know how to say.
So here it is: a collection of the most beautiful untranslatable words in other languages from around the world I’ve ever found. From languages around the world. With meanings that stay with you long after you scroll past.
Each one comes from a different corner of the world. Each one carries a story. And trust me, by the end of this post, you’ll want to adopt at least five into your everyday moodboard of feelings.
✦ A Little Note From Me: This list is a mix of memory, curiosity, and a whole lot of wandering, both in real life and online. Some of these words came from chats with locals over coffee in tiny towns. Others were plucked from dusty books, late-night YouTube rabbit holes, and random Pinterest boards. I tried my best with the pronunciation. Some I picked up from people who speak the language, while others I learned from slow-motion videos, replaying every syllable like a detective with a magnifying glass. So, if you’re a native speaker and spot a little oopsie, do drop a kind correction in the comments. I’ll happily fix it. We’re building this word garden together. Think of it as a globe-trotting glossary sprinkled with a little human error, a lot of love, and probably a questionable accent or two.
Untranslatable Beautiful Foreign Words That Speak to the Soul
Aamukaste (Finnish)
aa-moo-kahs-teh
that soft shimmer you step on before the world fully wakes
Abbiocco (Italian)
the drowsy, contented feeling after a big meal ab-byok-koh
when pasta hugs you from the inside, and your eyelids agree
Abendrot (German)
the reddish glow of the sky at sunset ah-buhnt-roht
when the day exhales one last color-soaked breath before night folds in
Ahimsa (Sanskrit)
non-violence in thought, word, and action uh-him-saa
the quiet strength of choosing kindness, even when anger feels easier
Age-otori (Japanese)
looking worse after a haircut ah-geh oh-toh-ree
when you said “just a trim” and they heard “start over”
Ailyak (Bulgarian)
the subtle art of doing everything calmly and without rush eye-lyak
for days when you’re not lazy, just masterfully slow
Akihi (Hawaiian)
forgetting directions right after they’re given ah-kee-hee
when your brain nods politely but your feet forget the plan
Amānati (Arabic)
something entrusted to your care, with the promise it will be protected and returned ah-mah-nah-tee
some things we hold aren’t ours, they’re acts of trust waiting to be honored
Apnapan (Hindi)
the warm feeling of belonging, of being accepted as one’s own up-naa-pun
like walking into a room and feeling instantly at home—no need to explain yourself, just be
Apprivoisé (French)
to tame; to form a bond through gentle patience and trust ah-pree-vwah-zay the kind of closeness that’s not forced, but quietly earned over time
Apresado (Spanish)
someone who’s always in a rush ah-preh-sah-do
when life feels like a never-ending sprint to nowhere
Arbejdsglæd (Danish)
the joy you feel from doing your work well ar-bites-gleh-the
when a good day at work makes your heart clock in too
Arigata-meiwaku (Japanese)
an act someone does for you that you didn’t want, but must thank them for ah-ree-gah-tah may-wah-koo
the polite smile you put on while screaming inside
Aspaldiko (Basque)
the joy of seeing someone you haven’t seen in a long time ahs-pal-dee-ko like hugging a memory that turned back into a person
Attraversiamo (Italian)
let’s cross over (often used symbolically to mean starting anew) ah-trah-ver-see-ah-mo
when you’re ready to leave the old shore behind, no map needed
Augenblick (German)
a fleeting, blink-of-an-eye moment ow-gen-blick
the kind of second that leaves a mark deeper than time
Backpfeifengesicht (German)
a face that’s begging to be slapped back-fy-fen-ge-zisht
that rare expression that tests every ounce of your patience
Baadastoor (Urdu)
continuing as always, carrying on in the usual way baa-das-toor
when life moves forward, unchanged, unshaken, quietly steady
Badkruka (Swedish)
someone who refuses to get into the water bahd-kroo-kah
the one wrapped in a towel while everyone else is making splashy memories
Bakku-shan
a girl who looks pretty from behind but not from the front bahk-koo-shahn
beauty that only lasts until the turn, then you pretend to squint at the sun
Beija-flor (Portuguese)
a hummingbird, literally “flower kisser” bay-zha flor
joy on wings, flitting through petals like it’s writing poems mid-air
Bérézina (French)
a complete and disastrous failure beh-ray-zee-nah
when everything goes wrong, and you just stand there blinking
Besa (Albanian)
a solemn promise that must never be broken beh-sah
trust woven so deeply, it becomes part of your breath
Bhava (Sanskrit)
a state of being, emotion, or mental attitude; the mood behind an action or expression bhuh-vuh
it’s that deep, unspoken feeling that colors everything like devotion in a glance, or sorrow in silence
Bilita Mpash (Bantu)
a dream that’s blissfully perfect, better than reality bee-lee-tah mm-pahsh
waking up wishing sleep could last just five minutes more
Blunda (Swedish)
to shut your eyes, not in sleep, but to shut out the world bloon-dah
the soft pause button when the day gets too loud
Boghz (Persian)
the lump in your throat when you’re trying not to cry boghz (like bo-ghz, with a deep guttural ‘gh’)
when emotion rises, but you lock it behind silence
Boketto (Japanese)
gazing blankly into the distance without thinking boh-keh-toh
when your thoughts drift somewhere between here and nowhere
Bricoleur (French)
someone who creates with whatever is on hand bree-koh-lur
making beauty out of scraps like life’s version of freestyle art
Cafuné (Brazilian Portuguese)
the act of running your fingers gently through someone’s hair kah-foo-neh
a silent love letter written with fingertips
Camhanaich (Scottish Gaelic)
the twilight of early morning; the pale light just before sunrise kav-an-ach (soft “ch” as in “loch”)
when the world hasn’t fully woken, but the light is already whispering secrets to the sky
Cavoli riscaldati (Italian)
“reheated cabbage”; getting back with an ex kah-voh-lee rees-kahl-dah-tee some leftovers are better left cold
Chindōgu (Japanese)
an ingenious gadget that’s almost useless chin-doh-goo
clever chaos in object form, delightful and pointless
Chingada (Mexican Spanish slang)
a vulgar place or state of being messed up cheen-gah-dah when life flips the table and smirks
Chutzpah (Yiddish)
shameless audacity or boldness khoots-pah walking into the storm in heels and demanding a seat at the table
Commovente (Italian)
something deeply moving, stirring emotions to the core koh-mo-ven-teh
when your chest feels full and your eyes forget to stay dry
Conte (French)
a short tale or story, often whimsical or imaginative in nature kon-tuh
the kind of story that slips between reality and fantasy, leaving a trace of wonder behind
Còsagach (Scottish Gaelic)
snug, sheltered, and warm, evoking a sense of cozy contentment kaw-sa-gach
like curling up with a book while the wind hums outside your window
Croire (French)
to believe, not just in facts but in people, dreams, love krwah
faith that lives quietly in your heart, even when logic packs up and leaves
Cúbóg (Irish)
a shadowy nook, a small hidden place koo-bohg
where secrets curl up and stories take shelter
Culaccino (Italian)
the ring left on a table by a cold glass koo-lah-chee-no
proof something refreshing once lingered, a memory in liquid form
Cynefin (Welsh)
the feeling of belonging in a place, as if your soul knows it kuh-neh-vin
when a place feels like memory, even if you’ve never been there before
Dalisay (Tagalog)
pure, untainted, sincere dah-lee-sigh
like truth without noise or love without conditions
Dalalæða (Icelandic)
calm fog that rolls in quietly on a windless day da-la-lay-tha a hush over the world, like nature holding its breath
Dapjeongneo (Korean)
the answer someone gives just because it’s expected dap-jung-nyuh
nodding your head while your soul shrugs
Dépaysement (French)
the strange, disorienting feeling of being in a new place day-peyz-mahn
that floaty feeling of being out of your usual world, not lost — just elsewhere
Dérive (French)
a spontaneous, unplanned drift through streets, guided by the city’s mood rather than a destination day-reev
when you let the city lead and your thoughts wander with your feet
Desbundar (Portuguese)
to let loose completely, to break free from inhibitions and go all out with joy or emotion des-boon-dar
when you dance like no one’s watching, laugh till you cry, or finally stop holding it all in, that’s desbundar in full swing
Desenlace (Spanish)
the outcome, resolution, or ending of a story deh-sen-lah-seh
that final page where all knots come undone or tighten
Desenrascanço (Portuguese)
the ability to improvise a solution on the spot deh-sen-ras-kan-soo
pulling brilliance out of chaos without a plan, just vibes
Desvelado (Spanish)
sleep-deprived, unable to sleep des-veh-lah-doh when your mind keeps dancing long after your eyes beg to rest
Dès vu (French — not standard)
the unsettling feeling that something very familiar is suddenly unfamiliar dess voo like forgetting the face you see in the mirror every day
Datsuzoku (Japanese)
the feeling of freedom that comes from breaking routine or escaping convention daht-soo-zoh-koo
when life slips out of its box and breathes a little easier
Dor (Romanian)
an aching longing, both sweet and sorrowful dor
when your heart reaches for something it can’t quite hold
Doreh (Persian)
a cozy gathering of close friends filled with conversation and ease doh-reh
the kind of evening that feels like a soft chair and familiar laughter
Dożywocie (Polish)
a life sentence doh-zhih-voh-cheh
forever sealed in time, no turning pages, just the same line
Drachenfutter (German)
a gift given to a partner after doing something wrong dra-khen-foot-er
guilt, wrapped up in flowers and a hopeful smile
Duende (Spanish)
the soul or spirit of passion in art that gives you goosebumps dwen-deh when words, music, or dance make you feel wildly alive
Dugnad (Norwegian)
unpaid voluntary work done together for the good of the community doog-nahd hands joined in effort, the heart of a neighborhood beating in sync
Duktig (Swedish)
hardworking, capable, or well-behaved dook-teeg when praise feels like pressure dressed as politeness
Duša (Slavic languages – e.g., Serbian, Croatian, Slovene)
soul; the essence of one’s being that holds emotion, spirit, and depth doo-sha
the part of you that feels things before your mind even catches up
Dushi (Papiamento – spoken in Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire)
sweet, lovely, or dear, used to describe someone or something precious doo-shee
when a single word feels like a warm hug with sunshine in its arms
Eigengrau (German)
the color your eyes see in total darkness, not black, but dark gray eye-gen-grow the quiet shade behind closed eyes that still feels like something
Einfühlungsvermögen (German)
the ability to deeply understand and empathize with others ine-fyoo-loongs-fer-mer-gen
walking in someone’s shoes, feeling every stone underfoot
Ellerinize sağlık (Turkish)
literally means “health to your hands”, a heartfelt way to thank someone for something they’ve made, especially food el-leh-ree-nee-zeh sah-luhk
when gratitude tastes better than dessert
Elmosolyodni (Hungarian)
the act of slowly breaking into a smile el-moh-shoy-od-nee
when your face surrenders to a feeling it can’t hide anymore
Elvágyódás (Hungarian)
the strong, aching desire to be somewhere far away, a wistful yearning for a distant place el-vaah-dyooh-daash
like your soul packed its bags before your body ever did
Encandilar (Spanish)
to dazzle or blind with light or beauty en-kahn-dee-lar
the kind of brightness that stuns more than it glows
Epibreren (Dutch)
pretending to be busy to avoid work eh-pee-breh-ren
the fine art of desk-staring with great conviction
eraya (Somali)
a word or expression, especially one that holds deep meaning or emotional weight eh-rah-yah
it’s not just a word, it’s a feeling wrapped in sound, the kind you carry long after the conversation ends
Erlebnisse (German)
the rich, personal experiences that shape and color your life air-layb-nis-seh the kind of memories that don’t just stay, they sculpt who you become
Esperanza (Spanish)
hope, especially in the face of difficulty es-peh-rahn-tha
the green that grows through sidewalk cracks
Estro (Italian)
a sudden surge of creative inspiration or artistic passion es-troh
when ideas dance in your mind faster than your pen can keep up
Eudaimonia (Greek)
a state of deep human flourishing, where you live in alignment with your true self and purpose yoo-dai-moh-nee-uh
that grounded joy that doesn’t scream, it hums quietly from a life well-lived
Eunoia (Greek)
beautiful thinking, a state of goodwill and balanced mind yoo-noy-uh
like a quiet morning when your heart and head finally agree
Extrawunsch (German)
an extra wish or demand, often seen as unnecessary eks-trah-voonsh
like ordering soup with exactly five croutons and a whisper of basil
Fachidiot (German)
someone highly knowledgeable in one area but clueless elsewhere fahkh-ee-dee-ott
genius in their lane, but don’t ask them where the spoons are
Faamiti (Samoan)
a gesture or sound to catch someone’s attention silently fah-ah-mee-tee
the unspoken shout you throw across a room with your eyes
Famn (Swedish)
the space within someone’s arms; an embrace or a lap fahm the soft, silent comfort of being held where the world can’t touch you
Fare la scarpetta (Italian)
to mop up the last of your meal with bread fah-reh lah skar-pet-tah
when the sauce is too good to leave behind, manners be damned
Fargin (Yiddish)
to genuinely feel joy or pride in someone else’s success, without envy far-ghin
that rare and beautiful feeling when your friend wins and it feels like you won too
Farpotshket (Yiddish)
something that’s been completely messed up or ruined fahr-pot-shket started as a DIY dream, ended as an unsolvable puzzle
Fernweh (German)
a deep longing for faraway places, even ones you’ve never been to fehrn-vey
when your heart starts packing a suitcase before your mind even decides where to go
Feierabend (German)
the peaceful feeling when the workday ends and personal time begins fy-er-ah-buhnt that sigh of relief when you shut your laptop, toss off your shoes and officially reclaim your evening
Feuillemort (French)
the color of dying leaves, faded brown-yellow fuh-yee-mor
like walking through a memory that still rustles when you step
Fika (Swedish)
a slow coffee break with friends, more about connection than caffeine fee-kah
when the mug is warm, and so is the silence
Filotimo (Greek)
doing good out of honor and deep moral duty fee-lo-tee-mo
kindness with roots, the kind you don’t need to announce
Firgun (Hebrew)
the joy you feel when someone else succeeds feer-goon
clapping in your heart for someone else’s sunshine
Fisselig (German)
flustered to the point of clumsiness or distraction fis-suh-lig when your brain forgets its to-do list and your feet forget the floor
Flâneur (French)
a person who strolls aimlessly, simply observing the world flah-nur
the art of doing nothing… poetically
Forelsket (Norwegian, Danish)
the euphoric feeling of falling in love fohr-els-ket
when the world goes blurry and beautiful at the same time
Formacja (Polish)
formation, but also a sense of being shaped by time, events, or people for-mah-tsya
the invisible blueprint that makes you who you are
Friolero (Spanish)
someone extremely sensitive to cold free-oh-leh-roh
the first to grab a sweater when the wind so much as thinks about blowing
Gardacvaleba (Georgian)
a gentle word for death, it literally means “to cross over” gar-da-ts-va-leh-bah when someone doesn’t disappear, they just take a different road beyond our eyes
Gattara (Italian)
a woman with many cats who cares for them deeply gah-tah-rah
she doesn’t own the cats; they’ve simply allowed her into their lives
Geborgenheit (German)
the feeling of being safe, protected, and emotionally secure guh-bor-gen-hite
the world can roar outside, but in here, you’re okay
Genatsvale (Georgian)
a heartfelt expression meaning “I’d die for you”, used to show deep affection or love geh-nats-vah-leh
when love makes you say the wildest, most beautiful things and mean every word
Gezelligheid (Dutch)
cozy, warm togetherness that makes you feel at home heh-zell-ikh-hite
when a room feels like a hug, and laughter hums in the corners
Ghataa (Hindi)
heavy rain clouds gathering before a storm gha-taa when the sky holds its breath, thick with silence and waiting
Gilchi (Korean)
the feeling when your hair stands on end from awe or emotion gil-chee
like goosebumps with a soundtrack
Gigil (Tagalog, Filipino)
the overwhelming urge to pinch or squeeze something irresistibly cute gee-geel
when you see cheeks so squishy, your hands forget their manners
Glas Wen (Welsh)
a smile that’s more polite than genuine — thin as glass glass when when your lips smile but your eyes sit this one out
Gluggaveður (Icelandic)
“window weather”, lovely to look at, awful to go out in gloog-ah-veth-ur when the sky’s a liar and your sweater regrets everything
Gokotta (Swedish)
to wake early and go out to hear the birds sing yur-kot-tah
the kind of morning that teaches your heart to listen again
Gönül (Turkish)
the heart, not just as an organ, but as the seat of emotions, will, and soul guh-nül
where love, intuition, and longing quietly hold hands and whisper truths
Gosohada (Korean)
that delicate, warm feeling after you’ve been kind or helped someone go-so-ha-da
like the warmth that lingers long after a smile
Goya (Urdu)
the transporting suspension of disbelief in a story go-yah when the line between fiction and feeling quietly disappears
Gumusservi (Turkish)
the moon’s reflection on water, “moonlight silver” goo-moos-sair-vee when the ocean wears jewelry and forgets to take it off
Hakuna matata (Swahili)
no worries, no troubles, a life without stress ha-koo-nah ma-ta-ta
the breeze you feel when you finally let it go
Hanaemi (Japanese)
a smile that blossoms gently like a flower ha-na-eh-mee when joy tiptoes onto your face without asking
Hanyauku (Rukwangali, Namibia)
walking barefoot on warm sand han-yah-oo-koo toes-first happiness
Harkla (Swedish)
that little clearing of the throat before you speak hark-la
the soft drumroll before your voice makes its entrance
Házisárkány (Hungarian)
literally “house dragon”, a nagging or domineering person at home ha-zee-shar-kahn-yee
when slippers roar louder than you
Heimat (German)
a deep-rooted sense of belonging to a place that feels like home hy-muht
where your soul breathes easy, even if it’s not on any map
Heimweh (German)
a deep longing or ache for home; homesickness hyme-vay the kind of missing that wraps around your chest like an old familiar blanket
Herzschmerz (German)
the ache of a broken heart hertz-shmertz when love lingers longer than it should
Hiraeth (Welsh)
a homesickness for a home you can’t return to or never had hee-rah-eth longing that lives in the spaces memory forgot
Hikikomori (Japanese)
a person who withdraws from social life, often staying isolated indoors hee-kee-ko-moh-ree
when your world shrinks to a room, and silence feels safe
Hinna (Swedish)
to have enough time to do something; to manage hin-na
when you hurry, then realize you do actually have time, sweet relief in the rush
Hitoritabi (Japanese)
traveling alone, often for self-reflection or healing hee-toh-ree-tah-bee a quiet escape where every step feels like a conversation with yourself
Hüzün (Turkish)
a deep, wistful melancholy, tinged with nostalgia and beauty hoo-zoon the kind of sadness that lingers softly, like a memory that doesn’t hurt but never quite fades
Hyo (Korean)
filial love, deep respect, and devotion to parents and elders hyo love that kneels gently at the feet of those who raised you
Hyppytyynytyydytys (Finnish)
the pleasure of sitting on a bouncy cushion hup-poo-tyu-nyu-tyu-du-tys
joy, but with a spring in its seat
Ibtida (Urdu/Arabic)
the beginning, a poetic or soulful start to something new ib-ti-daa
that quiet thrill of turning the first page, taking the first step or simply saying yes to a new chapter
Ikigai (Japanese)
your reason for being, what gets you up in the morning ee-kee-guy purpose, gently steeped in meaning
Iktsuarpok (Inuit)
the feeling of anticipation when waiting for someone to arrive eek-soo-ahr-pok
the way you keep peeking outside, hoping they’re finally here
Ilunga (Tshiluba, Congo)
a person who is ready to forgive abuse the first time, tolerate it the second, but never the third ee-loon-gah love has limits, and some walls build themselves
Issho ni (Japanese)
being together; doing something with someone ee-sho nee because some moments only make sense when shared
Jaksaa (Finnish)
to have the energy, strength, or will to do something yahk-sah
the quiet cheer when you surprise yourself by showing up again
Jazba (Urdu)
intense passion or emotion that drives action jaz-bah the fire in your gut that doesn’t ask for permission, it just moves you
Jamais vu (French)
the eerie experience of feeling unfamiliar with something you’ve actually encountered before zhah-meh voo like seeing your own handwriting and thinking, did I really write that?
Jayus (Indonesian)
a joke so unfunny it’s funny jah-yooce
you’re not laughing at the joke, you’re laughing because your soul gave up
Jijivisha (Hindi)
the strong, eternal desire to live and thrive jee-jee-vee-sha when your heart keeps choosing tomorrow, no matter how tired today feels
Jobbig (Swedish)
something or someone annoying or difficult yob-big
when life’s just being… well, a pain in the proverbials
Jugaad (Hindi)
a clever, resourceful workaround using limited resources joo-gaad
when you turn a problem into a solution with sheer desi ingenuity
Kaamos (Finnish)
the dark, polar night without sunlight kah-moss
a cold silence that stretches longer than it should
Kaapshljmurslis (Latvian)
tangled, messy hair after sleeping kahp-shluh-moors-lees a bedhead so wild, it tells its own bedtime story
Kaizen (Japanese)
continuous improvement through small changes kai-zen progress built on quiet, unglamorous little wins
Kabelsalat (German)
a tangled mess of wires or cords kah-bell-zah-laht
the modern-day spaghetti nobody wants on their plate
Karelu (Tulu)
the mark left on the skin by wearing something tight kah-reh-loo proof that something touched you, even if it’s gone
Kawaakari (Japanese)
the gleam of light reflecting off a river at dusk kah-wah-kah-ree that quiet shimmer where twilight meets water and everything slows down for a moment
Kenshō (Japanese)
a sudden insight or awakening into one’s true nature, the first glimpse of enlightenment ken-sho
like catching a flash of truth in the mirror before it fades into ordinary again
Kilknanaście (Polish)
a vague number between eleven and nineteen keel-kah-nash-chye
for when you know it’s teenage… but math is optional
Kilig (Tagalog)
the feeling of butterflies in your stomach when something romantic happens kee-lig when your heart giggles and your cheeks agree
Kintsugi (Japanese)
the art of repairing broken pottery with gold kin-tsoo-gee because broken things deserve to shine too
Koi No Yokan (Japanese)
the sense you’ll fall in love with someone the moment you meet koy noh yoh-kahn that instant knowing before love has a name
Kolay gelsin (Turkish)
a wish for ease and smoothness in whatever someone is working on koh-lai gel-sin a little kindness wrapped in words like saying, hope it goes well without waiting for them to ask
Komorebi (Japanese)
sunlight filtering through trees koh-moh-reh-bee
a quiet light that dances without making a sound
Kombinować (Polish)
to creatively problem-solve, often bending the rules kom-bee-noh-vatch
when thinking out of the box means breaking it too
Kopfkino (German)
literally “head cinema”; the act of playing out entire scenes or scenarios in your mind kopf-kee-noh
when your imagination starts screening a private movie, no ticket required
Kos (Norwegian)
a cozy, heartwarming sense of togetherness, whether you’re gathered by candlelight, sharing hot cocoa, or simply enjoying each other’s company koos that instant glow when the cold outside and the warmth within feel perfectly balanced
Kummerspeck (German)
weight gained from emotional eating koo-mer-shpeck
the edible side effect of a broken heart
Krishnokoli (Bengali)
a girl with dusky skin, like Krishna’s hue, often evoking earthy beauty krish-no-ko-lee
she’s the poetry of monsoon skies and wild jasmine
Kutitap (Tagalog)
the twinkle of lights or stars koo-tee-tap like fireflies winking just for you
Lagom (Swedish)
just the right amount, not too little, not too much lah-gohm
life in balance, Swedish-style
Layogenic (Taglish)
someone who looks good from far away, but not up close lay-yoh-jen-ik Instagram vs. reality in a single word
La douleur exquise (French)
the heart-wrenching pain of wanting someone you can’t have lah doo-leuhr ex-keez loving in silence, hurting in private
Lebensmüde (German)
being weary of life; existential exhaustion lay-bens-moo-deh when your soul wants a pause, not an end
Lehitkalev (Hebrew)
to experience something so deeply it hurts, often used for emotional overwhelm leh-hit-kah-lev when beauty or sorrow hits too hard and your heart forgets how to stay still
Leiliviskaja (Finnish)
someone who dances lightly through life, like tossing petals lay-lee-vees-kah-yah grace with a hint of giggle
L’esprit de l’escalier (French)
the clever reply you think of too late leh-spree duh less-kal-yay comebacks delivered… on the staircase down
L’appel du vide (French)
the sudden urge to jump from a high place or do something reckless lah-pell doo veed
not a wish to fall, just a whisper from the edge
Le Pays de Cocagne
a mythical land of luxury and ease luh pay dee koh-kahn-yuh
where rivers run wine and naps are scheduled
Licnobio (Italian)
someone who prefers to live alone, away from society leek-noh-bee-oh solitude, not loneliness, peace with a door lock
Lieko (Slovak)
a branch that bends gently without breaking lee-eh-koh the quiet strength of the flexible
Litost (Czech)
a state of deep emotional pain and helpless longing lee-tost a heartbreak too raw to translate
Livsnjutare (Swedish)
someone who truly enjoys life in a deep, conscious, and often sensual way leevs-nyoo-tah-reh
the kind of soul who savors a sunset like a fine wine and makes life feel delicious
Loskop (Afrikaans)
someone who’s scatterbrained or forgetful lohs-kop head in the clouds, again
Luftmensch (Yiddish)
someone with impractical dreams and little grounding looft-mensh dreamer first, realist never
Madrugada (Spanish)
the early hours before dawn mah-droo-gah-dah the hush before sunrise, when night still lingers
Mamihlapinatapai (Yaghan, Tierra del Fuego)
a shared look between two people, both hoping the other will initiate ma-mee-hla-pee-na-ta-pie the silent “you go first” in love and everything else
Manja (Malay)
behaving in an endearingly clingy, spoiled, or pampered way mahn-jah like a kitten demanding cuddles on command
Marasim (Urdu)
relations, ties, or bonds—often of a formal or emotional nature ma-ra-sim
the invisible threads that still pull at your heart, long after the story ends
Mencolek (Indonesian)
the act of tapping someone lightly on the opposite shoulder to trick them men-cho-lek
childhood mischief packed into one quick flick
Meraki (Greek)
pouring your soul, creativity, or love into whatever you do meh-rah-kee heart-in-everything energy
Merak (Serbian)
the feeling of bliss from simple pleasures meh-rahk quiet joy in a warm cup, cool breeze, or deep breath
Meriggiare (Italian)
to rest at midday, usually in the shade meh-ree-jah-ray the art of not moving when the sun’s bossy
Metanoia (Greek)
the journey of changing one’s mind, heart, or way of life meh-tah-noy-ah
inner rerouting, soul’s version of a U-turn
Mít kliku (Czech)
to be lucky or have unexpected good fortune meet klee-koo
stumbled into luck like it was looking for you
Mono no aware (Japanese)
the bittersweet beauty of passing things moh-no no ah-wah-ray beauty that aches because it doesn’t last
Mokita (Kivila, Papua New Guinea)
a truth everyone knows but agrees not to talk about moh-kee-tah
the elephant everyone’s hugging silently
Moksh (Sanskrit)
liberation from the cycle of birth and death; spiritual freedom mok-sh when the soul exhales, weightless, unbound, finally home
Mokhlesim (Persian)
a sincere way of saying “I’m yours” or “I’m devoted to you” mokh-le-sim not just loyalty, a quiet promise that you’re not alone
Mudita (Sanskrit)
the deep joy felt in celebrating someone else’s happiness or success moo-dee-tah
when your heart smiles because theirs is beaming too
Murr-ma (Indigenous Australian, Murrawarri)
the sound of wind through the trees murr-mah nature whispering in leafy language
Mysa (Swedish)
to be cozy, content, and enjoying the moment mee-sah candlelight, socks, and zero urgency
Nakakapagpabagabag (Tagalog)
something that causes deep unease, restlessness, or anxiety na-ka-ka-pag-pa-ba-ga-bag
the kind of word that feels like a tongue-twister and a heart-twister at once
Namaste (Hindi)
a respectful greeting meaning ‘I bow to you’ nah-mah-stay when respect meets soul, in a single gesture
Natsukashii (Japanese)
a gentle, nostalgic feeling triggered by a memory, sweet, wistful, and warmly familiar naht-soo-kah-shee like hearing an old song that suddenly brings back a summer you thought you’d forgotten
Naz (Urdu/Persian)
a tender kind of pride in being cherished; the sweet confidence of knowing you are loved naaz that quiet grace some people carry when they know they’re someone’s favorite human
Nefelibata (Portuguese)
someone who lives in the clouds of their own imagination neh-feh-lee-bah-tah
head in the clouds, feet… who knows where
Nepakartojama (Lithuanian)
something that cannot be repeated neh-pah-kar-toh-yah-mah
once, and only once, and that’s what made it magic
Nervio (Spanish)
an intense creative drive or emotional energy that fuels expression, especially in art or performance nair-vee-oh it’s that electric spark behind passionate words, wild brushstrokes, or an unforgettable performance—it’s not nerves, it’s soul on fire
Nekama (Japanese Slang)
a man who pretends to be a woman online neh-kah-mah when your avatar tells a different story
Nunchi (Korean)
the subtle art of gauging others’ emotions and reacting accordingly noon-chee
reading the room without a single word spoken
Odnoliub (Russian)
someone who loves only one person in their entire life od-no-lyoob the heart that never wanders, even once
Ogooglebar (Swedish)
something or someone that cannot be found through a Google search oh-goo-guhl-bar
a rare gem in a world that thinks everything is just one search awayfthal
Orka (Swedish)
to have the energy or strength to do something or-kah when your energy bar finally hits green again
Orsuli (Georgian)
literally meaning “two-souled,” it’s the word used for a pregnant woman once the baby starts to kick or-soo-lee
carrying another heartbeat within your own; when life moves inside you and you feel it say hello for the first time
Ohrwurm (German)
a song stuck in your head or-voorm
the tune that moved in rent-free and won’t leave
Oppholdsvær (Norwegian)
dry weather during a period of rain op-polds-vair
like the sky hit pause just for you
Papakata (Maori)
a temporary shelter or tent pah-pah-kah-tah
when home is wherever your heart finds shade
Pana Po’o (Hawaiian)
the act of scratching your head while trying to remember something pah-nah poh-oh
when your fingers search your scalp for answers
Parea (Greek)
a group of close friends who gather purely for joy pah-ray-ah the kind of people who make even silence feel festive
Pasan Zapra (Malay)
a brief time taken to eat pee-san zah-prah when a meal is more about the pause than the plate
Pelinti (Buli — Ghana)
to move hot food around in your mouth peh-lin-tee when your hunger outruns your caution
Pena ajena (Spanish)
the embarrassment you feel for someone else peh-nah ah-heh-nah
secondhand cringe that hits harder than your own
Philotimo (Greek)
a deep sense of honor, duty, generosity, and doing what’s right even when no one’s watching fee-lo-TEE-mo it’s the inner fire that makes you go the extra mile, just because your soul wouldn’t let you do any less
Piliriqatigiinniq (Inuktitut)
the concept of working together for a common good, in harmony and with shared purpose pee-lee-ree-ga-tee-gin-nik a beautiful reminder that true strength lies in unity, not ego
Poronkusema (Finnish)
the distance a reindeer can travel before needing to pee poh-ron-koo-seh-mah
nature’s odd but oddly precise GPS
Pochemuchka (Russian)
a person who asks too many questions poh-cheh-mooch-kah
the curious cat that didn’t care about consequences
Prozvonit (Czech)
to call someone and hang up before they answer, so they call back proz-vo-neet
the art of the ‘missed call’ nudge
Pushpanjali (Sanskrit)
an offering of flowers made with devotion, often in prayer or ritual push-pun-ja-lee when flowers become more than petals, a gesture of love, surrender, and reverence
Querencia (Spanish)
a place where you feel safe and your most authentic self keh-ren-see-ah your soul’s favorite hideaway
Raconteur (French)
a person who tells stories in an amusing or skillful way ra-kon-tur
the kind of person who turns even a grocery run into an unforgettable tale
Radioukacz (Polish)
underground radio operator during WWII rah-dyo-kahtch
the brave whisperers behind enemy lines
Rame (Balinese)
something that’s both chaotic and joyful at the same time rah-mey the kind of beautiful mess where noise and emotion tangle into something oddly comforting
Rasa (Sanskrit)
the essence or flavor of a feeling, art, or experience ruh-suh when something moves you so deeply, it lingers like a taste you can’t describe
Rasāsvāda (Sanskrit)
the taste of bliss in the absence of thought; aesthetic pleasure from pure experience ruh-saa-svaa-duh
when beauty pauses the mind and all that remains is the feeling itself
Rashk-e-Qamar (Urdu)
someone so radiant, even the moon would feel envy rashk-e-ka-mar when beauty makes you pause, like the night sky holding its breath
Rakuyou (Japanese)
the gentle falling of autumn leaves rah-koo-yoh
when the wind writes poems in red and gold, and trees quietly let go
Razljubit (Russian)
to stop loving someone you once did raz-loo-beet the quiet end of something once loud
Ré nao (Mandarin Chinese)
the vibrant, buzzing atmosphere of lively places reh-now the sound and soul of joy in the air
Resfeber (Swedish)
the restless mix of travel nerves and excitement res-feh-ber
that flutter in your stomach before you board
Retrouvailles (French)
the joy of reuniting after a long time reh-troo-vai when time disappears in a hug
Rêveuse (French)
a dreamy, contemplative woman reh-vuhz the kind of soul who stargazes in daylight
Revontulet (Finnish)
the northern lights; literally “fox fires” from ancient myth reh-von-too-leht
when the sky turns into a canvas of wild, dancing light, and you swear it’s magic above your head
Rimjhim (Hindi)
the soft, rhythmic sound of light rain falling rim-jhim
when the sky hums a lullaby and the earth leans in to listen
Ruhaniyat (Urdu/Arabic)
the spiritual essence or soulful presence that transcends the physical roo-haani-yat like a silent glow that lingers long after the prayer has ended
Ruhe (German)
a deep, gentle sense of calm, stillness, or inner quiet roo-uh the kind of peace that feels like soft silence after chaos, like your soul finally exhaled
Sadiq (Arabic)
a true, loyal, and honest friend, someone who speaks with sincerity and stands by you sah-deeq the kind of friend whose presence feels like steady ground in shifting times
Safarnama (Urdu/Persian)
a travelogue; a written account or memoir of a journey sa-far-naa-mah when the road becomes ink and every mile turns into memory on paper
Şafak (Turkish)
the soft glow of dawn just before sunrise shah-fahk that quiet moment when the night exhales and the sky begins to blush
Sakinah (Arabic)
a serene, peaceful tranquility that settles in your heart sa-kee-nah that quiet warmth you feel simply by being near someone deeply beloved
Samar (Arabic)
the conversations that stretch into the night sah-mar when words linger longer than the stars
Sanjeevani (Hindi)
a mythical life-restoring herb, now used to describe anything that revives hope or life sun-jeev-nee sometimes, it’s not medicine, it’s a moment, a memory, or a word that brings you back to life
Saudade (Portuguese)
a deep, nostalgic longing for someone or something lost sow-dah-jee
the kind of missing that stays quiet but never leaves
Schadenfreude (German)
the pleasure of seeing someone else’s misfortune shah-den-froy-duh
when karma hits and you don’t even pretend not to enjoy it
Schilderwald (German)
a forest of road signs, too many to make sense of shil-der-vald
the traffic version of total confusion
Schnapsidee (German)
a ridiculous idea you only come up with when drunk shnaps-ee-day
genius at midnight, nonsense by morning
Schwellenangst (German)
fear of crossing a threshold into something new shvell-en-angst standing at the door of change, frozen by ‘what ifs’
Serein (French)
fine rain falling from a clear sky seh-rain when the sky cries softly behind your back
Sehnsucht (German)
an intense yearning for something undefined zane-zookt like longing, but with a passport and no destination
Seigneur des terrasses (French)
a man who always appears seated at café terraces sen-yer day te-rahss king of people-watching with espresso in hand
Seijaku (Japanese)
tranquility amid chaos; a serene stillness that holds power say-jah-koo the kind of silence that doesn’t scream but anchors you, deep, calm, unshakable
Sgrìob (Scottish Gaelic)
the sudden urge to visit someone you haven’t seen in a while skree-ub when your feet remember someone your brain forgot
Shemomedjam (Georgian)
to accidentally keep eating because it tastes so good sheh-moh-med-jam “I didn’t mean to finish the whole thing” energy
Shhouganai (Japanese)
it cannot be helped shoh-gah-nai surrendering to the uncontrollable with grace
Shinrabanshō (Japanese)
all things in nature; the entire universe and everything it contains shin-rah-bahn-show the way everything is connected, from falling leaves to distant stars
Shinrin-yoku (Japanese)
forest bathing; immersing oneself in nature for relaxation and healing shin-rin yo-koo
breathing in the trees like they’ve got secrets only the still can hear
Shlimazl (Yiddish)
a chronically unlucky person shlee-mah-zl
if it can go wrong, it already has to them
Shoshin (Japanese)
a beginner’s mindset, full of openness and eagerness show-shin when you know nothing and that’s your superpower
Sielunmaisema (Finnish)
a landscape that perfectly mirrors your soul, your spiritual home in nature see-eh-loon-my-seh-mah the view that feels like it remembers you, too
Sillage (French)
the lingering scent someone leaves behind see-yazh
a perfume trail that tugs at memory’s sleeve
Sirimiri (Spanish — Basque)
a very light, fine drizzle see-ree-mee-ree like being kissed by a cloud too shy to pour
Sitzfleisch (German)
the ability to sit through and finish something difficult sits-flysh when sheer patience becomes a power move
Slampadato (Italian)
someone addicted to tanning salons slam-pa-da-to
glows like toast, lives like summer
Smultronställe (Swedish)
a hidden or cherished place that feels like your own personal paradise smool-tron-stel-leh
where your soul quietly smiles, even if no one else gets it
Sobremesa (Spanish)
the time spent chatting at the table after a meal so-breh-meh-sah where dessert is conversation and time forgets itself
Soare cu Dinti (Romanian)
“the sun with teeth” — sun shining in bitter cold swah-ray koo deen-tsy
when the light lies and the wind bites
Sorridere (Italian)
to smile sore-ree-day-ray a curve that brightens the room before words do
Soubrette (French)
a lively, witty, and playful young woman, often used for a supporting female role in theatre or opera soo-bret like the sparkle in a side character who secretly steals the show
Sprachgefühl (German)
an intuitive feel for the natural flow and nuances of a language shprakh-guh-fühl like having grammar in your bones without knowing the rules
Spregledati (Slovenian)
to overlook someone intentionally spre-gleh-dah-tee
when your eyes skip them like a broken page
Sturmfrei (German)
the exhilarating freedom of having the house to yourself shturm-fry when the silence feels like a secret party with your soul
Sueños (Spanish)
dreams: the visions, desires, or stories we live through while asleep or awake swey-nyos
soft flickers of hope that visit us when the world is quiet
Suilk (Scottish Gaelic)
the sulky, sullen mood after being scolded or upset soo-ilk when your silence sulks louder than words
Sujin (Korean)
a name that also means ‘precious pearl’ or ‘exquisite truth’ soo-jeen
when a word carries the shimmer of meaning and identity
Szerelem (Hungarian)
the deep, passionate kind of love that consumes you completely seh-reh-lehm
the kind of love that feels like fire and poetry in equal measure
Taarradhin (Arabic)
a mutual compromise where no one loses tah-ah-rah-deen when peace feels like a warm handshake between hearts
Tammpó (Filipino — Tagalog)
the act of sulking after a slight, often childlike tam-poh when you turn away… but hope they come after you
Tatemae and Honne (Japanese)
public façade vs. true feelings tah-teh-my & hon-neh the dance between what you show and what you feel
Taima (Japanese)
a pause or break tie-mah
that gentle exhale between rush and reason
Tartle (Scottish)
the hesitation before introducing someone when you forget their name tar-tuhl when your brain hits snooze right in front of everyone
Tauschung (German)
a deception or illusion; something that misleads the senses or mind tow-shoong the kind of truth that feels like fog — there, then gone
Thalassophile (Greek)
a person who deeply loves and feels drawn to the sea tha-las-so-phile salt in the veins, peace in the waves, and a heart that drifts with the tides
Tidsoptimist (Swedish)
someone who’s always late because they think they have more time than they do tids-op-tee-mist living proof that optimism and clocks don’t get along
Tima (Icelandic)
to be willing or able to spare something (like time or money) tee-mah
when giving feels heavier than holding on
Tingo (Pascuense – Easter Island)
the act of borrowing things from a friend’s house, one by one, until nothing’s left teen-go that “I just need this one last thing” friend we all know
Torschlusspanik (German)
the panic of diminishing opportunities as one ages tohr-shloos-pah-nik when the door feels like it’s closing… fast
Toska (Russian)
a deep ache of the soul, a vague restlessness, longing, or sadness toss-kah like homesickness for something you’ve never known
Treppenwitz (German)
a witty comeback you think of too late, once you’ve already left trep-en-vits when your brain’s punchline misses its cue
Tretår (Swedish)
a third cup of coffee tret-or because two just don’t cut it some mornings
Trepverter (Yiddish)
clever remarks you think of after the moment has passed trep-ver-ter when brilliance shows up fashionably late
Trouvaille (French)
a lucky find or unexpected discovery troo-vah-yuh stumbling upon something wonderful you weren’t even looking for
Tsundoku (Japanese)
buying books and letting them pile up unread tsoon-doh-koo a library of good intentions and hopeful spines
Tsutisopeli (Georgian)
literally “a minute-long village”; a poetic way to describe how brief and fleeting life is tsoo-tee-so-peh-lee life as a tiny village you pass through, short, quiet, unforgettable
Tutear (Spanish)
to address someone informally using “tú” instead of the formal “usted” too-teh-ar when a language says, “we’re friends now”
Uff da (Scandinavian, by way of Minnesotan culture)
an exclamation for being overwhelmed, tired, or exasperated oof-dah
when life hands you a lot and you sigh in fluent Norwegian
Ubuntu (Nguni Bantu — Xhosa and Zulu)
“I am because we are” — the belief in a universal bond of sharing and humanity oo-boon-too when you feel whole only when others are, too
Uitbuiken (Dutch)
to relax and do nothing after eating a big meal, usually while letting your stomach settle out-boy-ken
that glorious moment when you unbutton your jeans, sink into the couch and let the food coma take over like a warm hug from within
Uitwaaien (Dutch)
to walk in the wind to clear your mind out-vah-en when your thoughts scatter with the breeze and you finally feel light
Unagi (Japanese)
freshwater eel often served grilled in Japanese cuisine but also used humorously in pop culture to mean a state of total awareness oo-nah-gee
Ross from Friends would say it’s a kind of sushi and a sixth sense, both slippery in their own way
Utepils (Norwegian)
drinking a beer outside on the first warm day of the year oo-teh-pils when the sun, a sip, and good company taste like celebration
Ukiyo (Japanese)
the floating world; living in the moment, detached from the burdens of life oo-kee-yo like drifting through a cherry blossom breeze, savoring beauty without holding on too tight
Vade mecum (Latin)
a handbook or constant companion; “go with me” vah-day may-koom when a book becomes a travel buddy and a friend
Vacilando (Spanish)
traveling with the awareness that the journey matters more than the destination vah-thee-lahn-doh
when wandering becomes your way of arriving
Vede (Italian)
a poetic verb for “you see”, often used to begin reflections or musings veh-deh like opening a thought with your eyes before your mouth
Vedriti (Slovenian)
to find shelter from the rain veh-dree-tee the comfort of a dry spot when life’s pouring down
Verschlimmbessern (German)
to accidentally make something worse while trying to improve it fer-shlim-bes-ern
when “just one tiny fix” turns into “why did I even touch it”
Viraha (Sanskrit)
the realization of love through separation vee-rah-hah when distance makes the heart echo louder
Vobba or Vabba (Swedish)
to stay home from work to care for a sick child voh-bah
those snuggly, sneezy days of parenting on pause…in Sweden, February even earned a nickname, Vabruary, because that’s when everyone’s home nursing colds and cuddles
Voorpret (Dutch)
the joy of anticipation before something fun happens fohr-pret when the countdown feels better than the event
Vorfreude (German)
the joyful, intense anticipation that comes before a pleasant event for-froy-duh that delicious buzz in your chest when something wonderful is almost here
Wabi-sabi (Japanese)
the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and the natural world wah-bee sah-bee when the cracks and wrinkles become the most beautiful parts
Waldeinsamkeit (German)
the feeling of solitude and connectedness one experiences when alone in the woods vald-ine-zahm-kite when silence hums and the trees feel like old friends
Wanderlust (German)
a deep, irresistible desire to travel and explore the world vahn-der-loost
when your soul feels itchy until it steps on unfamiliar ground again
Weichei (German)
literally “soft egg” — slang for someone overly sensitive or weak vy-sh-eye
when your feelings wear pajamas all day
Wei Wu Wei (Chinese)
action through inaction; doing by not doing way woo way
when stillness is the strongest move you make
Weltschmerz (German)
a deep sadness about the imperfection of the world velt-shmertz when you feel too much for everything, all at once
Ya’aburnee (Arabic)
“you bury me”, a declaration of deep love, wishing to die before the one you love yaa-boor-nee loving someone so much, the world without them feels unbearable
Yakamoz (Turkish)
the shimmering, moonlit reflection on the water’s surface yah-kah-moz when the sea wears the moon like a secret smile
Yoko meshi (Japanese)
the stress of speaking a foreign language yo-koh meh-shee
when every sentence feels like a small performance
Yötön yö (Finnish)
the nightless night; when the sun never sets during summer in the far north yer-ton yer time blurs, sleep forgets you, and everything feels gently suspended in golden light
Yr (Welsh)
a drizzle so fine it hangs in the air like mist eer like walking through a sigh
Yūgen (Japanese)
a profound, mysterious sense of beauty in the universe yoo-gen when the world moves you… and you don’t know why
Zapoi (Russian)
a drunken binge lasting several days zah-poy when your escape plan turns into a foggy few days
Zalatwic (Polish)
to achieve something quickly and cleverly through unofficial means zah-lah-tveech
when you know a guy who knows a guy — and it gets done
Zhaghzhagh (Persian)
the chattering of teeth from cold or rage zhaag-zhaag
when your body tells your feelings before your mouth can
Zloradstvovat (Russian)
to take joy in another’s misfortune — like schadenfreude, but darker zloh-rad-stvo-vat when your smirk sneaks out before your sympathy arrives
That’s my little garden of words for now, picked with love, pressed between pages, and shared from the softest corners of my language-loving heart.
If one of these finds a home in you, let me know. I’d love to know your favorite. Drop it in the comments like you’d drop a secret.
And if you ever forget where to find them, pin them, save them, whisper them into your tea, whatever works.
I’m slowly building a whole library — Japanese, French, Portuguese, and more — one beautiful word at a time. So come back. Often. The words are waiting.
Words Too Beautiful to Forget (So Maybe Pin Them?)
,2025-06-15 13:52:00
