There are numerous untranslatable words. Today we are going to take a look at some of the most beautiful ones, each from a different foreign language. And not a single has a direct translation in English.

These beautiful foreign words give a fascinating glimpse into foreign languages and its cultures.

Several languages are not able to perfectly capture the exact meaning of a word in another language. There are various feelings and ideas that one can’t put words to.

As each language learner knows, translating between two languages is not an easy task. Each language has its own share of linguistic and grammatical complexities. It means several ideas become “lost in translation.”

These words are mostly considered “untranslatable.” Linguists have spent multiple decades deconstructing and studying those words, trying to discover why.

Waldeinsamkeit (German)

The German word waldeinsamkeit is a combination of two words joined together. Wald stands for the forest, and einsamkeit means loneliness/solitude. It suggests both the feeling of being alone while in the woods and also at a peaceful oneness with nature.

Komorebi (Japanese)

Komorebi is a Japanese word that refers to the sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees. The word is combined with three kanji and the hiragana particle れ.

The first kanji stands for “tree” or “trees”, the second one means “escape”, and the third one refers to “light” or “sun”.

Saudade (Portuguese)

Saudade means the feeling of longing for something/somebody you love which is now gone.

It is a bittersweet, empty kind of feeling that carries the knowledge that the thing of longing may never return.  It is mostly considered characteristic of the Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese temperament.

It signifies melancholy or nostalgia. It has been described as “the love that remains” post someone is gone.

Sobremesa (Spanish)

Sobremesa says about the time spent post-lunch or dinner mingling with the people you shared the meal with.

Meals are quite an important part of Spanish culture. The Spanish people values the time spent relaxing and chatting post finishing eating. The Catalan corresponding is sobretaula.

Flâner (French)

Probably one of the most Parisian amongst French words, the verb flâner was defined during the 19th century.

It means to strolling the streets of Paris in a leisurely manner. It means no goal or destination, but purely the simple pleasure of soaking up the beauty of the city.

The aimless pedestrians are referred to as flâneurs. 

Ré nao (热闹) (Chinese)

The Chinese word ré nao is generally translated as “lively” or “bustling”. Its actual meaning goes beyond the adjectives.

A place or circumstance that is ré nao is not only fun and lively. It also has a special vibe that makes everybody want to be there.

A new, exciting bar or club could be ré nao, but so could a university class or meeting with friends.

Toska (Russian)

The Russian word toska can be tentatively translated as sadness or mournfulness. But the English words do not interpret their full meaning.

There are various shades of toska. At its lower levels, it indicates ennui, a vague restlessness, or a dull ache of the soul.

More accurately it can describe a strong yearning having nothing to yearn for. In specific cases, it could be the desire for somebody or something specific, a sick pining.

At its deepest it suggests to a sensation of great spiritual anguish, mostly without a specific cause.

Jijivisha (Hindi)

The Hindi word jijivisha indicates the strong, eternal desire to live and to continue living.

It is normally used to talk about people who absolutely love life.  It suggests intense emotions and the strong urge to live and thrive.

Gezelligheid (Dutch)

Gezelligheid refers towards a convivial, cozy, or warm surrounding. This could be the warmth of being with loved ones or the feeling of seeing a friend after a long hiatus.

It is almost the same as the Danish concept of hyggelig and the German idea of gemütlichkeit.

It refers to a general togetherness that gives a feeling of warmth. Many people consider this word that most closely represent the heart of the Dutch culture.