4 min Explore untranslatable English words and discover how English words that originated from other languages shape the way we think and communicate.
Language shapes how we see the world, but some ideas are hard to express in English. Many untranslatable English words capture unique concepts from different cultures, showing how language influences thought. English itself has borrowed countless words from other languages to describe ideas that had no native equivalent. From schadenfreude (German) to déjà vu (French), these words help express emotions and experiences in ways that English alone cannot. Exploring these English words in different languages reveals the richness of communication and how languages adapt to capture the complexities of human life.
What Are Untranslatable Words?
Untranslatable words are words that don’t have a direct, one-word translation in another language. Instead, they express ideas, emotions, or experiences that may take an entire phrase or sentence to explain in English.
Some languages have words for concepts that don’t exist in English simply because English speakers may not emphasize those ideas in the same way. For example, the Japanese word “wabi-sabi” describes the beauty of imperfection and impermanence, a concept that has no exact English word to match. Similarly, “saudade” in Portuguese expresses a deep, nostalgic longing for something or someone, a feeling that English struggles to capture in a single word.
These words that don’t exist in English highlight the uniqueness of each language and how different cultures prioritize specific experiences.
English Words That Originated from Other Languages
English is a language that constantly evolves, borrowing words from many cultures to fill gaps in meaning. Throughout history, English has absorbed words from French, German, Japanese, and many other languages, making it a diverse language, and, quite frankly, a difficult language to learn.
Some common English words adopted from other languages include:
Déjà vu (French) – The eerie feeling of having experienced something before.
Schadenfreude (German) – The feeling of pleasure from someone else’s misfortune.
Tsunami (Japanese) – A massive sea wave caused by an earthquake or underwater disturbance.
Untranslatable English Words in Different Languages
Just as English borrows words from other languages, it also has words that don’t have an exact equivalent elsewhere.
Here are some English words in different languages that are tricky to translate:
Serendipity – Finding something good by chance, without planning for it.
Awkward – A feeling that mixes clumsiness, embarrassment, and discomfort all at once.
Hygge vs. “coziness” – While “hygge” is about warmth and comfort, it also includes a deeper sense of happiness and togetherness that “coziness” doesn’t quite cover.
English Words That Come from Different Languages
One of the ways English grows is by borrowing words from other languages. This helps fill in the gaps for concepts or ideas that English may not have a word for. English words adopted from other languages often come from cultures around the world, and many of them are now commonly in every day.
Here are some more examples of English words that originated from other languages:
Kindergarten (German) – A school or class for young children, typically before they begin formal schooling.
Guru (Sanskrit) – A teacher or expert, often in a spiritual or professional field.
Safari (Swahili) – A journey or expedition, usually to observe wildlife.
Why These Words Matter
Untranslatable words offer a window into the way different cultures think and express themselves. These words often describe concepts or feelings that are specific to a particular culture, and they help us understand how language reflects a society’s values. For example, English words that come from different languages, like “schadenfreude” or “hygge,” reveal insights into the way people in other cultures view happiness, suffering, or comfort.
Understanding these English words adopted from other languages allows language learners to gain a deeper connection to the cultures behind the words. It’s not just about learning words that don’t exist in English, but about understanding the emotions and ideas that shape how people live and interact.
Moreover, English words that originated from other languages or are English words in different languages help broaden one’s perspective, making communication a lot more meaningful, especially to someone who comes from the originated country. By exploring these words, learners can see the world through different lenses and better understand how language connects us all!
In sum, untranslatable words in English give us a look at how language shapes the way people think and feel. Whether it’s English words that come from other languages or words that don’t exist in English, each one shows us something special about another culture different from our own. Learning these words helps you grow your vocabulary and understand different ways of thinking. With Novakid classes, you can learn more about these untranslatable words and how to use them in everyday conversations!
