If you are a hopeless romantic, you more than likely learned that love is unexplainable…and not in the good way. I’m talking about the frustrating feeling when you are so in love that you cannot even begin to describe it. The words you wish to speak feel so far from your reach. Every time you try to communicate with your significant other, you get so flustered that you begin to stutter and blush. You start to fumble trying to find words in the English language that can adequately describe what you mean to say. However, you end up falling silently into the hopeless romantic that you are. Well, I am here today to help you out for the next time you find yourself this situation. So without further ado, here are 13 words and phrases from different languages that can help impress, address, and relieve stress in your romance.
1. Media naranja - Spanish
Want a more interesting way to refer to your better half? If you do, the phrase “Media naranja” is a perfect saying to use. This expression is commonly used in Costa Rica when referring to a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife. It means “the other half of their orange."
2. Mamihlapinatapei - Yaghan
Have you ever shared a silent and suggestive glance with someone that signaled you both wanted to initiate something, but were too scared to go for it? Well, there is actually a word for that feeling. The word is called “Mamihlapinatapei” which is from the Yaghan language of Tierra del Fuego (Island chain in South America). Fun Fact: This is noted as "The Most Succinct Word” in The Guinness Book of World Records.
3. Koi No Yokan - Japanese
Maybe you have met someone before, and though you completely hit it off, you knew it wasn't love at first sight. Despite this, if you have still seen serious potential for a deep love to grow in the future between you and that person, then you have experienced the Japanese term “Koi No Yokan."
4. Gigil - Filipino
If you have ever felt the Filipino word for "Gigil," then you have probably had an encounter with an extremely adorable person. This term describes the irresistible urge you have to squeeze or hug someone you find super cute.
5. Ya’aburnee - Arabic
This phrase literally translates to “you bury me” in Arabic. Although it may sound a little heavy when you first hear it, the meaning behind it is actually sweet! This expression describes the hope that the person you love will live longer than you so you won’t have to go through the ache of living without them.
6. Kilig - Tagalog
“It’s got to be that can’t-eat, can’t-sleep, reach-for-the-stars, World Series kind of stuff.” - It Takes Two. This random movie quote may seem completely displaced, but it perfectly describes the feeling behind the word “Kilig.” This word stems from the Filipine language, Tagalog. "Kilig" can be used to describe the “head-rush/butterflies-in-the-stomach” filled moment you have around the person you care about when something good happens between you and them. For example, this word can be used when describing the feeling during a first kiss or a first “I love you.”
7. Kara sevde - Turkish
Has anyone told you that you were so in love that you were blind? Well then they were describing the Turkish phrase “Kara sevde.” This expression literally means “black love” which can be used when you are in a fervently in love with someone.
8. Yuanfen - Chinese
If you are the kind of person that believes in serendipity, then you should definitely check out the word "Yuanfen." This Chinese term means “a relationship by fate or destiny.”
9. Saudade - Portuguese
Since I am in a long distance relationship myself, I can completely relate to the meaning of this phrase. “Saudade” is a Portuguese term that describes "the feeling of yearning for a loved one" when you are away from them. (*Cue my sniffles*).
10. Kummerspeck - German
"Kummerspeck." Ha. This probably my favorite word from the whole bunch. Why? Well, this German term literally translates to “grief bacon.” Awesome, right?! Well…maybe you won’t think so after you read its meaning. This gem of a word describes the dreaded weight that you gain when you eat your emotions away.
11. La douleur exquise - French
Most of us have sighed, crawled under the covers, and accepted the excruciating pain that came from liking someone "out of our league." This wretched feeling is described in the French term "La douleur exquise" which means "the heart-wrenching pain of wanting the affection of someone unattainable."
12. Iktsuarpok - Inuit
Do you know that eagerness you feel when you are awaiting the arrival of someone for a date? You know, that anxiety which causes you to check outside over and over for their appearance. Well, this mood can be defined in the Inuit term “Iksuarpok” which describes this specific avidity.
13. Retrouvailles - French
The term "Retrouvailles” is a French term that translates to “rediscovery.” This term captures the love you feel all over again when your significant other after a long period of time. Hence, "rediscovering" yourself all over again.
(Works Cited: http://www.thedatereport.com/dating/communication/... , http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/20-awesomely-untr... , http://thoughtcatalog.com/koty-neelis/2014/11/23-u...)
