words without english meanings
Start writing a post
Relationships

7 Words that Don't Have an English Equivalent

A few words to start including into your daily life.

326
7 Words that Don't Have an English Equivalent

Sometimes there is a particular emotion or understanding you have but it takes too many words to explain. However, another language may have the exact word you need. Keep these few words on the tip of your tongue for the next time you need them,

Sobremesa

Nothing like a crowded table of food and people to get you hungry.

c1.staticflickr.com

Spanish in origin, sobremesa is a time that everyone has experienced and enjoyed. It is the time spent after a meal. The time when you remain at the table with your friends or family and keep chatting. It's a light conversation that flows as you sit back in your chair surrounded by used napkins and scraps on plates. The food always tastes delicious and the good mood lingers. As soon as someone rises from the table, the bubble bursts and you return to reality.

Allemansratten

It's beautiful, so keep it that way.

c1.staticflickr.com

The exact definition of this Norwegian word is "right to roam." Norway is full of breathtaking sceneries and its people recognizes this and gives people the freedom to explore the land. It includes only three rules: you can sleep anywhere as long as its 150 meters from the nearest residence if you stay more than two nights you must ask for permission from the landowner, and you must have respect for nature, wildlife, and locals.

Fjellvettreglene

What a view!

upload.wikimedia.org

In addition to allemansratten, Norwegians also follow "mountain code." They know nature can be harsh and one must be humble while exploring and appreciating it. Fjellvettreglene means you plan your trip, report where you go, bring the necessary equipment for yourself and to help others, knowing where you are, seeking shelter if needed, and no shame in turning around. Fully appreciating the journey you are taking is the important part of exploration.

Cwtch

Sometimes someone else's arms is the safest space.

Giphy

Pronounced "cutch", it is a Welsh word often translated into "hug," when it is much more than a hug. When a person asks for cwtch, they are asking for a private safe space between two people's hearts. It feels like you have been transported into a separate room. It is finding a home in someone else's arms and embracing them.

Lagom

You have to find your own lagom.

Giphy

Lagom is a Swedish word meaning the "virtue of moderation and balance." Often meant as a reminder to enjoy yourself but stay healthy and content at the same time. Lagom is different for everyone and in different aspects of life. For example, in food you will not indulge all the time and at work, you will not overexert yourself. It is finding your comfort zone, your preferences, and respecting other people's lagom as well.

Fjaka

We've all been there.

Giphy

Another mood or state of mind that everyone has fallen into but is unable to find a single word to describe the feeling is fjaka. A Serbo-Croatian word encompassing the lethargic feeling of time moving slowly. It is a sublime state in which a human aspires for nothing, and it is considered a gift from God. You may find yourself on fjaka in the summer, as a warm breeze blows by and you can't fight the urge to do nothing.

Philotimo

Give back and help others.

c1.staticflickr.com

Greeks don't even agree on the exact meaning of philotimo in Greek. It has been translated to "love of honor", but it can also be defined as doing the right thing or striving for perfection. It is loving other people and helping them. Philotimo takes courage and selflessness. It is the feeling inside of you that pushes you to do the right thing even when no one is watching.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

90952
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

63726
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments