French
food/wine
terroir
teh-RWAHR
The unique combination of soil, climate, topography, and local agronomic practices that shapes the character, flavor, and quality of agricultural products, especially wine, from a specific place.
Spanish
personality/physical
friolero
free-oh-LEH-roh
A friolero is a person who gets cold easily and tends to seek warmth or warm environments; someone with a high sensitivity to low temperatures.
Russian
courage/behavior
удаль
oo-DAL
A spirited combination of bold courage, daring energy, and exuberant bravado, often celebrated in folklore as vigorous, fearless dash and willingness to take risks, sometimes bordering on recklessness.
Ukrainian
emotion/poetry
тужба
toozh-BAH
A deep, often melancholic longing or sorrowful yearning for something lost, unattainable, or remembered, frequently used in poetic or emotional expression.
Russian
emotion
тоска
tuh-SKAH
A deep, existential longing or melancholy characterized by intense emotional pain, yearning, and emptiness, often accompanied by boredom or a sense of inexpressible sorrow.
Bulgarian
behavior/habit
навик
NA-vik
A regular practiced behavior or routine performed frequently and often unconsciously by an individual, formed through repetition and environmental or psychological reinforcement over time.
Turkish
nature
yakamoz
yah-kah-MOZ
Yakamoz is the faint bluish phosphorescent glow seen on the surface of the sea at night, produced by bioluminescent organisms or by reflective moonlit waves.
Yoruba
ethics/virtue
ọmọlúàbí
o-mo-loo-AH-bee
A Yoruba ethical concept describing a person who consistently demonstrates integrity, respect, responsibility, honesty, and communal-mindedness as central virtues guiding behavior and social relationships.
Bulgarian
behavior/leisure
айляк
AY-lyak
A colloquial term denoting a relaxed, carefree state of idleness or leisurely avoidance of work, often implying intentional laziness combined with enjoyment of free time.
Russian
attitude/behavior
авось
uh-VOSy
A culturally embedded attitude of optimistic fatalism, expressing the hope that things will somehow work out and a willingness to act relying on chance rather than careful planning.
Swedish
place/emotion
smultronställe
SMOOL-trawn-stel-leh
A personally treasured spot, often quiet or picturesque, associated with fond memories and a sense of solace or renewal, typically discovered privately and kept partly secret from others.
Russian
behavior/drinking
запой
zuh-POY
A period of continuous heavy drinking, usually several days long, during which a person drinks wine or liquor without restraint.
Spanish
emotion
vergüenza ajena
ver-GWEN-sah ah-HEH-nah
Vicarious embarrassment felt on behalf of others when witnessing awkward or shameful behavior, causing personal discomfort or embarrassment despite not being directly involved.
Australian English
behavior/personality
larrikin
LARR-ih-kin
A boisterous, mischievous, and irreverent person who flouts social conventions with cheeky humor and rowdy behavior, often seen as good-naturedly rebellious rather than malicious in Australian contexts.
Romanian
weather/description
soare cu dinți
SOH-ah-reh koo deents
An idiomatic Romanian expression describing the sun as fierce and biting, used metaphorically for scorching brightness and intense heat in summer.
Finnish
social/volunteering
talkoot
TAHL-koot
A communal gathering where friends, neighbors, or community members voluntarily assemble to perform shared tasks for someone’s benefit, typically without pay, accompanied by food, drink, and a cooperative spirit.
Russian
emotion/experience
переживать
peh-ree-ZHEE-vaht
To experience and internally process strong emotions, often anxiety or concern, about events or others, and by extension to live through or outlast difficult circumstances or another person.
Spanish
philosophy/travel
vacilando
vah-see-LAHN-doh
The act of hesitating or wavering, especially in decision-making, or the process of oscillating between options, displaying uncertainty or indecision.
Greek
social/friendship
παρέα
pah-REH-ah
A group of people who spend time together, such as friends or companions, often forming a social circle; also the act of keeping someone company.
Greek
social/custom
ξενία
kse-NEE-a
The ancient Greek principle and practice of reciprocal hospitality, obligating hosts to shelter, feed, and protect strangers while guests show respect and reciprocal generosity.
Greek
social/relations
ξένος
KSEH-nos
A person who is foreign or unfamiliar to a community, often used to describe a stranger, outsider, or non-native individual in social contexts.
Greek
reputation/honor
κλέος
KLEH-os
A concept in ancient Greek culture denoting the reputation or glory a person gains through honorable deeds and the fame that survives them after death.
Norwegian
emotion/relationship
kjærlighetssorg
SHAIR-lee-het-sorg
A Norwegian term denoting the sorrow, emotional pain, and lingering distress caused by lost or unrequited romantic love, encompassing heartbreak, longing, and grief following breakups or relationship disappointments.
Greek
emotion
αγάπη
ah-GAH-pee
A deep, enduring feeling of affectionate care and concern for another person, encompassing romantic, familial, and platonic bonds and motivating acts of compassion and commitment.
Finnish
emotion/social
myötähäpeä
MYEU-tae-hae-peh-ah
A feeling of embarrassment experienced on behalf of another person in response to their awkward or shameful behavior, often accompanied by sympathetic discomfort and a desire to avert the situation.
Greek
homecoming/return
νόστος
NOS-tos
A concept denoting the act or theme of returning home after a long voyage or absence, often with emotional and cultural significance in Greek literature.
British English
profanity/intensifier
bloody
BLOOD-ee
An informal British expletive used as an intensifier to express annoyance, emphasis, contempt, or admiration, often considered vulgar in polite or formal contexts.
Swedish
emotion/avoidance
blunda
BLUHN-dah
To close or shut one's eyes; to avert one's gaze, often used metaphorically to ignore or disregard something significant or troubling.
Polish
social/methods
załatwić
zah-WAT-veech
To arrange, secure, or deal with something; to see to it that a matter is settled or a task is completed, often by taking necessary steps or obtaining required outcomes.
Portuguese
affection/touch
cafuné
kah-foo-NAY
A gentle, affectionate gesture consisting of running one's fingers through someone's hair or stroking it, typically to convey tenderness, comfort, or affectionate attention.
Czech
technology/behavior
prozvonit
pruhz-vuh-NIT
To call someone's phone briefly and hang up in order to prompt them to return the call, typically as a signal or reminder without a substantive message.
British English
behavior/attitude
cheeky
CHEEK-ee
Playfully impudent or irreverent behaviour or remark, often mildly disrespectful but intended to be amusing rather than hostile, typically used in informal British contexts.
Hawaiian
kinship
ʻohana
oh-HAH-nah
A Hawaiian term for family, including immediate relatives and extended kin, the household, and the network of kinship and support that binds individuals within a broader familial community.
Greek
craft/love
μεράκι
meh-RAH-kee
A strong personal devotion and meticulous care applied to one's work or craft, reflecting pride, enthusiasm, and a keen attention to detail beyond mere functional obligation.
French
emotion/defeat
bérézina
beh-reh-ZEE-nah
A sense of panic at a complete defeat, from the French idiom 'C'est la Bérézina'. Literally, “Berezina River”. References Napoleon's disastrous retreat across the Berezina River in 1812.
Italian
objects/traces
culaccino
KOO-lah-CHEE-no
The ring or mark left on a surface, especially a table, by the rim of a cold glass with condensation.
French
emotion/social
nostalgie de la boue
noh-stal-zhee-duh-lah-BOO
A sentimental attraction to what is crude, base, or socially 'low,' expressing a desire to abandon refinement and return to a simpler, rougher, or more primitive way of life.
Hindi
social
इज़्ज़त
IZ-zut
Respect, honor, and dignity accorded to a person or thing, reflecting social esteem, reputation, and consideration due to them, or the act of treating someone with such regard.
Scots
weather
dreich
DREECH
Dreich refers to dreary, damp, and miserable conditions, especially weather, conveying a bleak, cheerless, and uninviting atmosphere or mood across Scotland.
Spanish
art/supernatural
duende
DWEHN-deh
Duende refers to a supernatural being or elf-like spirit in Spanish folklore, as well as a heightened, elusive quality of passion and artistry in performance, particularly flamenco.
Norwegian
social/community
dugnad
DOOG-nahd
A voluntary, organized community effort in which residents contribute labor and time to a common project, typically unpaid and motivated by mutual cooperation and civic solidarity.
Swedish
praise/competence
duktig
DUK-tig
Competent and diligent, capable and reliable in performing tasks, often implying skill, efficiency, and good behavior in various situations and contexts.
Spanish
sensation/trait
friolento
free-oh-LEN-toh
A person who is particularly sensitive to low temperatures and tends to feel cold easily, often preferring warmth, extra layers, or heated environments even when others are comfortable.
Armenian
emotion
կարոտ
ka-ROT
A deep, often bittersweet feeling of longing for a person, place, or past time, frequently associated with homesickness and nostalgic yearning.
Armenian
emotion
հույս
HUYS
A feeling of expectation and desire for a particular outcome or positive future event, often motivating perseverance and confidence in uncertain circumstances.
German
environment/navigation
schilderwald
SHIL-der-valt
A dense, confusing array of traffic signs and notices that creates visual clutter and potential confusion for drivers or pedestrians in urban environments.
Russian
personality/behavior
почемучка
puh-CHEH-MOOCH-kah
A person, usually a child, who constantly asks questions, especially why questions; a curious, persistent inquirer who seeks explanations and reassurance through continual inquiry.
Canadian English
food/beverage
double-double
DUB-uhl-dub-uhl
A Canadian coffee order specifying two portions of cream and two portions of sugar, used at Tim Hortons and understood across Canada as shorthand for a sweet, creamy coffee.
Australian English
geography/region
outback
OUT-back
The remote, sparsely populated interior regions of Australia, typically arid or semi-arid landscapes far from coastal cities and services, evoking notions of vastness, isolation, and rugged rural life.
Indonesian
social ethic
gotong royong
goh-TONG roh-YONG
Gotong royong is a traditional Indonesian practice of communal, voluntary cooperation in which members of a community join together to complete tasks, share labor, and support one another.
Somali
prosperity/well-being
barwaaqo
bar-WAA-qo
A state of abundant prosperity and flourishing in material wealth, livelihood, and social wellbeing experienced by an individual, family, or community.
Samoan
communication/sound
faamiti
FAA-mee-tee
To express appreciation or gratitude toward someone for an action or gesture, often through words, thereby acknowledging their help or kindness.
Swedish
body/action
harkla
HAR-klah
To clear one's throat by coughing lightly, usually to prepare to speak or often to remove irritation from the throat.
Kazakh
hospitality/behavior
қонақжайлық
ko-nak-JAI-lik
The quality of warmly welcoming and generously hosting guests, reflecting customary generosity, care, and social obligation toward visitors in Kazakh culture.
Icelandic
nature/weather
gluggaveður
GLUG-ga-veth-ur
Weather that looks appealing from indoors, inviting people to go outside, but becomes less favorable and often chilly when actually experienced outdoors.
Russian
emotion/physical sensation
щемить
shche-MEET
A verb describing a dull, pinching ache or constricting sensation, frequently used figuratively of the heart or chest to denote bittersweet emotional pain, tenderness, or wistful longing.
French
behavior/exploration
dérive
day-REEV
A method of spontaneous, goal-free wandering through urban environments, allowing the city’s atmospheres and chance encounters to guide movement in order to investigate psychological effects and reveal spatial patterns.
Hebrew
particle/attitude
דווקא
doh-VAH-kah
An adverb meaning specifically or precisely; used to emphasize or specify a thing or situation, often translated as “specifically,” “indeed,” or “rather.”
Yiddish/Hebrew
trait
חוצפה
khoots-PAH
Audacity or nerve; shameless, bold conduct or demeanor, often defying social norms, sometimes praised as boldness and sometimes condemned as insolence.
Spanish
time/temporal
madrugada
mah-droo-GAH-dah
The period of time between midnight and sunrise; the early hours of the morning typically before dawn, often associated with quiet, low light, and the transition from night to day.
Dutch
emotion/anticipation
voorpret
VOHR-pret
The pleasure or excitement derived from looking forward to a future event, often involving enthusiasm and anticipation before the event takes place.
Yiddish
emotion
קװעלן
KVEL-en
To feel or express great pride and happiness, especially over someone else’s achievement, often with an outward display of joy and satisfaction.
Tshiluba (Congo)
ethic/forgiveness
ilunga
ee-LOONG-gah
Ilunga is a Tshiluba term for a person who forgives the first offense, endures the second, and is capable of killing on the third offense.
Zulu
people/gender
indoda
in-DOH-dah
An adult male human being; a Zulu term referring to a man, often implying social maturity, responsibility, and respected status within familial and communal contexts.
Georgian
desire/emotion
ნატვრა
NAHT-vrah
A personal expression of desire or hope for something to occur, often articulated as a longing, request, or aspiration toward a desired future outcome.
Swedish
lifestyle/pleasure
vardagslyx
VAHR-dahgs-lyks
A concept describing small, affordable indulgences integrated into daily routines that make ordinary life feel special, offering comfort and pleasure without significant expense or extravagance.
Finnish
emotion/motivation
jaksaa
YAHK-saa
To be able to endure or bear something; to have the energy or stamina to do something, especially despite tiredness or difficulty.
Turkish
emotion/love
ciğerpare
JEE-ehr-PAH-reh
A traditional Turkish dish consisting of liver (usually lamb or veal) grilled or fried, often seasoned with onions and spices and served as a street snack or meze.
Russian
nature/seasonal
листопа́дъ
lee-stuh-PAHD
The annual shedding of leaves from deciduous trees during autumn, marking the transition to winter and characterized by falling foliage and increased leaf drop.
Swedish
emotion/annoyance
jobbig
YAWB-big
Difficult or burdensome; causing fatigue, trouble, or annoyance, often referring to tasks, situations, or people that are strenuous, trying, or hard to deal with.
French
emotion
joie de vivre
zhwah-duh-VEEV-ruh
Joy in living; a cheerful, exuberant enthusiasm for life, often including a sense of carefree delight, vitality, and enjoyment of everyday experiences.
Finnish
emotion/weather
kaamos
KAH-mohs
The polar night; a period during winter in polar regions when the sun does not rise above the horizon for several weeks.
Greek
nature/sound
ψυθισμός
psee-thee-SMOS
Whispering; the act or sound of speaking very softly or inaudibly, producing a faint, hushed voice, typically used to convey secrecy or to avoid drawing attention.
Tulu (Indian)
body/marks
karelu
KAH-reh-loo
A traditional Tulu savory snack consisting of deep-fried, dough-based spirals or coils, prepared from a batter of rice flour and urad dal.
Canadian English
social/behavior
keener
KEE-ner
A highly enthusiastic or overly studious person, especially a student, who eagerly participates, volunteers, and prepares in advance, sometimes regarded as excessively earnest or trying too hard to impress.
Italian
relationships/metaphor
cavoli riscaldati
KAH-voh-lee ree-skal-DAH-tee
Reheated cabbage, a preparation in which cabbage is warmed again after initial cooking, often made from leftovers and served as a simple, economical side dish.
Persian (Farsi)
etiquette
تعارف
ta-AH-roof
A formal or polite set of social introductions and courteous acts used to establish acquaintance and express respect, often through conventional greetings and etiquette.
Hindi
cultural/ritual
संस्कार
san-SKAR
A set of rites, moral values, and cultural impressions that shape an individual's behavior, character, and social identity within family and community contexts.
Estonian
sauna/activity
leiliviskaja
LAY-lee-VEES-kah-yah
An individual who throws water onto hot sauna stones to produce steam, thereby increasing humidity and heat in the sauna.
Portuguese (Brazil)
street smarts
malandragem
mah-lahn-DRAH-zhem
Malandragem refers to the behavior or mindset characterized by cunning, deceit, and streetwise scheming used to gain advantages, avoid responsibilities, or manipulate others.
Arabic
emotion
غُربة
GHUR-bah
A feeling of estrangement or alienation experienced when one is away from one’s homeland, or the condition of being in a foreign place, unfamiliar and emotionally distant.
German
wanderlust
fernweh
FAIRN-vay
A deep, persistent longing to travel to faraway places, accompanied by homesickness for distant lands one has not yet visited.
Afrikaans
personality/behavior
loskop
LOHS-kop
A person who forcibly opens locks to break into houses or vehicles, i.e., a thief or burglar, commonly used in Afrikaans slang.
Dari
social/obligation
ناموس
na-MOOS
A culturally defined concept of familial honor, particularly regarding women's chastity and reputation, guiding social expectations and sometimes punitive actions to defend perceived purity.
Russian
economics/behavior
халява
ha-LYA-vuh
A colloquial term describing goods, services, or opportunities obtained for free or with minimal effort, often implying luck or exploitation of circumstances rather than entitlement, obligation, or reciprocal exchange.
Arabic
social/favoritism
واسطة
WAS-ta
The use of personal connections, influence, or intermediaries to obtain favors, jobs, services, or advantages often bypassing formal procedures or merit-based systems.
Welsh
emotion/mockery
glas wen
GLAHSS-wen
A pale blue color used in Welsh to describe a light blue or blue-tinted white shade, often appearing in descriptions of clothing, landscapes, and heraldry.
Kivila
social/truth
mokita
moh-KEE-tah
Mokita refers to the essential, often unspoken truth about a matter that is commonly known yet intentionally not discussed openly.
French
emotion/displacement
dépaysement
day-payz-MAHN
The feeling of being in a new or foreign environment, a change of scenery, often accompanied by disorientation or amazement at unfamiliar customs, landscapes, or language.
Italian
personality/behavior
attaccabottoni
aht-tahk-kah-BOT-toh-nee
A device or tool used to sew on buttons to fabric, typically in garment production or repairs, often employing a needle mechanism.
Georgian
relationship/emotion
მეგობრობა
me-GO-bro-ba
A close, mutually supportive social bond between individuals characterized by affection, trust, shared experiences, and voluntary companionship across personal and social contexts.
Malay
time/measurement
pisan zapra
PEE-sahn ZAH-prah
An obscure Malay phrase lacking a widely recognized meaning in standard Malay dictionaries, reportedly used in some dialects without a documented or broadly accepted sense.
Spanish
experience/newness
estrenar
ehs-treh-NAR
To premiere or debut publicly for the first time, or to use or wear something for the first time, especially a film, production, or garment.
Mexican Spanish
attitude
malinchismo
mah-leen-CHIS-moh
A nationalistic bias or preference for foreign culture, products, or people over Mexican ones, often rooted in colonial-era attitudes and the perception that foreign is superior.
Polish
problem-solving
kombinować
kom-bee-NOH-vatch
To devise a plan or scheme, often in a dubious or improper way, or to combine elements in a particular manner.
Russian
emotion/state
спокойствие
spuh-KOY-stv-yeh
A condition of inner calm and freedom from agitation, anxiety, or disturbance, characterized by steadiness of mood, quiet composure, and the absence of external or internal turmoil.
Russian
existential/fate
судьба
sood-BAH
A concept denoting the predetermined course of events in a person's life, shaped by external forces beyond individual control, often invoked to explain outcomes, fortune, or unavoidable circumstances.
Spanish
leisure/behavior
pasear
pah-seh-AHR
To walk or wander leisurely, often without a specific destination, for pleasure, relaxation, or socializing; also, to take someone or something out for a stroll, drive, or casual outing.
Czech
emotion
lítost
LEE-tohst
A feeling of regret or remorse for something one has done or failed to do, often accompanied by pity or sorrow.
Bulgarian
place/identity
родина
ROH-di-na
A person's native country or land of birth, often invoking emotional, cultural, and patriotic ties to the place of origin and national identity.
Korean
pace/culture
빨리빨리
PPAHL-ee-ppahl-ee
An adverbial expression meaning to do something quickly or as fast as possible, often used to urge haste or describe rapid action.
Japanese
social
建前/本音
TAH-teh-mah-eh / HOHN-neh
A pair of concepts describing the public social facade (tatemae) one presents to maintain harmony, contrasted with one's private, true feelings and motives (honne).
German
feeling/driving
fahrvergnügen
fahr-ver-GNYOO-gen
The pleasure or enjoyment derived from driving a motor vehicle, emphasizing the experience of driving well, handling, and performance rather than mere transportation.
Italian
custom
passeggiata
pah-seh-JAH-tah
A leisurely public walk, typically in the late afternoon or evening, taken with the purpose of socializing and observing people, especially along a town’s streets or promenade.
Italian
mindset
dietrologia
dee-eh-troh-LOH-jah
Dietrology is the interpretation of events as having hidden, ulterior causes or motives, especially by attributing them to secret forces or conspiratorial explanations rather than their apparent reasons.
Hungarian
emotion/behavior
elmosolyodni
EL-moh-shol-yod-nee
To begin to smile, especially in response to something, often briefly and with a subdued or gentle expression that signals pleasant recognition or amusement.
Scottish Gaelic
physical/sensation
sgrìob
SKREEV
To write; to inscribe characters on a surface, typically by forming words and sentences, or to compose written text and record information by writing.
Russian
emotion/love
однолюб
od-no-LYOOB
A person who loves only one partner at a time, remaining faithful and dedicated to a single beloved, typically within a monogamous relationship.
Bulgarian
behavior/lifestyle
домошар
do-MO-shar
A person who prefers staying at home and domestic activities over social outings, typically a habitual homebody who values comfort, routine, and solitude.
Arabic
religious/conditional
إن شاء الله
in-sha-ALLAH
A phrase expressing hope or intention that an event will occur in the future, attributing its realization to God's will and uncertainty.
British English
organization/resolution
sorted
SORT-ed
An adjective indicating that a task, problem, or arrangement has been satisfactorily completed or resolved, often implying no further action is required.
Australian English
food/drink
stubby
STUB-bee
A short, squat 375-milliliter beer bottle commonly used in Australia, also colloquially extended to mean the beverage itself or related accessories like a stubby holder.
German
personality/behavior
extrawunsch
EKS-trah-vunsh
A request for something additional or out of the ordinary, typically beyond what is standard or expected, often made to accommodate individual preferences.
German
emotion/social
schadenfreude
SHAH-den-froy-duh
The pleasure or satisfaction derived from learning about or witnessing another person's misfortune or suffering, sometimes accompanied by a sense of superiority.
Scottish Gaelic
social/awkward
tartle
TAR-tuhl
Tartle means to hesitate, falter, or pause when about to speak, especially due to embarrassment or self-consciousness, causing one to delay or stumble over words in social situations.
Norwegian
food/objects
pålegg
PAW-leg
A topping or spread placed on bread for a sandwich, typically consisting of meats, cheeses, or other spreads used as a bread accompaniment.
Swedish
food/drink
tretår
TREH-tohr
A three-year period or duration, used to describe contracts, projects, or terms lasting for three calendar years, and common in legal and administrative contexts.
Spanish
physical/description
tuerto
TWER-toh
A person or animal that is blind in one eye or has only one functioning eye, generally used to describe a physical ocular deficit.
Spanish
language/formality
tutear
too-teh-AHR
To address someone using the informal tú form in Spanish, thereby speaking to them in a familiar manner rather than in the formal usted.
French
wit
esprit d’escalier
es-pree-deh-ska-LYAY
Esprit d’escalier is the phenomenon of a witty remark that one thinks of too late, typically after a conversation has ended or in hindsight.
Finnish
myth/utopia
lintukoto
LIN-too-koh-toh
A mythical, idyllic homeland or sanctuary beyond the sea where birds spend winter, evoking a sheltered place insulated from hardship and often used metaphorically for a safe, insular haven.
Zulu
ethic
ubuntu
oo-BOON-too
Ubuntu is a philosophy and cultural principle emphasizing shared humanity, communal interdependence, and mutual respect, whereby a person is defined by their relationships and care for others.
Swedish
social/norms
jantelagen
YAHN-teh-lah-gen
A social norm, widely referenced in Scandinavian culture, that discourages individual pride, exceptionalism, or standing out, promoting modesty, conformity, and the subordination of personal achievement to collective equality.
Swedish
personality/reluctance
badkruka
BAHD-kroo-kah
A person who dislikes or avoids bathing or swimming, especially someone who is reluctant to get into water or engage in water-based activities.
Korean
emotion/satisfaction
고소하다
GOH-soh-hah-dah
To file a lawsuit against someone or to press criminal charges; it is also used to describe food that is savory, nutty, or rich in flavor.
Spanish
social/dining
sobremesa
soh-breh-MEH-sah
The period of lingering conversation and socializing at the table after a meal, when people remain seated to enjoy company, coffee, or light talk.
Georgian
behavior/character
ცოტნეობა
TSOT-ne-o-ba
The quality of unwillingness to spend or share resources, characterized by excessive reluctance to part with money, goods, or generosity toward others.
Bulgarian
luck/fortune
късмет
kuhs-MET
A concept denoting chance or favorable circumstances influencing outcomes, commonly used to describe good or bad fortune experienced by an individual or group.
Spanish
emotion/empathy
pena ajena
PEH-NA ah-JEH-nah
The feeling of embarrassment or pity for someone else's misfortune or behavior, experienced vicariously on that person's behalf in social contexts.
French
lifestyle/leisure
flâneur
FLAH-nuhr
A person, typically a man, who strolls the streets slowly, observing modern urban life and society, often as a detached, fashionable observer of cultural phenomena.
German
concept/intuition
fingerspitzengefühl
fing-er-shpit-sen-guh-FYOOL
An intuitive flair or instinct — the ability to respond with tact and sensitivity; a kind of on-the-spot feel for a complex situation.
Japanese
social/obligation
ありがためいわく
AH-ree-gah-tah-may-wah-koo
An ostensibly helpful act that, though well-intentioned and appreciated, ironically causes trouble or inconvenience, illustrating the paradox of benevolent interference.
Pashto
social/ethics
پختونوالی
pash-toon-WAH-lee
A traditional Pashtun code of conduct and honor outlining duties such as hospitality, justice, courage, and revenge, governing social behavior and communal obligations among Pashtuns.
Greek
ethics/honor
φιλότιμο
fee-LOH-tee-moh
A deeply felt sense of personal honor and duty in Greek culture, including pride in one’s reputation, social obligation, helpfulness, and moral obligation to family and community.
Māori
kinship
whānau
FAH-now
Whānau refers to one's family, including parents, siblings, and extended relatives, and more broadly to the kinship group or community linked by blood, marriage, or adoption.
Indonesian
behavior/prank
mencolek
muhn-CHOH-lek
To poke or prod someone with a finger, stick, or other object, typically to attract attention, tease, or annoy them.
Arabic
society
وَاسْطَة
WAS-tuh
The middle or center; the central position between two extremes, also used to denote moderation or the balance point in various contexts.
Italian
emotion/feelings
commovente
koh-moh-VEN-teh
Moving, it causes a strong emotional response, especially tenderness or sadness, in the observer, and it stirs deep feelings or compassion within the audience.
Yiddish
language/wit
trepverter
TREP-veh-ter
A clever, evasive reply or retort designed to dodge a direct answer, often witty or sly, frequently used to deflect an interrogation or embarrassment.
German
work/endurance
sitzfleisch
ZITS-flysh
The capacity to sit still and concentrate for extended periods, demonstrating perseverance and staying power in tasks that require sustained attention or labor.
French
emotion/sensation
frisson
FREE-sohn
A sudden, transient sensation of excitement, fear, or anticipation, often accompanied by a physical shiver or goose bumps, typically experienced in response to something emotionally stirring.
French
behavior/music
yaourt
yah-OOR
A semi-solid dairy product produced by fermenting milk with specific bacteria, commonly eaten as a breakfast or snack, sometimes sweetened or flavored.
Bulgarian
historical/role
хайдутин
hai-DOO-tin
A rural outlaw or guerrilla fighter in the Ottoman Balkans who led armed bands, often portrayed as a folk rebel resisting authority and protecting local communities.
Basque
emotion/social
aspaldiko
ahs-PAL-dee-koh
Aspaldiko denotes something occurring or existing long ago, in the distant past, formerly or in ancient times, contrasted with the present or recent events.
Finnish
measurement/animals
poronkusema
POH-ron-koo-seh-mah
Poronkusema is a traditional Finnish unit of length approximately 7.5 kilometers, defined as the distance a reindeer travels before needing to urinate.
Polish
numbers/quantity
kilkanaście
KEEL-kah-NAH-shche
A numeral indicating an approximate quantity, usually twelve to nineteen, used to express a value slightly more than a dozen.
German
objects/technology
kabelsalat
KAH-bel-sah-laht
Kabelsalat refers to a disorderly tangle of electrical or data cables, producing visual clutter and potential hazards, typically resulting from inadequate cable management and routing.
Korean
ethics/family
효
HYOH
Filial piety; a Confucian virtue involving reverence, obedience, and devoted care for one's parents and, more broadly, one's ancestors in traditional East Asian cultures.
Korean
emotion/culture
한
HAHN
Han is a Korean determiner meaning one, a single unit, used before a counter to indicate a single item in many numerical expressions.
Korean
relationship
정
JUHNG
A feeling of affection, attachment, or sentiment toward someone or something, often expressing warmth or emotional bond; in other uses, it can denote politics or government in compound forms.
Chinese (Mandarin)
philosophy/medicine
气
CHEE
A term meaning air, breath, or gas; it also denotes vital energy in traditional Chinese thought, or the mood, atmosphere, or spirit of a person or place.
Chinese (Mandarin)
social/ethical
孝
XIAO
A Confucian virtue denoting deep respect, duty, and care toward one's parents and ancestors, expressed through obedience, support, and ritual observance.
German
emotion/behavior
fisselig
FISS-uh-lig
A colloquial German adjective describing someone who is slovenly or untidy in appearance or habits, often implying a lack of neatness, care, or method in daily conduct.
Bulgarian
behavior
омайвам
o-MAY-vam
To captivate or enchant someone through charm or flattery, causing them to become fond, trustful, or temporarily distracted from judgment.
German
social/obligation
pflichterfüllung
PFLIKHT-er-FYUL-oong
The act of conscientiously performing or fulfilling one's duties or obligations, often motivated by a sense of responsibility or moral duty.
Norwegian
comfort/ambience
koselig
KOO-suh-lee
A quality of warmth, comfort, and pleasant intimacy in settings or interactions, often involving soft lighting, good company, simple pleasures, and a relaxed pace, especially cherished in Norwegian culture.
Yiddish
personality/dreamer
לופֿטמענטש
looft-MENCH
A luftmensch is a person who lives in the realm of airy dreams, lacking practical aims or action, often regarded as impractical, idealistic, and detached from material concerns.
Hindi
emotion/motivation
जिजीविषा
ji-JEE-vee-shaa
An intense desire to live and sustain life; vitality and zest for living, often reflecting the fundamental will to persevere and seek existence.
Spanish
time/temporal
anteayer
ahn-teh-ah-YER
The day that preceded yesterday; the day before today, used to refer to events occurring in the recent past rather than the present.
Yiddish
action
שלעפּן
SHLEP-en
To drag or haul something along, especially a heavy object, over a distance with effort or reluctance, often causing inconvenience or strain.
Yiddish
personality/misfortune
שלימזל
shlee-MAH-zel
A shlimazel is a person who is chronically unlucky; someone whose misfortunes seem to be caused by bad luck rather than by incompetence.
Norwegian
social/obligation
frihet under ansvar
FREE-het OON-der AHN-svar
A cultural principle emphasizing that individuals are granted significant autonomy while being expected to self-regulate and fulfill duties responsibly, relying on mutual trust rather than strict oversight or prescriptive rules.
Somali
law/punishment
xabsi
HAB-see
A state-imposed confinement or facility where an individual is deprived of liberty as legal punishment or while awaiting trial under criminal justice authority.
Swedish
family/childcare
vabba
VAH-bah
To take time off from work to care for a sick child, typically supported by state sickness benefits in Sweden.
Norwegian
emotion/exclamation
uffda
UFF-dah
An interjection used to express surprise, relief, disappointment, or frustration after a difficult or burdensome situation or outcome, typically conveying a sense of exasperation or sympathy.
Finnish
animals/collective
tokka
TOHK-kah
Tokka, in Finnish usage, refers to a sudden, brisk movement or snap, often described as a quick, involuntary jerk made in reaction to a stimulus.
Pascuense
social/behavior
tingo
TING-goh
Tingo is a Pascuense verb meaning to borrow objects from a neighbor or friend, one after another, until there is nothing left.
Tagalog/Filipino
relationship
tampo
TAM-poh
A feeling of mild resentment or hurt resulting from a perceived slight, typically expressed by sulking or giving someone the silent treatment.
Scottish Gaelic
behavior/eating
suilk
SOO-ilk
To sulk; to brood or pout in a sullen, resentful manner, often withdrawing from social interaction as a response to perceived slight or disappointment.
Finnish
culture/wellness
sauna
SAW-nuh
An enclosed wooden room or structure heated for bathing and relaxing, where people sit on benches and pour water on heated stones to produce steam and perspiration.
Tamil
emotion/love-play
oodal
OO-dahl
The physical body of a living being; the tangible, material form that houses organs, tissues, and bones, distinguished from the mind or spirit.
Spanish
colloquial/limitation
nomás
noh-MAHS
An informal Spanish adverb indicating exclusivity, limitation, or immediate action, often translating as 'only,' 'just,' or 'just now' depending on context.
Somali
greeting/peace
nabad
NAH-bahd
A culturally significant Somali word denoting peace, safety, and well-being used as both a greeting and an expression of harmony between people and communities.
Indonesian
custom/migration
mudik
moo-DEEK
The annual mass travel of Indonesians from urban areas back to their hometowns, especially during Eid al-Fitr, to celebrate with family.
Serbian
philosophy/lifestyle
merak
meh-RAHK
Merak refers to a feeling of deep pleasure, enjoyment, or delight one experiences in performing an activity or in perceiving beauty, often accompanied by enthusiasm and personal satisfaction.
Turkish
emotion
hüzün
hyoo-ZOON
Hüzün refers to a deep, prolonged melancholy or sadness, often linked to memory, longing, and cultural resonance, characterized by reflective sorrow rather than immediate grief or anger.
Malay
behavior/affection
manja
MAHN-yah
An adjective meaning a person who is pampered and spoiled, seeking constant attention and affection, often fussy or coquettish to elicit indulgence from others.
Finnish
nature/objects
lieko
LEE-eh-koh
A Finnish particle used to express uncertainty or conjecture, equivalent to "perhaps" or "I wonder if" in questions or tentative statements.
Swedish
moderation
lagom
LAH-gohm
An ideal, moderate amount or degree—neither too much nor too little—signifying balance, sufficiency, and suitability in a given context.
Swedish
personality/time
tidsoptimist
TEEDS-op-ti-MIST
A tidsoptimist is a person who consistently underestimates the time required to complete tasks, leading to unrealistic schedules and frequent delays.
Tagalog/Filipino
emotion
kilig
kee-LIG
An involuntary fluttering sensation in the chest or stomach, typically triggered by romantic or affectionate situations, often accompanied by a sense of delight, embarrassment, or modest pleasure.
Turkish
mood
keyif
keh-YEEF
Keyif is a Turkish noun meaning a sense of pleasure, enjoyment, or mood, often referring to personal satisfaction, a pleasant feeling, or a favorable mental state.
Finnish
emotion/longing
kaiho
KAI-hoh
A bittersweet, wistful longing for something absent or unattainable, often blending melancholy and hope, such as a place, time, person, or state one deeply misses.
Indonesian
humor/behavior
jayus
JAH-YOOS
A joke that is so badly told or unfunny that it induces laughter because of its sheer awkwardness or inanity.
Danish
comfort/social
hygge
HYOO-guh
Hygge denotes a Danish concept of cozy, comfortable togetherness and contentment, emphasizing warmth, simplicity, and conviviality that foster well-being and unhurried social connection.
Canadian English
infrastructure/utility
hydro
HY-droh
In Canadian English, a colloquial term for electricity or the electric utility, derived from hydroelectric providers, used in expressions like paying the hydro bill or calling the hydro company.
Swedish
time/punctuality
hinna
HIN-nah
To have enough time to do something before a deadline, or to manage to perform a task within a limited time frame.
Irish
objects/food
cúbóg
KOO-bohg
A young dog; a small or immature canine, typically referring to a puppy, and sometimes used affectionately or descriptively to indicate youth.
Tagalog/Filipino
emotion/sensation
gigil
GIG-il
A strong, often irresistible urge to pinch, squeeze, or bite something perceived as adorable, arising from intense affection or excitement.
French
emotion
ennui
ahn-WEE
A feeling of listless boredom and dissatisfaction arising from lack of occupation or excitement, often colored by a vague melancholy and weariness with life’s routines or perceived meaninglessness.
British English
behavior/character
dodgy
DODG-ee
Unreliable, suspicious, or potentially unsafe; describing a person, situation, or object that inspires distrust, is of questionable integrity, or poses possible risk.
North Sámi
nature/weather
cuoŋu
CHUO-ŋu
The hard, shiny crust of snow that forms in late winter after a thaw and refreeze, strong enough to support a person or animal.
Irish
fun/social
craic
KRAK
Craic refers to enjoyable social activity, entertainment, or lively conversation, particularly shared amusement or merriment, often described as having a good time.
Australian English
social/identity
bogan
BOH-guhn
A colloquial Australian term for a person perceived as unsophisticated, uncultured, or of low socio-economic status, often associated with loud behavior, unrefined taste, and suburban or rural working-class identity.
Hindi
philosophy/descriptor
दार्शनिक
daar-SHA-nik
A person who studies or practices philosophy, or an adjective describing something pertaining to philosophical thought, reflective inquiry, or theoretical contemplation.
Hawaiian
ethic/greeting
aloha
ah-LOH-hah
Aloha is a Hawaiian term expressing love, affection, kindness, and mercy, as well as a warm greeting or farewell used to acknowledge and connect with others.
Hawaiian
behavior/memory
akihi
ah-KEE-hee
A small edible reef fish found in Hawaiian waters, prized for its delicate flesh and often prepared fresh in traditional Hawaiian dishes.
Portuguese
emotion/longing
saudade
sow-DAH-də
A deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for someone or something absent, often mingled with melancholy and a sense of loss or yearning for return.
German
change/improvement
schlimmbesserung
SHLIM-bess-er-oong
A well-intentioned but counterproductive attempt at improvement that actually worsens the situation, often due to misguided planning, superficial measures, or flawed implementation.
Akan (Twi)
ethic
sankofa
sahn-KOH-fah
Sankofa is an Akan concept meaning 'go back and fetch it,' urging people to retrieve lessons from the past to inform present and future actions.
Kazakh
emotion
сағыныш
sa-GHU-nish
A deep, often melancholic feeling of longing or yearning for someone, a place, or the past, frequently associated with nostalgia and emotional ache.
Hindi
profession/artisan
रंगरेज़
RANG-rez
A person who professionally dyes cloths and textiles, traditionally using natural pigments and techniques, often working as an artisan in South Asian dyeing crafts.
Tagalog/Filipino
ethic
utang na loob
OO-tahng nah LOOB
Utang na loob is a deep, culturally rooted sense of gratitude and obligation toward someone who has helped you, requiring reciprocity and ongoing loyalty.
French
purpose/identity
raison d’être
ray-zon DETR
A person, group, or institution’s fundamental purpose or justification for existing, conceived as the core mission or guiding aim that organizes priorities, motivates action, and provides meaning over time.
Hawaiian
gesture
pana po’o
PAH-nah PO-oh
A blow to the head, typically delivered with a hand or blunt object, causing momentary disorientation and potential injury.
German
personality/knowledge
fachidiot
FAKH-i-dee-oht
A person who is highly specialized and knowledgeable in a narrow academic field but lacking broad general knowledge or practical skills outside that domain.
Burmese
emotion/spiritual
မေတ္တာ
may-TAH
A Buddhist-derived term denoting a boundless, intentional feeling of loving-kindness, goodwill, and benevolent affection directed toward oneself and others as a moral or spiritual disposition.
Lithuanian
time/perfection
nepakartojama
neh-pah-kar-TOH-yah-mah
Unrepeatable means incapable of being repeated or duplicated, especially in value, occurrence, or effect, making the thing unique and exceptional.
Swedish
travel/emotion
resfeber
RES-feh-ber
A feeling of anxious anticipation and excitement before undertaking a journey, characterized by restlessness and heightened eagerness about travel ahead.
Hebrew
emotion/social
פירגון
feer-GOHN
The act of showing support, praise, or goodwill toward someone, typically by affirming their achievements and giving encouragement or credit.
German
emotion/existential
weltschmerz
VELT-shmertz
A profound emotional melancholy or plaintive sadness arising from the perceived inadequacy of the world to meet one's ideals and the human condition.
Canadian English
slang/alcohol
two-four
TOO-for
A colloquial Canadian term referring to a case of twenty-four bottles or cans of beer, commonly purchased for social gatherings, weekends, or holidays.
Korean
social/deception
답정너
DAP-juhng-nuh
A person who insists that others answer in a predetermined way, implying the conclusion is fixed and any alternative responses are dismissed as incorrect.
Finnish
sound/nature
narskua
NAR-skoo-ah
A Finnish intransitive verb describing the harsh, crunchy or squeaky noise produced by packed snow underfoot, teeth grinding, or hard surfaces rubbing together, often associated with dry cold conditions.
Japanese
craft/philosophy
金継ぎ
kin-TSOO-gee
An ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by applying lacquer blended with precious metals, usually gold, to the seams, thereby highlighting the cracks rather than concealing them.
Japanese
work/society
過労死
KAH-roh-shee
Death caused by severe and prolonged overwork, typically resulting from cardiovascular or other health failure linked to extreme working hours and work-related stress.
Japanese
habit
積ん読
TSUN-doh-koo
The practice of acquiring books and leaving them unread, often by stacking them up, sometimes with no immediate intention to read, thereby creating a personal backlog of unread literature.
Japanese
objects/prank
珍道具
cheen-DOH-goo
A curious or unusual gadget or tool, typically a small device regarded as novel or whimsical, is often associated with ingenuity or impracticality in everyday use.
Spanish
emotion/exclamation
naguará
na-gwa-RAH
An emphatic Venezuelan Spanish interjection expressing astonishment, admiration, or dismay in response to something unexpected or impressive, commonly associated with Lara state speech and widely recognized nationwide.
Sanskrit
emotion
आनन्द
aa-NUN-da
A profound feeling of joy, bliss, or spiritual delight often associated with inner peace, contentment, and liberation in Indian philosophical and religious contexts.
Georgian
behavior/food
შემომეძამ
SHEH-moh-meh-dzahm
To have sought after someone; to search for a person with persistent effort, often with the aim of locating or summoning them.
Japanese
wellbeing
森林浴
SEN-leen-yoo
A practice of slow, mindful immersion in a forest environment aimed at promoting relaxation, physical health, stress reduction, and a heightened sensory connection with nature.
French
psychology/impulse
l'appel du vide
lah-PEL-dy-VEED
An inexplicable, often fleeting urge to engage in self-destructive or dangerous acts, typically triggered by standing near a precipice or confronting risk.
Japanese
technology/identity
ネカマ
NEH-kah-mah
A man who pretends to be a woman online, especially in chat rooms or online gaming, in order to deceive others or attract attention.
Dutch
comfort/social
gezelligheid
guh-ZEL-likh-hayt
Gezelligheid refers to a warm, cozy, and convivial atmosphere, characterized by sociable interaction, mutual comfort, and a sense of togetherness that fosters pleasant, agreeable social experiences.
Amharic
emotion
እንባ
en-BA
Tears produced by the eyes, representing a physical response to emotion, pain, or irritation, often used metaphorically to express sorrow or compassion.
Amharic
greeting/well-wishing
ሰላም
se-LAM
A customary Amharic greeting conveying peace, goodwill, and respect, used to say hello, farewell, or offer wishes of safety in social, religious, and formal interactions.
Hindi
manner/quality
सहज
sa-HAJ
An adjective describing something done naturally or effortlessly, without apparent strain, artifice, or deliberate effort, reflecting innate ease or spontaneous simplicity.
Hindi
leisure/pleasure
मौज
MAUJ
A colloquial Hindi term denoting pleasure, carefree enjoyment, or good times, often implying indulgent leisure, joviality, or a spirited mood among friends or in celebration.
Arabic
music/emotion
طرب
TAH-rab
Tarab is a state of musical ecstasy or intense emotional pleasure induced by listening to and engaging with music, often characterized by enchantment, joy, rapture, and emotional exaltation.
Arabic
virtue/behavior
صبر
SAH-br
Enduring patience, self-restraint, and perseverance in the face of hardship or adversity, often with calm acceptance and reliance on faith.
Arabic
social/time
سمر
sah-MAR
Samar denotes an evening social gathering marked by relaxed conversation, storytelling, and entertainment, typically held after sunset as a form of convivial companionship.
Armenian
emotion
սեր
SER
A strong, complex emotional and social bond characterized by deep affection, attachment, and care between individuals, often encompassing romantic, familial, and platonic forms.
Bulgarian
attraction/charisma
чар
CHAR
An attractive personal quality or aura that makes a person or thing appealing and captivating, denoting warmth, charisma, and a slightly old-fashioned polite charm.
Ukrainian
emotion
сум
SOOM
A Ukrainian noun denoting a deep, melancholic sorrow or sadness often associated with reflective yearning, loss, or homesickness, expressed in poetry and everyday speech.
Russian
culture/daily life
быт
BIHT
The sphere of everyday life encompassing domestic routines, material living conditions, household practices, and ordinary social habits that structure daily existence, as distinct from higher culture, art, or ideology.
Yorùbá
power/speech
àṣẹ
ah-SHEH
In Yoruba, àṣẹ refers to the power, authority, or command to make things happen, grant permission, or sanction actions, often vested in a ruler, deity, or ancestral authority.
Yoruba
health/illness
ìbà
ee-BAH
A medical term referring to an elevated body temperature or febrile condition characterized by heat, chills, and often accompanying symptoms indicating infection or inflammatory response.
Swedish
comfort/lifestyle
mys
MEES
A Swedish concept denoting a warm, cozy, and relaxed atmosphere, typically at home with soft lighting, snacks, and close company, emphasizing comfort, togetherness, and simple pleasures, especially during darker seasons.
Norwegian
coziness
kos
KOOS
Kos refers to a feeling of coziness, warmth, and pleasant enjoyment, especially in a relaxed, intimate, or homely setting, or to the mood of comfort and togetherness.
Romanian
emotion/longing
dor
DOR
A deep, persistent feeling of longing or yearning for someone or something, often accompanied by nostalgia or homesickness, and expressed as a poignant emotional state.
Finnish
emotion/satisfaction
hyppytyynytyydytys
HYP-PY-TYY-NY-TYY-DY-TYS
The satisfaction or gratification derived from jumping on a bouncy cushion or trampoline, typically associated with the playful thrill of such activity.
Sanskrit/Hindi
religion
दर्शन
DAR-shun
Darshana denotes the act of seeing or perception, and in Indian philosophy it designates a distinct school of thought, viewpoint, or system of metaphysical and epistemological principles.
Hindi
spiritual/life
प्राण
PRAA-n
The vital life force or breath believed to animate living beings, often regarded in traditional Indian philosophies and yoga as the essential sustaining energy.
Greek
ethic
φιλοξενία
fee-lo-kseh-NEE-ah
Hospitality is the generous and cordial reception of guests or strangers, including warmth, accommodation, meals, and attentive consideration shown to their comfort and welfare.
Swedish
nature/custom
gökotta
YURK-ot-tah
Gökotta is the practice of waking up early to go outdoors at dawn in order to listen to birds singing, as a peaceful appreciation of nature.
Japanese
life/philosophy
生き甲斐
ee-kee-GUY
The sense of purpose and meaning in life that gives a person motivation to live and to pursue activities valued as worthwhile.
Hindi
ethics/philosophy
अहिंसा
a-HIM-sa
The principle of nonviolence characterized by intentional avoidance of harm to all living beings, forming a moral, spiritual, and political commitment to peaceful conduct.
German
culture
zeitgeist
ZYTE-gyst
The defining spirit or mood of a particular period in history, reflected in the ideas, beliefs, and cultural expressions of its society.
Japanese
aesthetics/emotion
物の哀れ
moh-noh-noh-ah-WAH-reh
Mono no aware is the Japanese aesthetic sense of the impermanence of things, prompting a gentle, melancholic appreciation of their transient beauty.
Spanish
expression/vulgar
chingada
CHEE-GAH-dah
A vulgar Mexican Spanish noun/adjective derived from chingar, used as an insult or intensifier to denote something extremely troublesome, ruined, or contemptible, and in some contexts referring to sexual activity.
Māori
ethic/environment
kaitiakitanga
kai-tee-ah-kee-TAH-ngah
Kaitiakitanga is the Māori duty of guardianship and stewardship over people, land, and resources, expressed through responsible care, protection, and sustainable management in alignment with cultural values.
Italian
personality/animals
gattara
gah-TAH-rah
A woman who feeds, tends to, and cares for stray cats, especially in her neighborhood, often regarded as a devoted cat lover or eccentric.
Norwegian
greeting/etiquette
takk for sist
TAHK-for-sist
A polite expression said when meeting someone after seeing them recently, acknowledging the previous encounter and expressing gratitude for the time, hospitality, or company shared on that earlier occasion.
Italian
leisure/time
meriggiare
meh-ree-JAH-reh
To spend the afternoon resting or relaxing, especially outdoors in the shade during the heat of the day, typically in a leisurely, idle manner.
Russian
emotion/love
разлюбить
raz-LYOO-BEET
To cease to love someone, or to lose romantic affection for a person who was formerly loved, typically resulting in emotional detachment or breakup.
Bulgarian
communication/behavior
наддумвам
nad-DUM-vam
To attempt to dominate a conversation by speaking louder, interrupting, or out-speaking another person so their contributions are overshadowed or silenced.
Dutch
nature/wellness
uitwaaien
out-WAI-en
To go out into the wind and fresh air to clear one's mind or recover from stress, typically by taking a refreshing walk, thereby allowing thoughts to flow freely.
Japanese
nature/light
木漏れ日
KOH-mo-reh-bee
The sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees, creating patches of light and shadow on the ground in forests or woodland areas.
Yiddish
action/mistake
farpotshket
fahr-POTSH-ket
To be utterly exhausted, demoralized, or overwhelmed, typically as a result of fatigue, disappointment, or persistent difficulties; to have one's energy and spirits completely drained.
Japanese
personality/parenting
教育ママ
KYOH-ee-koo-ma-ma
A mother who is excessively involved in her child’s education, closely supervising schooling, arranging tutoring, and pressuring academic achievement, often prioritizing study success over the child’s autonomy.
Norwegian
leisure/nature
utepils
OO-teh-pils
The act of drinking beer outdoors, especially in sunny or pleasant weather, often with others, typically enjoyed on a terrace, patio, or other outdoor setting.
Malay
appearance/physical
gigi jarang
gi-gi JA-rang
A dental condition describing naturally spaced teeth with visible gaps between adjacent teeth, often considered a distinctive facial characteristic rather than an immediate functional impairment.
Icelandic
nature/weather
dalalæða
DAH-lah-LEH-tha
An inhabitant of a valley; a person who lives in or is strongly associated with a dale, particularly in Icelandic usage to denote place of residence.
Japanese
emotion/memory
懐かしい
NAH-tsu-kah-shee
A feeling of warm, wistful longing for moments or people in the past, often accompanied by affection and a sense of familiarity.
Ukrainian
comfort/coziness
затишок
za-TY-shok
A Ukrainian term denoting a feeling or state of cozy tranquility, warm homelike comfort, and peaceful calm, often associated with shelter and relaxed domestic atmosphere.
Japanese
emotion/love
恋の予感
KOI-no-yo-kan
A sense that love is about to happen or that one is about to fall in love, often described as a premonition of romance.
Armenian
peace/abstract
խաղաղություն
kha-gha-ghu-TYUN
A state of tranquility and absence of conflict characterized by societal stability, mutual nonviolence, and harmonious relations among individuals, communities, or nations.
Rukwangali
physical/movement
hanyauku
ha-NYOW-koo
To walk on the tips of the toes, typically in a cautious, quiet manner, often on uneven or soft ground.
Japanese
teaching/learning
反面教師
HAN-men-KYOH-shee
A person or example that serves as a cautionary lesson by illustrating what not to do, thereby teaching others through their mistake or failure.
Kalaallisut (Greenlandic)
behavior/anticipation
iktsuarpok
ik-TSOO-ar-pok
Iktsuarpok is the Inuit term for the intense anticipation that compels a person to go outside repeatedly to see if anyone is coming.
Wagiman
nature/water
murr-ma
MURR-ma
A Wagiman noun designating a particular ceremonial object or practice, carrying cultural significance within community rituals and reflecting traditional authority, kinship, or identity as understood by speakers.
Japanese
ethic
勿体無い
mo-TAI-nai
A feeling of regret or reproach arising from wasting something valuable, often used to discourage waste and to promote careful, respectful use of resources.
Italian
behavior/food
fare la scarpetta
FAH-reh lah skar-PET-tah
To mop up the remaining sauce on one's plate with a piece of bread at the end of a meal.
Ukrainian
emotion/state/place
роздолля
roz-DOL-lya
A poetic Ukrainian term denoting a broad, open expanse and a feeling of liberating abundance or boundless freedom often associated with countryside space and emotional release.
Czech
luck
mít kliku
MEET KLEE-koo
To possess a door handle or knob; to be fitted with a device used to operate a door, typically by pulling or turning to open it.
Japanese
aesthetics
侘び寂び
WAH-bee-SAH-bee
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity, valuing rustic, modest, and weathered qualities that celebrate transience and authenticity.
French
politics
laïcité
lah-ee-see-TAY
The principle of secularism in a state, separating civil and political life from religion and ensuring freedom of conscience and equality before the law.
French
emotion/reunion
retrouvailles
ruh-troo-VAY
The act or experience of reuniting with someone after a long separation, often with a sense of joy, relief, and renewed closeness.
Hungarian
personality/relationships
házisárkány
HAH-zee-shahr-kahny
A dragon associated with or kept in a home; a dragon imagined as living in a house, often encountered in folklore and fantasy as a domestic guardian or pet.
Japanese
appearance/beauty
上げ劣り
AH-ge-oh-toh-ree
A condition describing inferiority relative to another when an increase or elevation has occurred, indicating that the raised element is comparatively weaker or less effective.
Kalaallisut (Greenlandic)
kinship/family
qaannat
KAH-an-nat
A Greenlandic kinship term denoting a specific kind of cousin or relative within Inuit family systems, often indicating parallel descent or clan affiliation.
Danish
work/happiness
arbejdsglæde
AR-bye-s-GLAE-duh
The positive emotional state derived from one's work, encompassing enjoyment, engagement, motivation, and satisfaction resulting from meaningful, valued, and well-supported employment.
German
ideas/planning
schnapsidee
shnaps-ih-DAY
A spur-of-the-moment, often impractical or reckless idea, typically conceived while under the influence of alcohol, implying a whimsical, ill-advised plan rather than serious intent.
German
action/improvement
verschlimmbessern
fer-shlimm-BESS-ern
To attempt to improve something but end up making it worse in the process.
German
communication/regret
treppenwitz
TREP-uhn-vits
A witty remark or clever comeback that one only thinks of after the moment has passed, particularly after leaving a social situation.
Korean
social skill
눈치
NOON-chee
The ability to perceive and understand others' feelings, intentions, and social cues, and to respond appropriately with tact in social situations.
Korean
personality/navigation
길치
GIL-chee
A person who is poor at finding their way or navigating, often getting lost or disoriented, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.
Chinese (Mandarin)
philosophy/design
风水
fung-SHWAY
Feng shui is a traditional Chinese practice of arranging the environment to harmonize people with their surroundings and promote favorable energy flow (qi) for health, prosperity, and well-being.
Chinese (Mandarin)
social
面子
MYEN-tzuh
Face refers to one's social reputation or standing, including dignity and prestige, and the concern with preserving or losing respect in the eyes of others during interactions.
Chinese (Mandarin)
fate/relationships
缘分
YWAN-fen
Yuanfen refers to a predestined affinity or connection between people that leads to their meeting or the formation of significant relationships, believed to be beyond ordinary choice or effort.
Japanese
social/relationship
甘え
AH-ma-eh
A noun describing the tendency to rely on or expect indulgent care from others, often in a dependent, childlike, or pampered manner.
Chinese (Mandarin)
atmosphere
热闹
ruh-NAO
Lively and bustling with a lot of people, noise, and activity, creating an energetic, festive, and engaging atmosphere, often in public spaces or celebrations.
Japanese
stress/language
横飯
YOH-koh-meh-shee
A Japanese noun meaning a side portion of rice that is served alongside the main course, typically not the central element of the meal.
Japanese
social/emotion
本音
HON-neh
One's true feelings or real intentions, as opposed to the outward expressions or claimed opinions one presents in social or public situations.
Japanese
philosophy/improvement
改善
KAI-zen
The act or process of making something better, typically by correcting deficiencies or enhancing quality, representing improvement or amelioration across various contexts such as business, technology, or daily life.
Japanese
social role
徒弟
TOO-dee
An apprentice or disciple working under a master, especially in a craft or trade.
Japanese
aesthetics
幽玄
YOO-gen
A subtle, profound sense of mysterious beauty and depth in nature, art, or life that remains ineffable and indirectly apprehended, beyond explicit description or rational explanation.
Chinese (Mandarin)
virtue
吃苦
CHEE-koo
To endure hardship or suffering; to bear difficult circumstances and work hard in order to gain improvement, resilience, or success.
Chinese (Mandarin)
cheer
加油
jyah-YOH
To refuel a vehicle by adding fuel, or, in colloquial usage, to encourage and energize someone or yourself to persevere.
Chinese (Mandarin)
social/relationships
关系
GWAHN-shee
A connection or association between people, things, or events, indicating how they are related, relevant, or influential to one another.
Chinese (Mandarin)
society
内卷
NAY-jwen
A process of escalating, counterproductive competition within a closed social system, where participants expend increasing effort with diminishing returns and little or no overall progress.
Chinese (Mandarin)
society
人情
NIN-joh
A social concept encompassing personal sympathy and the obligation to render or expect favors within a network of relationships, reflecting goodwill, reciprocity, and mutual obligations.
Burmese
fortune/destiny
ကံ
KAN
A cultural concept denoting an individual's luck or predetermined fate believed to influence life events, outcomes, and social perceptions of fortune.
Norwegian
nature/weather
yr
YEER
A nuisance or bother that causes irritation or unrest; something that creates trouble or annoyance for someone in daily life, often lasting and provoking unease.
Canadian English
speech/pragmatics
eh
EH
A sentence-final discourse particle in Canadian English used to seek confirmation or agreement, invite a response, soften assertions, or express surprise or emphasis, functioning similarly to a tag question.
Russian
aesthetics/morality
пошлость
POH-shlost
The quality or state of being vulgar, tasteless, or banal, often characterized by crude sensationalism, gaudy showiness, and a lack of refinement or genuine sophistication.
Kazakh
abstract/concept
еркіндік
er-KIN-dik
The state or condition of being free from external constraints, control, or restriction, including personal, political, or social autonomy and independent agency.
Italian
ethos
bella figura
bel-lah fi-GOO-rah
A person's stylish, dignified, well presented outward appearance or behavior intended to create a favorable impression on others in social or formal contexts.
Yaghan (often cited)
social glance
mamihlapinatapai
mah-mee-hlah-pee-nah-tah-PIE
A look exchanged by two people who both desire that the other should initiate an action or proposal that would benefit both parties.
German
personality/behavior
weichei
VY-khy
A person regarded as weak-willed, spineless, or cowardly; someone who shies away from effort or danger due to a lack of courage.
Spanish
state/wakefulness
desvelado
dehs-veh-LAH-doh
An adjective meaning awake and unable to sleep, often due to worry, anticipation, or distress, resulting in prolonged wakefulness during the night.
Uzbek
emotion/nostalgia
sog‘inch
so-GHINCH
An intense feeling of longing or yearning for someone, a place, or the past often associated with homesickness, nostalgia, and emotional ache.
Spanish
emotion/behavior
risueño
ree-SWEH-nyoh
Having or showing a cheerful, smiling, or pleasant disposition, often conveying warmth, friendliness, a subtly amused expression, and an approachable demeanor.
Italian
emotion/food
abbiocco
ab-BYOHK-koh
A sudden feeling of drowsiness or sleepiness, typically after a heavy meal, causing fatigue and a desire to rest or nap.
Japanese
philosophy/acceptance
しょうがない
show-gah-NIGH
Used to express resignation at an unfortunate or unavoidable situation, indicating that one has no control over events and must accept them as they are.
British English
surprise
gobsmacked
GOB-smacked
Extremely astonished or shocked, often temporarily rendered speechless and unable to react because of sudden surprise, disbelief, or overwhelming emotional impact.
Zulu
politeness/social custom
hlonipha
hlo-NI-pah
A cultural practice of respectful speech in Zulu society involving deliberate avoidance of certain words or names and use of euphemisms to show deference to elders and in‑laws.
Finnish
humor/leisure
kalsarikännit
KAL-sah-ree-kaen-nit
The act of drinking at home alone, in one’s underwear, with no intention of going out, typically as a deliberately cozy, private form of self-care.
Russian
behavior/weather
разгуляться
raz-goo-LYAT-sya
A verb meaning to let oneself go and become lively or indulgent in merrymaking or activity; also used of weather to describe clearing up and brightening after previous gloom.
Hindi
social/hospitality
चाय पानी
CHAAY PAA-nee
A colloquial Hindi term for tea and water, referring to a common hospitality refreshment in which tea is served along with water.
Latvian
emotion/space
kaapshljmurslis
KAAP-shly-mur-slis
A fictitious or nonce Latvian term used to denote an imaginary, whimsical object or concept, with no established meaning or usage in standard language.
German
communication/pressure
erklärungsnot
eh-r-KLAIR-oongs-noht
A situation in which there is an urgent need for explanation or clarification, typically arising when something is unclear, confusing, or inadequately justified.
French
emotion/regret
l'esprit de l'escalier
leh-spree-duh-leh-ska-LYAY
The phenomenon of thinking of a clever reply too late, typically after the moment has passed, causing rueful regret and the perception of a perfect counterargument that was not delivered.
Portuguese
problem-solving
desenrascanço
deh-zen-ras-KAHN-soo
Desenrascanço refers to the ability to improvise and manage a difficult situation, finding practical solutions with limited resources and extricating oneself through quick, resourceful action.
Slovenian
perception/understanding
spregledati
spreh-GLEH-dah-tee
To fail to notice or consider something, thereby missing it and potentially overlooking an opportunity or failing to take appropriate action.
Burmese
emotion/mental state
အေးချမ်းမှု
ay-CHAN-mhu
A state of calmness and inner peace characterized by emotional stability, absence of disturbance, and a serene acceptance of one's circumstances.
Japanese
personality trope
ツンデレ
TSUN-deh-reh
An archetype of a character who initially behaves coldly toward someone they like, then gradually reveals warmth and affection beneath a prickly exterior.
Japanese
entertainment/music
カラオケ
ka-ra-O-ke
A social entertainment activity and device in which individuals sing along to recorded instrumental tracks, often performed publicly or privately for fun and leisure.
Japanese
mental/daydreaming
ぼけっと
boh-KET-toh
A state or manner of acting in which one is absent-minded, spaced-out, or daydreaming, often showing little awareness of surroundings or current activity.
Icelandic
philosophy/attitude
þetta reddast
thet-tah REH-dhast
A common Icelandic expression of resignation and optimism, meaning that things will work out in the end and one should have faith that circumstances will improve.
Spanish
physical/vision
encandilar
en-kahn-dee-LAR
To dazzle, enchant, or captivate someone with charm, beauty, or brilliance, causing intense delight or fascination that can overwhelm judgment or perception.
Swedish
nature/night
mångata
MOHNG-gah-tah
A moonlit road on the water, formed by the moon's reflection creating a luminous, winding path across a calm surface.
Slovenian
emotional/protection
vedriti
VEH-dree-tee
To become clear and bright, especially the sky or weather, as clouds disperse and daylight returns, indicating improved atmospheric conditions.
German
nature/emotion
waldeinsamkeit
VALD-eye-n-zahm-kite
The feeling of being alone in the forest, typically a quiet, contemplative solitude inspired by its atmosphere and the sense of tranquil, immersive nature.
Māori
physical/anatomy
papakata
PAH-pah-kah-tah
Papakata refers to a traditional Māori homestead or village site established by a whānau on ancestral land, serving as the family's cultural and residential center.
Italian
style/virtue
sprezzatura
spret-sa-TOO-rah
The art of displaying effortless, studied nonchalance and ease in one's demeanor, actions, or style, so that competence appears natural and unforced.
French
cognition/perception
déjà vu
DAY-zhah-voo
A distinct, fleeting sensation that a current situation has been experienced before, despite awareness it is new, often linked to memory processing anomalies and contextual familiarity.
Finnish
nature/weather
hankikanto
HAHN-kee-kahn-toh
A late-winter snow condition in which overnight freezing forms a firm, load-bearing crust that allows people, animals, or vehicles to travel on top of the snow without sinking.
Kazakh
taste/food
тәттілік
tat-TEE-lik
The quality or characteristic of being sweet in taste, often used to refer to sweet foods or the pleasant sugary flavor experienced in confections.
German
emotion/time
torschlusspanik
tor-shloos-PAH-nik
A persistent anxiety that aging limits future opportunities, causing concern about missing out on meaningful life events as time advances.
Georgian
emotion
სიხარული
SI-kha-ru-li
A feeling of intense pleasure and satisfaction arising from positive events, personal achievements, or close relationships, often manifested through smiling, laughter, or celebratory behaviour.
French
emotion/love
la douleur exquise
lah doo-luhr eks-KEEZ
The emotional or physical pain experienced as exquisitely intense and bittersweet, often connected with unrequited love or unattainable longing, causing poignant ache.
Japanese
appearance/dating
バックシャン
BAHK-koo-shahn
A garment whose back view is particularly stylish or striking, making the back a focal point of the design, often featuring an open or decorative back.
Hindi
problem-solving
जुगाड़
joo-GAAD
Jugaad is a resourceful, improvised solution or workaround that makes do with limited resources, often involving frugal innovation, clever improvisation, and unconventional, practical problem-solving.
Polish
social/psychology
formacja
for-MA-tsya
Formacja is an organized arrangement or structure of parts, a military unit or organizational body, or a geological or geographic formation.
German
personality/behavior
handschuhschneeballwerfer
HAND-shoo-shnay-bahl-ver-fer
A person who throws snowballs while wearing gloves, typically in winter play or sport, highlighting the activity of snowball throwing in conjunction with glove use.
German
emotion
fremdschämen
FREMD-shay-men
The feeling of vicarious embarrassment experienced for another person's socially awkward or embarrassing behavior, often leading to a sense of secondhand shame or discomfort.
French
emotion/romance
coup de foudre
koo-duh-FOOD-ruh
A sudden, overwhelming experience of love or attraction experienced instantly upon first encountering someone or something, often perceived as fateful, electrifying, and beyond rational explanation.
Welsh
emotion
hiraeth
HEE-RYE-th
An intense, often melancholic longing for a distant homeland or lost opportunities, combining nostalgia, grief, and yearning for what could have been.
Arabic
emotion/love
يقبرني
yaq-BU-roo-nee
An Arabic present-tense, transitive verb meaning 'he buries me,' where the subject carries out the act of interring the speaker, who is the direct object of the action.
French
work/creativity
bricoleur
bree-koh-LUR
A person who enjoys making minor repairs and doing home improvement projects, often as a hobby, typically functioning as a handy, practical do-it-yourself enthusiast.
Swahili
ethic/social
hakuna matata
hah-KOO-nah mah-TAH-tah
An expression in Swahili meaning there are no problems or troubles, conveying reassurance that everything is fine and there is nothing to worry about.
Polish
legal/family
dożywocie
doh-zhih-VOH-cheh
Life imprisonment, a judicial sentence in which the offender is confined for the rest of their life, often with limited or no prospects for release.
Polish
historical/occupation
radioukacz
rah-dee-OO-katch
A person who operates and communicates via radio equipment, especially in professional, maritime, or military settings, handling transmissions, reception, and related procedures.
Dutch
work/behavior
epibreren
EH-pee-breh-ren
To undergo epiboly; in biology, the process by which an outer cell layer spreads across and over the yolk or inner cell mass during early embryonic development.
Thai
wellbeing
สบาย
sah-BYE
Comfortable; free from pain or effort, feeling relaxed and at ease, often indicating good health or a trouble-free state, and used to describe situations, circumstances, or actions that are easy.
Thai
value
สนุก
sah-NOOK
Fun is an adjective meaning enjoyable and entertaining, providing pleasure or amusement, and capable of creating a sense of enjoyment or excitement in a person, activity, or situation.
Burmese
physical/emotional state
တုံ့တင်းမှု
tohn-TIN-hmu
A state of physical or mental stiffness characterized by rigidity, tightness, or heightened tension that reduces flexibility in muscles, posture, or emotional reactions.
Swedish
emotion
förväntansglädje
fuhr-VEN-tans-gled-yeh
The pleasurable, buoyant feeling experienced while anticipating an upcoming positive event, deriving enjoyment from the expectation itself before the desired outcome actually occurs.
German
social/relationships
drachenfutter
DRAH-khen-fut-ter
An apologetic gift or token given to mollify a partner after a quarrel, often humorously described as appeasing the dragon and restoring harmony.
Hindi
value judgment
पैसा वसूल
PAI-sa va-SOOL
The act or process of collecting money owed, typically through formal demand, negotiation, or legal enforcement, aimed at recovering outstanding payments from debtors.
Sanskrit/Hindi
ethic
सेवा
SAY-vah
Seva refers to voluntary, selfless service rendered to others, including humanitarian aid and religious devotion expressed through acts of care, charity, and the duty to help one another.
Hindi
emotion/love
विरह
vih-RAH
A state of longing or yearning for a loved one, often arising from separation and absence, accompanied by the pain of unfulfilled affection.
Hindi
religion/ethics
धर्म
DHAR-ma
An ethical and religious principle encompassing duty, moral law, social order, and righteous conduct guiding individual responsibilities and communal harmony within Hindu and related South Asian traditions.
Hindi
ethics/philosophy
कर्म
KAR-ma
The principle that intentional actions and deeds produce corresponding moral consequences that shape an individual's present and future circumstances through cause-and-effect relationships.
Thai
etiquette
เกรงใจ
KRENG-jai
to be mindful of others' feelings and avoid imposing or causing trouble by showing restraint or consideration, often refraining from asking for favors out of courtesy.
Urdu
arts/storytelling
گویا
GOH-yah
Goya means as if or so to speak, used to indicate that something is implied, hypothetical, or figurative rather than literally true.
Persian
physical/emotional
ژغژغ
ZHAHG-zhahg
A Persian onomatopoeic word denoting a sharp, metallic rattling or clattering sound, typically produced by shaking, striking, or mechanical vibration.
Urdu
social/gathering
محفل
mah-FIL
A social gathering or assembly, typically for poetry, music, conversation, or celebration, often held in a private or intimate setting.
Urdu
honor/virtue
غیرت
ghay-RAT
A culturally informed sense of personal or familial honor, involving protective pride and jealous vigilance aimed at safeguarding reputation, chastity, and social standing.
Urdu
emotion/state
سکون
su-KOON
A state of inner calm and tranquility characterized by freedom from anxiety, disturbance, or agitation, often referring to mental peace, physical quiet, or restful stillness.
Arabic
social/conflict
تراض
ta-RAAD
To be content, pleased, or satisfied; to consent to, approve, or acquiesce in something, often implying agreement or acceptance of another’s proposal or condition.
Arabic
religion/spirituality
بركة
BAR-a-kah
A spiritual or material blessing believed to be a divine favor or presence that brings prosperity, protection, sanctity, or beneficial influence in Islamic and Arabic contexts.
British English
physical state/fatigue
knackered
NAK-uhd
Extremely tired or exhausted, typically after physical exertion or a long day, often used informally to indicate inability to continue without rest.
Norwegian
emotion/love
forelsket
foh-REL-sket
In love, one experiences intense romantic attraction and joy toward someone, typically at the early stage of a romantic relationship, often accompanied by a mixture of excitement, distraction, and idealization.
Bulgarian
emotion
тъга
TUH-ga
A deep, persistent feeling of sadness or wistful sorrow often combining grief and longing, experienced quietly and expressed in both everyday speech and poetic contexts.
Russian
spirituality/identity
душа
doo-SHAH
A term denoting the soul or inner self, regarded as the seat of emotions, conscience, and essence, often used to describe sincerity, warmth, and wholehearted generosity in people.
Greek
mood
κέφι
KEH-fee
A high-spirited mood or enthusiasm, characterized by lively enjoyment, zest, and exuberant energy, often expressed in music, dance, and sociable celebration.
German
emotion/existential
lebensmüde
LAY-bens-mue-duh
Feeling exhausted and disillusioned with life to the point of wishing to abandon living; exhibiting a weariness or despair that undermines the will to continue.
Scottish Gaelic
custom/music
ceilidh
KAY-lee
A social gathering, typically with traditional music and dancing, held for communal entertainment and celebration, where people participate in ceilidh dances and share songs, stories, and refreshments.
Bengali
abstract/sarcasm
ঘোড়ার ডিম
GHO-rar dim
A hypothetical or impossible object or event; a thing that cannot exist in reality or occur, often used to emphasize extreme improbability or absurdity.
Hindi
greeting/spirituality
नमस्ते
nuh-muh-STAY
A respectful greeting or salutation in Indian culture, typically accompanied by joining the palms and bowing slightly, used to acknowledge another person or convey goodwill.
Russian
emotion/malicious
злорадствовать
zlah-RAHD-stvoh-vaht
To take malicious pleasure in someone else’s misfortune or failure, often with triumphant, smug satisfaction and without concern for the sufferer.
British English
emotion
chuffed
CHUHFT
Very pleased or satisfied, typically due to a personal achievement, compliment, or favourable outcome, often expressed in informal British usage.
Australian English
communication/behavior
yarn
YAHN
A casual conversation or an engaging story, often informal and sometimes embellished, typically shared among friends or acquaintances during relaxed social interaction in Australian contexts.
Spanish
commerce/hospitality
yapa
YAH-pah
A small extra amount or complimentary item added to a purchase by a vendor as a goodwill gesture, common in Andean Spanish-speaking regions, related to local market traditions.
Icelandic
personality/behavior
tima
TEE-ma
To measure or determine the duration of an event or action by using a clock or timer, typically for purposes of synchronization, pacing, or performance assessment.
Tongan/Polynesian
custom/law
tapu
TAH-poo
A sacred or forbidden status in Polynesian cultures that publicly prohibits access or use by ritual sanction or custom, and is respected accordingly.
Finnish
character/resilience
sisu
SEE-soo
Sisu refers to staunch perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity, combining courage, tenacity, and resolve to endure difficult situations beyond conventional expectations.
Spanish
discourse/connector
pués
PWEHS
A Spanish discourse particle used to introduce explanations, transitions, emphasis, or hesitation, functioning as a conversational filler and connective element in spoken and informal written language.
Hawaiian
ethic
pono
POH-noh
A state of moral righteousness, correctness, and fairness; doing what is right and proper, in alignment with cultural and ethical standards.
Uzbek
desire/aspiration
orzu
or-ZOO
A strongly felt hope or aspiration representing a desired future outcome or personal ambition that motivates long-term planning and emotional longing.
Swedish
energy/fatigue
orka
OR-kah
To have the energy, stamina, or will to do something; to be able to cope with a task or situation.
Kalaallisut (Greenlandic)
geography/place
nuna
NOO-nah
A Greenlandic word denoting land, territory, or homeland, used to refer to ground, country, or inhabited region in both literal and cultural senses.
Swedish
emotion/coziness
mysa
MEE-sah
To settle in and enjoy comfort by curling up, relaxing, and savoring a warm, cozy, intimate atmosphere, often with others, and to make oneself feel content and at ease.
Uzbek
emotion/affection
mehr
MEHR
A deep, warm affection or kindness towards someone, expressing compassion, attachment, and benevolence often shown through caring actions and emotional support.
British English
social/relationship
mate
MAYT
An informal term used to refer to a friend, colleague, or familiar acquaintance, often employed as a friendly form of address among peers in casual contexts.
Māori/Polynesian
power
mana
MAH-nuh
Mana is the Māori and Polynesian concept of spiritual power, authority, and prestige that derives from ancestry, deeds, or status, shaping an individual's influence, dignity, and leadership within a community.
English (Heinleinian)
understanding/intuition
grok
GROK
A fictional Martian verb roughly meaning to drink, or metaphorically, to understand so fully that the observer becomes part of the observed.
Swedish
food/drink
fika
FEE-kah
Fika is a Swedish social custom of taking a break to enjoy coffee or tea, often with pastries, with friends, family, or colleagues.
Albanian
ethics/honor
besa
BEH-sah
A traditional Albanian code of honor, requiring a solemn oath or promise to protect and aid someone and to uphold faith and trust.
Uzbek
emotion/well-being
baxt
BAKHT
A state of personal happiness and favorable circumstances characterized by contentment, prosperity, and general good fortune experienced in one's life or current situation.
Quechua
ethic/economy
ayni
EYE-nee
Ayni is a Quechua concept of reciprocal exchange and mutual aid in Andean communities, where labor and goods are given with the expectation of reciprocity.
Australian English
time/day
arvo
AR-voh
A colloquial Australian English abbreviation for 'afternoon,' commonly used in casual speech and writing to refer to the period between midday and evening or activities occurring then.
German
emotion/food
kummerspeck
KOO-muh-shpek
Kummerspeck (literally 'grief bacon') is the weight gained from emotional overeating in response to sadness or distress, rather than from deliberate dieting or physical activity.
Nahuatl
emotion/affection
apapacho
ah-pah-PAH-cho
A tender act of physical affection, usually a gentle embrace or caress intended to comfort, soothe, or express warmth and emotional support to another person.
German
humor/insult
backpfeifengesicht
BAHK-pfay-fen-guh-zicht
A face that one feels an impulse to slap, typically considered irritating or obnoxious enough to warrant a slap in everyday perception.
Japanese
hospitality
おもてなし
oh-moh-teh-NAH-shee
Omotenashi is Japanese hospitality characterized by meticulous, anticipatory service that sincerely anticipates and fulfills guests' needs without expectation of reward.
Greek
emotion/mental state
αταραξία
ah-tah-rahk-SEE-ah
A state of serene calmness marked by freedom from mental disturbance, anxiety, or emotional agitation, reflecting imperturbability and inner equanimity.