Buzz
We all have a love for words, which is why you're reading Mytour. This list showcases fascinating words from other languages that don’t have exact equivalents in English. These words often represent ideas we understand, but they require multiple English words to express fully. And don’t forget, there’s a bonus at the end of this list, tied to a competition, so be sure to check it out.
10. Esprit d’Escalier
This is our opening example, as it’s made an appearance in a previous list. Esprit d’Escalier (literally 'the spirit of the staircase') describes that clever remark you think of only after leaving a situation where it would have been perfect. The ‘staircase’ part refers to the moment you’re already on your way out. It’s a frustrating feeling, and more often than not, we miss the opportunity to say something witty. Perhaps someone should come up with a term for those rare individuals who always manage to say the perfect thing at the right moment.
9. Hygge
Hygge is a concept we all crave but rarely find. It’s a Danish term that means ‘a total absence of anything bothersome, frustrating, or emotionally draining, combined with the presence of comforting, gentle, and soothing experiences.’ It’s particularly tied to the cozy vibes of Christmas, grilling Danish sausages on warm summer nights, and gathering around flickering candles on a rainy evening. Such a delightful word.
8. Kyoikumama
We’re all probably familiar with the stereotype of Japanese mothers who push their children excessively when it comes to academics. Well, the Japanese are aware of it too, and they even have a word for it: kyoikumama. Literally translated, it means ‘education mother.’ Kyoikumama appears in many Japanese films and literature, and even though similar types of parents exist in Western nations today, English lacks a direct equivalent.
7. Uitwaaien
This Dutch term literally means ‘to walk in the wind,’ but its more figurative and commonly used meaning refers to taking a short break in the countryside to refresh your mind. It’s amazing that one word in Dutch requires so many English words to convey the same idea. In fact, it’s so amazing that I might need to take an uitwaaien myself before continuing with this list!
6. Qualunquismo
Are you one of those people who simply don’t care much about politics or societal issues? Then this word is for you. It originated from an Italian political party in 1944 that promoted an anti-political stance and a distrust of public institutions. The party was called the Fronte dell’Uomo Qualunque, which translates to ‘the front of the ordinary man.’ It’s a fitting term, especially when you consider how many people feel this way, as shown by the consistently low voter turnout during elections.
5. Bakku-shan
Here’s another intriguing Japanese word that has no direct English equivalent (though maybe someone can create one in the comments). Bakku-shan refers to a girl who looks attractive from behind but unappealing from the front. I’m not sure if they have a term for the reverse scenario, or for that all-too-common issue these days when you think a girl looks good from behind, only to realize she’s actually a guy! Modern fashion is definitely partly to blame for this.
4. Tingo
This is a term that, fortunately, most of us would never have to use. It originates from Easter Island and describes someone who borrows items from a friend's house, one after another, until there’s nothing left. The closest English equivalent might be ‘thief,’ but typically, a thief isn’t someone you would consider a friend. Perhaps this is a unique issue that’s particularly prevalent on Easter Island.
3. Biritululo
This definitely deserves the number 1 spot. What do you usually do when you have a conflict? Do you talk it through? Go to court? In New Guinea, the solution to disputes is biritululo. Biritululo is the practice of comparing yams (and I’m hoping that’s in the literal sense) to resolve a disagreement. The closest English equivalent is too crude to share on Mytour, but it involves comparing something similarly shaped (though not necessarily the same size, unless you’re incredibly fortunate).
2. Ilunga
Ilunga is a Bantu term and, in 2004, it was deemed the world’s hardest word to translate. In Bantu, it refers to someone who will forgive an offense the first time, tolerate it the second time, but never accept it a third time. Even trying to find an English equivalent that captures this meaning is mentally exhausting, so I’ll refrain from attempting. The closest phrase I can think of in English is ‘tolerant up to a point.’
1. Zalatwic
Zalatwic is a Polish term that, in some respects, has a similar meaning to the English phrase ‘to do a cash job,’ but the Polish expression carries much more depth and subtlety. Zalatwic refers to using connections, personal charm, friends, or even bribes to get things done. This was especially beneficial during the communist era, when it was often easier to achieve what you wanted through cleverness rather than through official channels.
+ Competition
In the comments, the person who provides the best one-word definition for the following concept will win a copy of our book The Ultimate Book of Top 10 Lists. Due to some unexpected activity in the comments, I will personally choose the winner. I will select the word I feel best encapsulates this sentence: 'The act of arranging items, whether related or unrelated, into a top 10 list starting from ten and descending to one.' Good luck!
