19 Meaningful Words That Don't Exist in English | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

19 Meaningful Words That Don't Exist in English

Words you desperately need for the things you always encounter.

103
19 Meaningful Words That Don't Exist in English
Smithsonian Magazine

Ever wish there was an English word for something that takes awhile to explain? Well, the answer to your problems is here--you just may not be able to pronounce it.

1. Fernweh (German)

Feeling homesick for a place you have never been to.


2. Shemomedjamo (Georgian)

When you're stuffed but your meal is so good that you can't stop eating it. It literally means, "I accidentally ate the whole thing."


3. Tingo (Pascuense language of Easter Island)

Gradually stealing another's things by "borrowing" and never returning them. We all have this friend.


4. Mamihlapinatapai (Yagan language of Tierra del Fuego)

A look shared by two people wishing the other would do or say something they both want, but neither want to initiate.


5. Tsundoku (Japanese)

The gradual accumulation of books left unread after going to the bookstore but never getting around to reading.


6. Seigneur-terraces (French)

The people in coffee shops who spend little to no money but stay there for a long time occupying space. AKA everyone who sits at the booths at PJ's.


7. Greng-jai (Thai)

The feeling when you don't want someone to do something for you because you are afraid it would be a hassle.


8. Pochemuchka (Russian)

A person that asks too many questions. An image probably popped into your mind of the person who asks about the tiniest details when the rest of the class is ready to move on to new material.


9. Layogenic (Filipino)

A person best described by Cher in Clueless as "a full-on Monet...from far away, it's okay but up close it's a big old mess."


10. Kaapshljmurslis (Latvian)

Feeling extremely uncomfortable and cramped while using public transportation. Also known as the streetcar on Halloween.


11. L'esprit de l'escalier (French)

A good reply that comes to your mind after the opportunity to respond has passed.


12. Age-otori (Japanese)

To look worse after a haircut. We've all been there.


13. Packesel (German)

The person stuck carrying everyone's bags. Thanks Dad!


14. Won (Korean)

An individual's reluctance to let go of an illusion.



15. Guanxi (Mandarin)

The act of giving gifts to people, taking them to dinner, doing them favors and treating them with extreme kindness, usually with an ulterior motive or the hope that they will comply with a specific favor in the future.


16. Litost (Czech)

A state of misery after realizing the misfortune of one's own condition.


17. Pena Ajena (Spanish)

The humiliation you feel by proxy after witnessing another's embarrassment. If you have watched The Office, this is probably a familiar feeling.


18. Bilita Mpash (Bantu)

An amazing dream; opposite of a nightmare.


19. Ya'aburnee (Arabic)

Wishing to die before another person because of the anticipated pain one would feel in living without the other.




Learn more http://mentalfloss.com/article/50698/38-wonderful-foreign-words-we-could-use-englishhere.




Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Sorority
Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break
Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less
Disney Princesses
The Odyssey
Tiana would no doubt be disappointed in the food our cafeteria has to offer.

And hopefully she would cook for everyone in her dorm.

She definitley would not take any 8:00 am classes because she would be up late baking and cleaning up the communal kitchen that are available in every dorm.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

1272
Michael Scott

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

1044
the office

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments