Words having no translation to English

A

• Abhisar (अभिमान) (Bengali, n.): lit. 'going towards'; a meeting (often secret) between lovers / partners.
• Agape (ἀγάπη) (Greek, n.): selfless, unconditional, devotional love.
• Ah-un (阿吽) (Japanese, n.): unspoken communication between close friends, literally 'the beginning and ending of something'.
• Ahimsa (अहिंसा) (Sanskrit; avihiṃsā in Pali, n.): non-harm, love.
• Amae (甘え) (Japanese, v.): to behave in ways that implicitly request love or indulgence of one's perceived needs (often used negatively to describe passivity).
• Ambedo (English, new coinage, n.): a melancholic trance involving total absorption in vivid sensory details.
• Aloha (Hawaiian, salutation): hello and goodbye, with love and compassion, literally the 'breath of presence'.
• Anand (آنَنْد) (Urdu, n.): bliss, lasting contentment.
• Ananda (आनन्द) (Sanskrit, n.): bliss, lasting contentment.
• Aroha (Māori, v., n.): (to feel) love, concern, compassion, empathy for someone.
• Apapachar (Nahuatl): to stroke the spirit, i.e., demonstrations of supportive affection.
• S'apprivoiser (French, v.): lit, 'to tame', but a mutual process - both sides learning to trust/accept the other.
• Arrangiarsi (Italian): the ability to 'make do' or 'get by'.
• Arriviste (French, n.): an ambitious social-climber or go-getter (with connotations of ruthlessness).
• Asabiyyah (عصبية) (Arabic, n.): togetherness, community spirit.
• Apramāda (अप्रमाद) (Sanskrit; appamada in Pali, n.): moral watchfulness, awareness of the ethical implications of one’s actions.
• Ananda (आनन्द) (Sanskrit): bliss.
• Anātman (अनात्मन्) (Sanskrit): insubstantiality, lack of permanent self/soul.
• Anitya (अनित्य)(Sanskrit): impermanence.
• Ātman (आत्मन्) (Sanskrit): soul, breath or spirit.
• Aufheben (German, v.): sublimation; to raise up, to remove/destroy, yet also paradoxically to preserve/keep.
• Avos (авось) (Russian, n.): faith/trust/hope in luck, serendipity, destiny or fate.
• Aware (哀れ) (Japanese, n.): the bittersweetness of a brief, fading moment of transcendent beauty.
• Ayubowan (ආයුබෝවන්) (Sinhalese, salutation): lit. 'long life', wishing someone health, happiness and longevity, used as a greeting or parting phrase.

B

• Baraka (بركة) (Arabic, n.): a gift of spiritual energy or ‘sanctifying power’.
• Bayanihan (Tagalog, n.): co-operative endeavour in the service of a shared goal; a spirit of communal unity.
• Beau geste (French, n.): a graceful, noble or beautiful gesture (especially if it is futile or meaningless).
• Belum (Indonesian, aux v.): not yet, perhaps, hopeful wish.
• Besa (Albanian, n.): an inviolable promise, a word of honour, to keep an oath.
• Bildungsroman (German, n.): a coming-of-age story; a narrative of education/formation.
• Bilita mpash (Bantu) (n.): a beautiful, blissful dream (the direct opposite of a nightmare).
• Bodhi (बोधि) (Sanskrit): enlightenment, awakening.
• Boketto (ぼけっと) (Japanese, v.): gazing vacantly into the distance (without thought or sense of self).
• Bon vivant (French): someone who enjoys and appreciates the good life.
• Borrel (Dutch, n.): informal party or revelry.
• Brahman (ब्रह्मन्) (Hindi): all-powerful and pervasive power that continually creates the universe.
• Brav (German): children who are pleasant, earnest, and well-behaved.
• Bricolage (French): construction of something achieved by using whatever comes to hand.
• Budō (武道) (Japanese): martial arts.

C

• Cacharpaya (Spanish, n): a send-off / party for someone who is going away.
• Cafune (Portuguese, n.): the act/gesture of tenderly running one’s fingers through a loved one’s hair.
• Cariño (Spanish, n.): care, love, affection.
• Chai pani (चाय पानी) (Hindi/Urdu, n.): lit. 'tea and water'; favours or money given to someone to get something done (similar to a 'bribe', but without a negative connotation).
• Ch’án (禪) (Chinese): meditation.
• Chevere (Spanish - Venezuela, adj.): cool, awesome, good.
• Chiaroscuro (Italian, n.): dramatic contrasts of light and dark (usually pertaining to art).
• Chrysalism (English, new coinage, n.): the amniotic tranquility of being indoors during a thunderstorm.
• Chutzpah (Yiddish, n.): audacity, brazen nerve, effrontery, guts (often used pejoratively).
• Citta (चित्त) (Sanskrit; citta in Pali, n.): mind, consciousness, awareness.
• Colo (Portuguese, n.): area of body formed by chest and arms (used to refer to embracing/cradling).
• Commuovere (Italian, v.): to be moved, touched or affected (e.g., by a story).
• Confianza (Spanish, n.): trust, confidence, close friendship.
• Convivencia (Spanish, n.): lit. co-habitation, but also implying shared feelings, meanings and purpose.
• Coup de foudre (French, n.): lit, a 'lightening bolt', sudden and powerful love at first sight.
• Cwtch (Welsh, n.): to hug, a safe welcoming place.
• Cynefin (Welsh, n.): A place where one feels one ought to live; the relationship one has to the place where one was born and/or feels at home.

D

• Dadirri (Australian Aboriginal, n.): a deep, spiritual act of reflective and respectful listening.
• Datsuzoku (脱俗) (Japanese, n.): freedom from habit, escape from the routine and conventional.
• Degrassé (English, new coinage, adj.): entranced and unsettled by the vastness of the universe.
• Se déhancher (French, v.): to sway or wiggle one's hips (e.g., while dancing).
• Deliciate (English, v.): luxuriating / revelling in intense pleasure.
• Desbundar (Portuguese, v.): shedding one’s inhibitions in having fun.
• Desenrascanço (Portuguese): to artfully disentangle oneself from a troublesome situation.
• Dhárma (धर्म) (dhamma in Pali, n.): laws of the universe, guidelines for action, teachings (of the Buddha).
• Dhyāna (ध्यान) (Sanskrit): meditation.
• Dilshaadgii (دلشادگی) (Urdu, n.): gladness, good cheer.
• Dō’ (道) (Japanese): a spiritual path or way.
• Dor (Romanian, n.): longing for a person, place, or thing that is out of reach and you love very much.
• Duende (Spanish, n.): a heightened state of emotion, spirit and passion (often associated with art/dance).
• Dugnad (Norwegian, n.): a collectively pursued/undertaken task; voluntary community work.
• Duḥkha (दुःख) (Sanskrit): suffering or dissatisfaction.
• Duša (душа) (Russian): one’s inner heart and soul.

E

• Ein sof (אין סוף) (Hebrew, n.): lit. 'unending'; God in his pure, transcendent essence (prior to manifestation).
• Engelengeduld (Dutch, n.): angelic patience (i.e., great patience).
• Engentado (Spanish, v.): to be 'peopled out', to wish for solitude.
• Enraonar (Catalan, v.): to discuss in a civilised, reasoned manner.
• Erlebnis (German): living fully, experiencing life deeply and intensely in the here and now.
• Eros (ἔρως) (Greek, n.): desire; romantic, erotic, passionate love.
• Estağfurullah (Turkish, injunction): lit. 'may God grant me mercy'; used to express 'don't mention it' (e.g., in response to receiving praise).
• Estrenar (Spanish, v.): to use or wear something for the first time.
• Eudaimonia (ευδαιμονία) (Greek, n.): lit. 'good spirit'; fulfilment, flourishing, being infused with divine grace.
• S’entendre (French, v.): to hear each other, to get on, to understand one another.
• Exaucer (French, v.): to grant/fulfil a wish.

F

• Famn (Swedish, n.): the area/space within two arms, e.g., 'in my arms'.
• Fanaa (فناء) (Arabic): ‘annihilation’ of the ego, leading to enlightenment and union with God.
• Fargin (Yiddish, n.): ungrudging and overt (expressed) pride and happiness at other's successes.
• Farhat (فَرْحَت) (Urdu, n.): joy, delight.
• Feestvarken (Dutch, n.): lit. party pig, i.e., someone in whose honour a party is thrown.
• Feierabend (German, n.): festive mood at the end of a working day.
• Fēng yùn (風韻) (Chinese): personal charm and graceful bearing.
• Fernweh (German, n.): the ‘call of faraway places,’ homesickness for the unknown.
• Fiambre (Spanish, n.): food prepared for (in recognition of) the dead (e.g., on the Day of the Dead)
• Fingerspitzengefühl (German): ‘fingertip feeling,’ the ability to act with tact and sensitivity.
• F/pirgun (פירגון) (Hebrew, n.): ungrudging and overt (expressed) pride and happiness at other's successes.
• Fitra (فطرة) (Arabic): an innate purity and closeness to God.
• Fjellvant (Norwegian) (adj.): Being accustomed to walk in the mountains.
• Flâner (French, v.): leisurely strolling the streets.
• Flâneur (French, n.): someone who wanders the streets to experience the city.
• Forelsket (Norwegian, n.): the euphoric act/feeling of falling in love.
• Fremdschämen (German, n.): vicarious embarassment/shame; a cringing feeling.
• Frimousse (French, n.): a sweet/cute little face.
• Frisson (French, n.): a sudden feeling of thrill, combining fear and excitement.
• Friluftsliv (Norwegian): living in tune with nature.
• Fukinsei (不均整) (Japanese, n.): natural / sponteneous asymmetry or irregularity.

G

• Ganbaru (頑張る) (Japanese, v.): lit. 'to stand firm'; to do one’s best.
• Geborgenheit (German, n.): feeling protected and safe from harm.
• Gemilut hasadim (Yiddish, n.): acts of loving-kindness.
• Genki (元気) (Japanese): being healthy, energetic, and full of life.
• Gezellig (Dutch, adj.): cosy, warm, intimate, enjoyable.
• Gemütlich (German, adj.): cosy, homely, comfortable.
• Gemütlichkeit (German, n.): a feeling of comfort, cosiness, homeliness.
• Gestalt (German, n.): an overall pattern / configuration, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
• Gigil (Tagalog, n.): the irresistible urge to pinch/squeeze someone because they are loved or cherished.
• Giri (義理) (Japanese, n.): duty, obligation, a debt of honour.
• Gjensynsglede (Norwegian, n.) The joy of meeting someone you haven't seen in a long time.
• Glasnost (гла́сность) (Russian, v.): to engage in open discussion, relationships and/or governance.
• Goesting (Dutch, n.): desire, passion, craving, also implying togetherness, satisfaction, tenderness, etc.
• Gökotta (Swedish, n.): lit. 'early-morning cuckoo', waking up early to hear the first birds sing.
• Goraikou (御来光) (Japanese, n.): lit. 'sacred delivery of light; e.g., sunlight seen from top of mt. Fuji.
• Gotong royong (Indonesian, n.): mutual aid/endeavour; the collective pursuit of a task.
• Grok (English, uncommon): to understand so thoroughly that the observer becomes a part of the observed.
• Guān xì (關係) (Chinese, n.): a build-up of relationships and good social karma.
• Gula (Spanish, n.): gluttony, indulgence, the desire to eat simply for the taste.
• Gumusservi (Turkish, n.): the glimmering that moonlight makes on water.
• Gunnen (Dutch, v.): to think that someone deserves something (good); to feel happy for them getting it.
• Guru (গূরূ) (Bengali, n.): brotherly affection, with a sense of admiration.
• Guru (गुरु) (Sanskrit, n.): a religious /spiritual teacher, guide, master, and/or person of reverence.

H

• Habseligkeiten (German, n.): blessed, precious belongings (as in one's most treasured possessions).
• Hachnasat orchim (Yiddish/Hebrew, n.): ‘bringing in guests’; offering hospitality and respect to strangers.
• Hahn (한) (Korean, n.): sorrow, regret, patiently waiting for amelioration.
• Harikoa (Māori, n.): joyful, euphoric, delighted, exuberant, elated, thrilled, ecstatic, jubilant.
• Harsha (हर्श) (Sanskrit, n.): joy, delight or excitement associated with some external event.
• Hedersmann (Norwegian) (noun): An honest man with great integrity.
• Heimat (German, n.): deep-rooted fondness towards a place to which one has a strong feeling of belon
• Heimlich (German, adj.): cosy, homely, secure (yet also, paradoxically, can mean sinister and uncanny).
• Herrliche Gefühle (German, n.): glorious feelings.
• Hiraeth (Welsh, n.): longing for one’s homeland, with nostalgia and wistfulness.
• Hugfanginn (Icelandic) (adj.): lit. 'mind-captured', to be charmed or fascinated by someone/something.
• Hygge (Danish/Norwegian) (n.): a deep sense of place, warmth, friendship, and contentment.
• Hyggelig (Danish/Norwegian) (adj.): enjoyable, warm, friendly, pleasant.

I

• Ikigai (生き甲斐) (Ikigai): a ‘reason for being,’ the sense that its worthwhile to continue living.
• Iktsuarpok (Inuit, n.): anticipation one feels when waiting for someone, and keeps checking if they're arriving.
• Inuuqatigiittiarniq (Inuit, n.): being respectful of all people.
• Ilunga (Tshiluba): being ready to forgive a first time, tolerate a second time, but never a third time.
• Imandari (الإستقامة) (Arabic, n.): ‘righteousness,’ cultivating good words and deeds.
• Insha-Allah (إِن شَاءَ اَللّٰه) (Arabic, v.): God willing ('may Allah wish it'), a hopeful wish.
• Ishq (عشق) (Arabic, n.): true, all-consuming love.

J

• Jaksaa (Finnish, v.): to have energy, enthusiasm, and spirit (e.g., for a task).
• Janteloven (Norwegian/Danish, n.): a set of rules which discourages individualism in communities.
• Jeong/jung (정) (Korean, n.): deep affection, affinity, connectedness (may or may not be romantic).
• Joie de vivre (French): zest for life, the knack of knowing how to live.
• Jouissance (French, n.): physical or intellectual pleasure, delight, or ecstasy.
• Jugaad (जुगाड) (Hindi): the ability to 'make do' or 'get by'.

K

• Kæk (Danish, n.): someone who is bold, cocky (not in a pejorative sense), and with a gung-ho spirit.
• Kairos (καιρός) (Greek, n.): the opportune, ideal, 'supreme' moment for decision or action.
• Kaizen (改善) (Japanese, n.): gradual, incremental (and often continuous) improvement.
• Kanso (簡素) (Japanese, n.): elegant simplicity, an attractive absence of clutter.
• Kanyirninpa (Pintupi, v.): lit. 'to hold', connoting an intimate and active relationship between carer and caree.
• Kào pǔ (靠譜) (Chinese): someone who is reliable, responsible, and to do things without causing problems.
• Karma (कर्म) (Sanskrit; kamma in Pali, n.): causality with respect to ethical behaviour.
• Karuṇā (करुणा) (Sanskrit; Karuṇā in Pali, n.): empathy, compassion, identifying with the other's suffering.
• Kayf (کیف) (Urdu, n.): merriment, revelry.
• Kefi (κέφι) (Greek, n.): joy, passion, enthusiasm, high spirits, frenzy.
• Kekau (Indonesian, n.): regaining consciousness and returning to reality after a nightmare.
• Kenopsia (English, new coinage,n.): the strange eerieness of empty or abandoned places.
• Kenshō (見性) (Japanese): temporary 'glimpse' of awakening and enlightenment.
• Klexos (English, new coinage, n.): the art of dwelling on the past.
• Koev halev (כואב הלב) (Hebrew, n.): empathy, compassion, identifying with the other's suffering.
• Kilig (Tagalog, n.): feeling of butterflies arising from interacting with someone one loves or finds attractive.
• Kintsugi (金継ぎ) (Japanese): literally, 'golden joinery' (the art of repairing broken pottery using gold), metaphorically meaning to render our flaws and fault-lines beautiful and strong.
• Koi no yokan (恋の予感) (Japanese, n.): the feeling on meeting someone that falling in love will be inevitable.
• Koko (枯高) (Japanese, n.): weathered beauty, austere sublimity.
• Kokoro (心) (Japanese): heart and mind (and even spirit) combined.
• Kokusaijin (国際人) (Japanese, n.): lit. an 'international person'; someone who is cosmopolitan, flexible, and open-minded.
• Kombinować (Polish): working out an unusual solution to a problem, acquiring skills in the process.
• Koromebi (木漏れ日) (Japanese, n.): dappled sunlight filtering through leaves.
• Konfliktfähigkeit (German): the ability to manage interpersonal conflict constructively, without becoming personally involved.
• Koselig (Norwegian) (adj.): cosy, snug, warm, intimate, enjoyable.
• Кохаю (кохать) (Ukranian, n.): passionate, intimate, romantic love.
• Koyaanisqatsi (Hopi, n.): nature out of balance; a state of affairs (e.g., dysfunctional) that calls for another way of living.
• Kreng-jai (Thai, n.): ‘deferential heart,’ the wish to not trouble someone by burdening them.
• Kukelure (Norwegian, v.): to sit and ponder, without engaging in activity.
• Kvell (Yiddish, v.): to feel strong and overt (expressed) pride and joy in someone's successes.

L

• La’asot chaim (לעשות חיים) (Hebrew, v.): 'to do or to make life'; to live fully, to have a good time.
• Lagom (Swedish): moderation, of doing anything to just the right degree.
• Laissez-faire (French, n.): tendency/willingness to leave things to take their own course, without interfering.
• Lakṣaṇas (लक्षण) (Sanskrit): ‘marks of conditioned existence’.
• Lehizdangef (להזדנגף) (Hebrew, v.): to stroll along Tel Aviv's Dizengoff (street), i.e., to have carefree fun.
• Lekker (Dutch, adj.): tasty (food), relaxed, comfortable, pleasurable, sexy.
• Listopad (листопад) (Russian, n.): falling leaves.
• Lutalica (English, new coinage, n.): the part of your identity that doesn't fit into categories.

M

• Magari (Italian, adv.): maybe, hopeful wish, wistful regret, in my dreams, if only.
• Mahalo (Hawaiian, n., v.): thanks, gratitude, admiration, praise, respect.
• Maitrī (मैत्री) (Sanskrit; mettā in Pali, n.): loving-kindness.
• Majime (真面目) (Japanese): someone reliable, responsible, and able to do things without causing problems.
• Mana (Hawaiian, n.): spiritual energy / power, a sacred, impersonal force.
• Mantra (मन्त्र) (Sanskrit), mind tool, a word, phrase or sound focused on in meditation.
• Mamihlapinatapei (Yagán, n.): a look between people that expresses unspoken but mutual desire.
• Manaakitanga (Māori, n.): hospitality, kindness, generosity, support, respect, and care for others.
• Mangata (Swedish, n.): the glimmering that moonlight makes on water.
• Mārga (मार्ग) (Sanskrit): a spiritual path or way.
• Masarrat (مَسَرَّت) (Urdu): joy, delight.
• Mazal tov (מזל טוב) (Hebrew, salutation): lit. 'good fortune'; a blessing of health and happiness.
• Mbuki-mvuki (Bantu, v.): to shed clothes to dance uninhibited.
• Me yia (με γεια) (Greek, salutation): a congratulation / blessing for others.
• Melmastia (مېلمستیا) (Arabic, n.): hospitality, moral obligation to offer sanctuary and respect to all visitors.
• Menschlichkeit (Yiddish): being a good human being in its fullest sense.
• Mерак (Serbian, n.): pleasure derived from simple joys.
• Meraki (μεράκι) (Greek): ardour (in relation to one’s own actions and creations).
• Milczeć (Polish, v.): to refrain from speaking (without necessarily being silent).
• Mitdenken (German): the ability to think for oneself.
• Míng mù (瞑目) (Chinese): to 'die without regret,' having lived a good life.
• Mokita (Kivila, n.): a truth that everone knows but no-one talks about.
• Mokusatsu (黙殺) (Japanese, v.): to ignore or keep silent (e.g., when rejecting a bargaining offer).
• Mono no aware (物の哀れ) (Japanese, n.): pathos of understanding the transiency of the world and its beauty.
• Morgenfrisk (Danish, adj.): feeling rested after a good night's sleep.
• Mu (無) (Japanese, n.): negative, void, nothingness, non-being; used in Buddhism to imply 'neither yes nor no'.
• Muditā (मुदिता) (Sanskrit; Muditā in Pali, n.): sympathetic/vicarious joy.
• Muraqaba (مراقبة) (Arabic): Sufi meditation, ‘to watch over’ or ‘to take care of’.
• Myötähäpeä (Finnish, n.): vicarious embarassment/shame; a cringing feeling.
• Mysa (Swedish, v.): to get cosy, to snuggle up.

N

• Nachat (נחת) (Hebrew, n.): contentment/satisfaction at someone's successes (e.g., your progeny or student).
• Naches (Yiddish, n.): joyful pride in someone's successes (e.g., your progeny or student).
• Nakakahinayang (Tagalog, n.): a feeling of regret for not having used something or taken advantage of a situation.
• Nakama (仲間) (Japanese, n.): best friend, close buddy, one for whom one feels deep platonic love.
• Namaste (नमस्ते) (Hindi, interjection.): 'I bow to the divine in you'.
• Nam jai (น้ำใจ) (Thai, n.): lit. 'water from the heart', selfless generosity and kindness.
• Namus (Turkish): honour, chastity, decency, and virtue.
• Natsukashii (懐かしい) (Japanese, adj.): missed, precious, yearned for, 'dear old ...'.
• Naz (ناز) (Urdu, n.): assurance/pride in knowing that the other’s love is unconditional and unshakable.
• Að nenna (Icelandic, v.): ability or willingness to persevere through tasks that are hard or boring.
• Nirvāna (निर्वाण) (Sanskrit, n.): ‘ultimate’ happiness, total liberation from suffering.
• Njuta (Swedish, v.): to deeply enjoy, to profoundly appreciate.
• Nodus tollens (English, new coinage, n.): when your life doesn't make sense or fit into a neat story.
• Nunchi (눈치) (Korean, n.): ‘eye-measure’; the ability to ‘read’ emotions and situations and to respond skilf.
• Nyaka ন্যাকা (Bengali, adj.): coy, coquettish, feigning ignorance (often used pejoratively).

O

• Ojalá (Spanish, v.): derivation of Insha-Allah, God willing ('may Allah wish it'), a hopeful wish.
• Ondinnonk (Iroquoian, n.): the soul's angelic nature and innermost desires.
• Ongubsy (Boro, v.): 'to love from the heart'.
• Onsay (Boro, v.): 'to pretend to love'.
• Onsra (Boro, v.): 'to love for the last time,’ the feeling that love won’t last.
• Oogstrelend (Dutch, n.): caressing the eye, i.e., attractive or appealing.
• On (恩) (Japanese, n.): a feeling of moral indebtedness, relating to a favour or blessing given by others.
• Opia (English, new coinage, n.): the ambiguous intensity of eye-contact.
• Orenda (Huron, n.): the power of the human will to change the world in the face of powerful forces.
• Orka (Swedish, v.): to have the energy for something; being enthused and spirited.
• Osher (אושר) (Hebrew, n.): joy, contented happiness.
• Otsukaresama (お疲れ様) (Japanese, injunction): 'thank you for your hard work', gratitude and appreciation.

P

• Parea (Παρέα) (Greek, n.): informal party, revelry.
• Pena ajena (Spanish, n.): vicarious embarassment/shame; a cringing feeling.
• Peiskos (Norwegian, n.): lit. 'fireplace coziness, sitting in front of a crackling fireplace enjoying the warmth.
• Þetta reddast (Icelandic, phrase): 'it will all work out ok' (used especially when things don't look optimistic!).
• Philia (φιλία) (Greek, n.): friendship, platonic love (e.g., based on familiarity or shared interests).
• Philotimo (φιλότιμο) (Greek, n.): 'love of honour;' the importance of respecting and honouring friends/family.
• Pihentagyú (Hungarian): ‘with a relaxed brain,’ being quick-witted and sharp.
• Piliriqatigiinniq (Inuit, n.): togetherness, community spirit, working together for the common good.
• Pittiarniq (Inuit, n.): loving-kindness; being kind and good.
• Pius (Latin): conscientious, upright, faithful, patriotic/dutiful, respectful, righteous.
• Pochemuchka (почемучка) (Russian, n.): someone who is always asking questions (perhaps too many!).
• Poldermodel (Dutch, n.): consensus-based decision making.
• Pole (Swahili, interjection): 'I'm sorry for your misfortune'.
• Potlatch (Chinook, n.): lit. 'to give away'; a ceremonial feast in which possessions are given away (e.g., to enhance one's prestige).
• Prajña (प्रज्ञ) (Sanskrit): wisdom and experiential insight.
• Pretoogjes (Dutch, n.): lit. 'fun eyes'; the eyes of a chuckling person engaging in benign mischief.
• Prostor (простор) (Russian, n.): spaciousness, freedom, absence of constraint.

Q

• Qì zhì (气质) (Chinese, n.): quality of character, disposition, style, charm, attractiveness, magnetism.
• Querencia (Spanish, n.): a place where one feels secure, from which one draws strength.
• Queesting (Dutch, v.): to allow a lover access to one’s bed for chitchat.
• Te quiero (Spanish, v.): lit. 'I want you'; perhaps between I like you and I love you, implying tender affection.

R

• Radarpar (Norwegian) (n.): Two people that work very well together.
• Ramé (Balinese, n.): something at once chaotic and joyful.
• Razljubít (разлюбить) (Russian, n.): the feeling a person has for someone they once loved.
• Að redda (Icelandic, v.): to save someone or fix something in a time sensitive manner.
• Retrouvailles (French, n.): lit. 'rediscovery'; a reunion (e.g., with loved ones after a long time apart).

S

• Sabi (寂) (Japanese, n.): lonely, desolate, aged beauty.
• Sabsung (Thai, n.): being revitalised through something that livens up one’s life.
• Sahar (سهر) (Arabic, n.): informal party, revelry.
• Samādhi (समाधि) (Sanskrit, Samādhi in Pali, n.): one-pointedness / unification in meditation.
• Samar (سمر) (Arabic, v.): to sit together in conversation at sunset/ in the evening.
• Samprajanya (संप्रज़न्ऩा) (Sanskrit; sampajañña in Pali): clear comprehension; mindfulness imbued with a sense of spiritual progress.
• Santosha (संतोष) (Sanskrit, n.): contentment arising from personal interaction.
• Saper vivere (Italian): the ability to handle people and situations with charm, diplomacy and verve.
• Sarang (사랑) (Korean, v.): to love someone strongly.
• Sarshaarii (سرشاری) (Urdu, n.): bliss, lasting contentment.
• Smṛti (स्मृति) (Sanskrit; sati in Pali): mindfulness of the present moment.
• Satori (悟り) (Japanese): enduring awakening and enlightenment.
• Saudade (Portuguese, n.): melancholic longing, nostalgia, dreaming wistfulness.
• Savoir-être (French, n.): knowing how to be and carry oneself; 'soft' or interpersonal skills.
• Savoir-faire (French, n.): the ability to behave in a correct and confident way in different situations.
• Savoir-vivre (French, n.): knowing how to live (especially elegantly); being familiar with norms and customs.
• Sazaadat (سعادت) (Urdu, n.): prosperity, felicity.
• Schnapsidee (German, n.): a daft / ridiculous plan thought up while drunk (generally used pejoratively).
• Sehnsucht (German, n.): life longings, intense desire for alternative paths and states.
• Seijaku (静寂) (Japanese, n.): silence, calm, serenity (especially in the midst of activity or chaos).
• Semaphorism (English, new coinage, n.): an enigmatic, conversational hint that you have something personal to say on a subject.
• Shaadmaanii (شادْمانی) (Urdu, n.): delight, pleasure.
• Shemomechama (შემომეჭამა) (Georgian, v.): eating past the point of satiety due to sheer enjoyment.
• Shibumi (渋味) (Japanese, n.): simple, subtle, unobtrusive and effortless beauty.
• Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) (Japanese, n.): 'bathing' in the forest (literally and/or metaphorically).
• Shizen (自然) (Japanese, n.): naturalness, absence of pretence, contrivance, or premeditation (e.g., in art).
• Siga siga (Σιγά σιγά) (Greek, adv.): slowly, slowly (i.e., being unhurried).
• Sigurista (Tagalog, n.): one who would not initiate an action unless certain of obtaining the desired result.
• Simcha (שמחה) (Hebrew, n.): bliss, contentment.
• Simpatía (Spanish, n.): accord and harmony within relationships and/or society.
• Sisu (Finnish, n.): extraordinary determination in the face of adversity.
• Sitzfleisch (German, n.): ‘sit meat,’ ability or willingness to persevere through tasks that are hard or boring
• Sobremesa (Spanish, n.): when the food has finished but the conversation is still flowing.
• Socha (English, new coinage,n.): the hidden vulnerability of others.
• Sólarfrí (Icelandic) (n.): sun holiday, i.e., when workers are granted unexpected time off to enjoy a particularly sunny/warm day.
• Soler (Spanish): to be in the habit of doing something.
• Sonder (English, new coinage, n.): the realization that everyone has a life as vivid and complex as your own).
• Sprezzatura (Italian): nonchalance, art and effort are concealed beneath a studied carelessness.
• Stehaufmännchen (German, n.): lit. a roly-poly toy, used for someone who always bounces back.
• Storge (στοργή) (Greek, n.): filial love; care and affection (e.g., between family members).
• Suaimhneas croi (Gaelic, n.): happiness / contentment on finishing a task.
• Sumud (صمود) (Arabic, n.): steadfastness, a determined struggle to persist.
• Sukha (सुख) (Sanskrit, n.): stable and lasting happiness (not dependent upon conditions).
• Sunao (素直) (Japanese): meek, docile and submissive (in a positive, deferential way).
• Sūnyatā (शून्यता) (Sanskrit): emptiness (phenomena come into being dependent upon conditions).
• Sutra (सुट्टा) (Sanskrit, Sutta in Pali, n.): lit. 'thread', aphorism, discourse, teaching (in Buddhism or Jainism).
• Suwaad (سُواد) (Urdu, n.): pleasure.
• Szimpatikus (Hungarian): a decent human being.

T

• Taarradhin (تراض) (Arabic, n.): a positive agreement/solution/compromise where everbody wins.
• Ta'ârof (تعارف) (Farsi, n.): politeness, social intelligence (e.g., in relation to receiving/offering hospitality/gifts).
• Talanoa (Fijian Hindi, v.): to tell stories / to gossip (in ways that serve as a ‘social adhesive’).
• Talko (Swedish, n.): a collectively pursued/undertaken task; voluntary community work.
• Talkoot (Finnish, n.): a collectively pursued/undertaken task; voluntary community work.
• Tao (道) (Chinese): all-powerful and pervasive power, path or way.
• Tarab (طرب) (Arabic, n.): musically-induced ecstasy or enchantment.
• Tarbiya (تربية”) (Arabic, n.): on-going moral/ethical and spiritual development.
• Tathāgatagarbha (गर्भतथागत) (Sanskrit): Buddha nature.
• Tazkiah (تزكية) (Arabic): purification of the self, purity and submission to Allah.
• Tertulia (Spanish, n.): a social gathering with literary or artistic overtones.
• Thróisma (θρόισμα) (Greek, n.): sound of wind rustling through trees.
• Tîeow (เที่ยว) (Thai, v.): to wander or roam around in a carefree way.
• Tilfreds (Danish, n.): contentment, at peace.
• Tithadesh (תתחדש) (Hebrew, interjection): lit. 'get new'; salutation given to someone who has acquired a nice new possession or change in circumstances.
• Tjotjog (Javanese, v.): 'to fit', accord and harmony within relationships and/or society.
• Toska (тоска) (Russian, n.): longing for one’s homeland, with nostalgia and wistfulness.
• Tripti (तृप्ति) (Sanskrit, n.): satisfaction of sensual pleasures.
• Trygghet (Swedish, n.): security, safety, confidence, certainty, trust.
• Tuko pamoja (Swahili, n.): lit. 'one place'; ‘we are together’, community togetherness.
• Tyvsmake (Norwegian, v.): to taste or eat small pieces of the food when you think nobody is watching, especially when cooking.
• Tzedaka (Yiddish, n.): generosity/charity (mandated by justice), required righteous giving.

U

• Ubuntu (Nguni Bantu, n.): being kind to others on account of one’s common humanity.
• Uitwaaien (Dutch, v.): lit. 'to walk in the wind'; to go out into the countryside (e.g., clear one's head).
• Ukiyo (浮世) (Japanese, n.): ‘floating world,’ living within transient moments of fleeting beauty.
• Ullassa (उल्लास) (Sanskrit, n.): feelings of pleasantness associated with natural beauty.
• Umami (うま味) (Japanese, n.): a rich, pleasant, savoury taste.
• Uitbuiken (Dutch, v.): lit. 'outbellying'; to relax satiated between courses or after a meal.
• Utepils (Norwegian, n.): a beer that is enjoyed outside (particularly on the first hot day of the year).

V

• Víðsýni (Icelandic) (adj.): a panoramic view, or, open-mindedness.
• Vipāka (विपाक) (Sanskrit, Vipāka in Pali, n.): the result, ripening or maturation of karma.
• Vivencias (Spanish): living fully, experiencing life deeply and intensely in the here and now.
• Volta (βόλτα) (Greek, n.): a leisurely stroll/turn/walk in the the streets.
• Vorfreude (German, n.): intense, joyful anticipation derived from imagining future pleasures.
• Voorpret (Dutch, n.): lit. 'pre-fun'; the sense of pleasurable anticipation before a looked-forward-to event.

W

• Wabi (侘) (Japanese, n.): imperfect, rustic, remote, weathered beauty.
• Wabi-sabi (侘寂) (Japanese, n.): imperfect and aged beauty, a ‘dark, desolate sublimity’.
• Whakakoakoa (Māori, v.): to cheer up.
• Waldeinsamkeit (German, n.): mysterious feeling of solitude when alone in the woods.
• Wanderlust (German, n.): desire/prediliction for travel and adventure.
• Weltanschauung (German, n.): an overarching/all-encompassing worldview or philosophy of life.
• Won (원) (Korean, n.): reluctance to give up an illusion.
• Wu (無) (Chinese, n.): negative, void, nothingness, non-being; used in Buddhism to imply 'neither yes nor no'.
• Wú wéi (無為) (Chinese): to ‘do nothing,’ acting in accordance with the Tao, being natural and effortless.

X

• Xenia (ξενία) (Greek, n.): 'guest-friendship', the importance of offering hospitality and respect to strangers.
• Xibipíío (Pirahã, n.): experiencing liminality; a phenomenon on the boundaries of perception/experience.
• Xìngfú (幸福) (Chinese, n.): happiness, contentment, good fortune.
• Xīn (心) (Chinese): heart and mind (and even spirit) combined.
• Xīn kǔ (辛苦) (Chinese, n.): appreciation and recognition for others and their efforts.
• Xurramii (خرمی) (Urdu, n.): merriment, revelry.
• Xushii (خُوشی) (Urdu, n.): felicity, prosperity.

Y

• Ya’burnee (يقبرني) (Arabic, phrase): lit. ‘you bury me,’ i.e., one would rather die (first) than lose the other.
• Yichus (Yiddish, n.): someone who has a good family heritage,andhas lived up to this promise.
• Yin yang (陰陽) (Chinese): holistic duality, dialectical (co-dependent) opposites.
• Yuán bèi (圓備) (Chinese): a sense of complete and perfect accomplishment.
• Yuán fèn (緣分) (Chinese, n.): a relationship ordained by fate/destiny.
• Yūgen (幽玄) (Japanese): cloudy impenetrability, unknowability, mystery.
• Yutta-hey (Cherokee): ‘it is a good day to die,’ leaving life at its zenith, departing in glory.

Z

• Zanshin (残心) (Japanese, n.): a state of relaxed mental alertness (especially in the face of danger or stress).
• Zeitgeist (German, n.): the definition spirit / mood of the age.
• Zwischenraum (German, n.): an open or empty space in or between things.