Untranslatable Words in European Languages: The Ultimate List

Have you ever experienced the feeling of disappointment at realising something you want to express doesn’t have an equivalent in another language? There may be a translation, but you find it somehow… lacking. On the outside, the words or expressions mean the same, but to you as a native speaker, the original just seems like more.

There are countless untranslatable words in European languages. They are a pain on the tongue of every multilingual, but you may be happy to hear that you’re not alone! As you will see in this article, words that are impossible to translate occur in every language. Have a look at some of the most interesting ones.

Disclaimer: If some European languages are absent, it is because there is nobody in the ELJ office who can speak them! We didn’t want to make a silly mistake if we couldn’t verify the information, so if you know any examples of untranslatable words in European languages that were not mentioned on our list, feel free to let us know in the comments and we will add them!

Portuguese

The Portuguese positive approach to life should be admired. So many of the untranslatable words in Portuguese have to do with solving problems, finding solutions, or doing a good job. There are also quite a few terms that give testimony to their emotional, passionate character.

Saudade (n.) - nostalgia/missing.

Desenrascar (v.) - solving a problem without the necessary knowledge or resources.

Xodó (n.) - an affectionate term used in reference to anyone or anything we care about. The type of relationship with the person doesn’t matter: a xodó can be a child, a parent, a friend, a partner, even a beloved pet. We can also use the word to describe a hobby or a thing that we hold dear.

Caprichar (v.) - it can bring to mind the noun “capricho”, meaning “whim”, but it actually has nothing to do with it. To caprichar is to do something well, to put effort into your work.

Gambiarra (n.) - an on-the-spot, improvised solution to a problem. By default, it’s meant to be temporary, but let whoever has never kept something fixed by tape for as long as it worked cast the first stone.

Será - a word indicating possibility of something happening in the future. It conveys a note of doubt - it’s used when we’re not actually sure about how the situation might turn out.

Xará (n.) - someone with the same name as yours. It is presumably used in Brazilian Portuguese, but maybe the European speakers of the language make a habit of using it now and then, too. Thanks for that one, Raphael!

Spanish

The Spanish are unquestionable masters in coming up with terms every language desperately needs. You will want to adopt most of the untranslatable words in Spanish into your vocabulary and start using them on a daily basis. They’re simply brilliant, and span across every area of life!

Querencia (n.) - somewhere where you feel the most at home.

Friolero/a (n.) - someone who is always cold.

Caluroso/a (n.) - someone who is always hot.

Merendar (v.) - to have an afternoon snack.

Sobremesa (n.) - the conversation that takes place while we linger at the table after having a meal.

Aturdir (v.) - when something overwhelms you or stuns you to the point you’re left speechless. This can be used both in relation to the overload of work or shocking news.

Chapuza (n.) - a poorly done work.

Pavonearse (v.) - to ostentatiously let everyone around you know you’re very proud of yourself, to behave like you own the place.

Botellón (n.) - a party in the street, often includes strangers joining in and having fun together.

Tutear (v.) - the concept of addressing someone with the casual “tú” form rather than the formal “usted”. It’s untranslatable into English because of the common use of “you”.

German

Untranslatable words in German perfectly combine the two sides of German nature. They are a mix of practical and emotional, with both handy terms used to express mundane, daily situations and those referring to the more spiritual side of our life related to feelings.

Ohrwurm (n.) - having a song stuck in your head (literally: eat worm).

Treppenwitz (n.) - coming up with the perfect comeback long after a conversation is over.

Geborgenheit/Gemütlichkeit (n.) - the feeling of comfort, cosiness, security, peace, and happiness; for example when you’re snuggled up on a couch with your favourite blanket and your pet.

Schwarmerei (n.) - overwhelming enthusiasm/excitement.

Kabelsalat (n.) - a cable that got tangled on its own, for example when your earphones get all jumbled up in your pocket (literally: a cable salad).

Heimat (n.) - the roots that shape who you are as a person.

Fernweh (n.) - the feeling of longing for travel, to see faraway places you’ve never been to. It literally translates into “far sickness”.

Torschlusspanik (n.) - the realisation that you need to do something with your life because the time is running and you’re not getting any younger. It can hit you at any age, so one could call it a universal equivalent to the mid-life crisis.

Dutch

Untranslatable words in Dutch present it as a rather content nation. The terms on the list reveal the Dutch’s appreciation for the little things in life - walking barefoot on the grass, eating, hanging out, little acts of kindness or looking forward to something. It’s definitely the kind of approach to life we should all follow.

Natafelen (v.) - lingering after dinner to chat and hang out.

Uitbuiken (v.) - chilling on the couch after eating so much that your belly feels bloated.

Gezellig (n.) - a concept of cosiness, friendly atmosphere, and good vibes all mixed into one.

Dauwtrappen (v.) - to walk barefoot through morning grass.

Voorpret (n.) - the feeling of excitement before something we’re looking forward to: a party, a holiday, a trip, etc. (literally, the word means pre-fun).

Lekker (adj.) - originally used in reference to food to describe it as “tasty”. The word is still used in a similar context in other countries, but the Dutch have expanded its meaning over time. Nowadays, literally anything can be lekker: an experience, a thing, even the weather! Be careful with using it to describe people, as it will be interpreted more as “good-looking” rather than just “nice”.

Mangomoment (n.) - small acts of affection occurring during regular everyday activities. They can be almost unnoticeable, like someone asking how you’re feeling or offering to share their snack with you.

French

The French language brings to mind elegance, emotions, and eloquence. The general trend for untranslatable words in French follows these connotations - many of them have to do with feelings; whether it’s melancholy, yearning, or joy.

Dépaysement (n.) - the feeling of being away from home, in an unknown place. It’s not exactly homesickness, but being aware of the differences and not feeling fully comfortable just yet.

Sympa (adj.) - literally, the word can be translated simply as “nice”, but the concept it implies is so much broader! The adjective encompasses the feeling of warmth, openness, cosiness, and feeling comfortable around something or someone. It can be used to describe a person or an event - both your friend and a party can be “tres sympa”.

Retrouvailles (n.) - a reunion with a loved one after a long time of not seeing each other.

Flâner (v.) - to aimlessly stroll through the city with the sole purpose of getting to know it, and to appreciate the cultural differences you see and experience.

Yaourter (v.) - to sing along to a song, making up words because we don’t know the actual lyrics.

Empêchement (n.) - an unspecified reason that stops you from executing previously made plans. This very vague term is a brilliant and perfectly polite way to cancel without giving a specific excuse. Simply saying that an empêchement has occurred should let you off the hook and prevent any additional questions. Don’t abuse it, though!

Bof - something along the lines of the English “meh”. It can’t really be defined, because it can mean different things in different contexts. In general, it is usually used to comment on something we’re not terribly excited about, and it’s neither a yes nor a no. Simply put, it is the sound of coming to terms with something we don’t care much for.

Italian

It’s clear that food is an intrinsic part of the Italian culture. We all love and respect the cuisine of this country - although clearly, this is just one of the many aspects we appreciate about Italy. Many of the untranslatable words in Italian refer to the celebration of food and revolve around the topic of slow, happy life.

Abiocco (n.) - the drowsy sensation after a large meal.

Scarpetta (n.) - the act of scooping up the sauce on your plate with a piece of bread. Yes, this delicious act is so important for the Italians, they came up with a whole special word for it!

Struggimento (n.) - technically, this word does have a direct translation in English. However, “longing” doesn’t come close to encompassing the broad concept of struggimento. It is not just the feeling itself, but the struggling, suffering, and nearly physical pain that comes with it.

Menefreghista (noun) - the word comes from the Italian phrase for “I don’t care” (Non me ne frega) and means literally that. It is used for a person who has no interest in the topic at hand.

Pennichella (n.) - the nap you take after lunch, a concept similar to the Spanish siesta.

Boh! - probably the most untranslatable word of all, if it can even be called a word. It is the verbal equivalent of a shrug - Italians make this sound when they want to demonstrate that they don’t know or don’t care. Whether it’s one or the other (or both); you usually have to decipher that from the context.

Magari - it is often literally translated as “maybe”, but it implies so much more. The word in itself is somewhat of a contradiction of itself: it expresses the yearning for something, but also insinuates no commitment attached to it. It is used to talk about a dream we wish would come true, but are not sure if it ever will.

Example:

Wouldn’t it be great to get tickets for Elton John’s concert?

Magari.

Dolce far niente (exp.) - this expression probably sounds familiar to many, but it’s so deeply rooted into the Italian culture, it simply couldn’t be missing from the list. It expresses the concept of slow life, taking days one at a time and not stressing excessively.

Polish

There is no specific theme when it comes to untranslatable words in Polish. It may be that the Polish people like to be factual and the majority of words on the list have been invented to specify broader concepts. The Poles are not an overly emotional bunch (being a Pole myself, I can say that), but they do take credit for some pretty handy terms.

Kombinować (v.) - be up to something and take steps to do something (often morally questionable).

Żal (n.) - grief, sadness, regret - can be related to both our actions and the actions of others, as well as losing something or missing someone.

Pogodnie (adv.) - in relation to the weather, it’s the concept of a nice, sunny weather that’s neither too hot nor too cold. As an adjective, it can also be used to describe a person; it means content, happy, pleased.

Doba (n.) - a 24-hour period. The English translation “day” doesn’t do the term justice. Doba encompasses both the day and night, the entire cycle.

Mamałyga (n.) - a mushy substance.

Rozgardiasz (n.) - the general state of disarray, disorder; a mess.

Rozgarnięty/a (adj.) - used to describe someone who’s a mix of intelligent, witty, and resourceful.

Podwieczorek (n.) - a meal between lunch and dinner/an afternoon snack.

Przyjaciel (n.) - someone who is more than a friend but who we don’t want to call our best friend. For comparison, these are the words to describe the different stages of knowing someone:

Znajomy/a - acquaintance
Kolega (m)/koleżanka (f) - friend
Przyjaciel (m)/przyjaciółka (f) - ?
Najlepszy przyjaciel (m)/najlepsza przyjaciółka (f) - best friend

Danish

The list of untranslatable words in Danish, although a bit short, is definitely dominated by positive concepts. It reflects the nation’s attempt to embrace an optimistic approach to life and see the brighter side of life.

Hygge (n.) - the concept of cosy living, being comfortable and peaceful, either with someone else or on your own. It’s a kind of lifestyle that strives for well-being.

Morgenfrisk (n.) - the feeling of being fresh and well-rested after a good night’s sleep after waking up in the morning.

Symatisk (n.) - to have a good feeling about someone we don’t know very well.

Arbejdsglæde (n.) - motivation to work, the joy and satisfaction resulting from the work we do.

Tanketorsk (n.) - making a mistake due to the lack of thought put into our actions. It can be anything from asking a different question than we intended to misplacing something because we’re not focused. Ever been so lost in thought, you ended up placing your keys in the refrigerator? That’s a classic (albeit a bit extreme) example of tanketorsk.

Swedish

A lot of untranslatable words in Swedish have a direct connection to nature. This demonstrates its importance in the life of Swiss people and how it keeps them company in every area of life. The terms are generally positive, focusing on waking up early in the morning, feeling motivated, and striving for improvement.

Resfeber (n.) - the feeling of excitement mixed with nervousness before travelling.

Gökotta (v.) - to wake u early in the morning with the intention to go outside and listen to the birds singing.

Jobbig (adj.) - a concept encompassing everything between annoying, exhausting, difficult, and upsetting. It can be used in reference to literally anything - people, places, events, or just life in general.

Mångata (n.) - the road-like reflection of the moon on the water.

Duktig (ad.) - a mix between succeeding in something and being hard-working.

Lagom (n.) - the joy of life in moderation, having just enough.

Fika (n.) - enjoying a nice chat over a cup of coffee or tea.

Orka (v.) - to fancy doing something/have the energy to do it. It can also be used sarcastically to respond to an offer or request you’re not a fan of.

Hinna (v.) - to find the time to do something or be on time.

Hungarian

Hungary has a melancholic feeling to it. This is reflected in the untranslatable words in Hungarian, of which many serve to describe the feelings of longing, misfortune, escape from reality, or missing something.

Káröröm (n.) - the happiness coming from someone else’s misfortune.

Tutyimutyi (n. & adj.) - someone anxious, who cautiously moves through life and is afraid of making mistakes.

Háryjános (n.) - a person who makes up achievements to impress others.

Piszmog (v.) - to appear busy but not be productive. It can be applied to both people who do it on purpose and only pretend to do something important while they’re actually wasting their time scrolling away on TikTok, and others who spend too much time focusing on the details and as a result, inadvertently don’t reach their goals.

Pihentagyú (n.) - a person with a very specific sense of humour. It implies that often, this kind of humour is not appreciated or understood by others and even outright considered lame.

Elvágyódás (n.) - some compare it to wanderlust, but it’s a much broader concept. The word doesn’t just refer to the desire to travel or go to another country, but also to another time in our life, or even a different era. It expresses wanting to escape reality and looking for something undefined.

Hiányérzet (n.) - the feeling that something is missing, but we just can’t put a finger on it. There are different kinds of hiányérzet - for example, leaving for a trip, you may have the feeling that you forgot to pack something but you don’t know what. Once you come back home, you might realise the trip wasn’t quite what you expected, but there is no specific reason why. You’re left feeling unfulfilled, but you can’t think of what could have made it better. Both situations are examples of hiányérzet.

Kertel (v.) - to talk your way around a question to avoid actually answering it.

Estonian

Valevurst (n.) - a crafty way to call out a liar by literally calling them a "wrong sausage". Thanks for that one, Stas!

Viistima (v.) - a mix between being too lazy to do something or simply not interested in doing it.

Mürakaru (n.) - troublemaker, someone who's up to no good and likes doing pranks. Literally translates to "mischief bear".

Sünnipäeva nädalalõpupeo pärastlõunaväsimus - this very long expression is used to describe the feeling of being tired after a birthday party happening on a weekend. Very original. Very specific.

Tohuvabohu (n.) - used to describe a messy situation, a state of disorder.

Romanian

Dor (n.) - the feeling of missing something. This one, short word encompasses the feelings of joy, sadness, melancholy, passion, nostalgia, and mourning. Thank you for that one, Madalina!

A se înfripa - the initial stage of a relationship being built, the moment when we start to feel the mutual connection. It doesn't only function in a romantic context, but can be used in reference to any type of bond.

Acasă (n.) - where you feel at home, safe, loved. It's the place where you feel like you belong and that you miss when you're away.

Vrednic (adj.) - capable of doing something or worthy of receiving something. It's a very specific adjective used sensibly and with pride, as not everyone deserves to be called vrednic.

Nădejde (adj.) - someone you can lean on, count on, and find trustworthy.

Irish

For a country where rain is an intrinsic part of everyday life, it is only natural that many of the terms would be related to the weather. Still, it was quite shocking how many untranslatable words in Irish have to do with rain!

Craic (n.) - fun, but it’s more of an entire concept than just one word.

Stríocálaí (n.) - a person who works hard but doesn’t necessarily have the right skills for it.

Clagarnach (n.) - the sound of heavy rain on a rooftop.

Plámás (n.) - a certain type of flattery meant to butter someone up and get them to do something that will benefit you.

Breacaimsir (n.) - a special word to describe a weather that’s neither extremely good nor bad.

Ragaireacht (v.) - to stay up late talking, or wander aimlessly at nighttime.

Plobaireacht (v.) - when you’re crying and trying to explain something to someone else, but the emotion makes you incoherent.

Aduantas (no.) - a very specific feeling of anxiety coming from being surrounded by people and things you don’t know, or being in an unfamiliar place.

Welsh

The Welsh are warm people - this is spoken from the bottom of my heart, based on real-life experience. The untranslatable words in Welsh, therefore, have a lot to do with feeling safe and warm, belonging to a place, or longing for one we feel safe at.

Cwctch (n.) - to wrap your arms around someone in order to make them feel safe.

Cynefin (n.) - a place where you feel you belong and are accustomed to.

Hiraeth (n.) - the feeling of longing for a person or a place, melancholy.

Russian

It is true that many untranslatable words in Russian have to do with the culture of drinking. However, we won’t be covering them here because there’s so much more to this country’s heritage! A lot of the terms revolve around law and morality, which is a testimony to Russia’s tumultuous history.

Кайф (n.) - high or buzz in different contexts (pronunciation: kayf).

Тоска (n.) - a concept embracing the feelings of nostalgia, missing, being sad, even the beginnings of depression (pronunciation: tas-’ka).

Пошлость (n.) - something superficial, unsophisticated, beautiful from the outside but shallow in reality (pronunciation: posh-lost).

Беспредел (n.) - an actitude with no regard for the law, morals, or social norms. Many people translate it simply as “lawlessness”, but the concept is a bit broader (pronunciation: byes-pre-diel).

Совесть (n.) - a combination between a personal moral code and a conscience. Following social rules not to obey the law, but to follow one’s moral compass (pronunciation: soh-vest).

Успевать (n.) - this word brings together “being on time” and “having enough time to do something”. They are not quite the same thing, and успевать unites the two concepts perfectly (pronunciation: uspi-vac).

Белоручка (n.) - a person who doesn’t want to “get their hands dirty”/do any dirty work. It carries a negative connotation, implying they are lazy and unwilling to make too much effort (pronunciation: bye-la-rooch-ka).

Bulgarian

Bulgarians love idioms! There weren’t many untranslatable words in Bulgarian that we could find, but there are many creative expressions we think should be introduced into English ASAP.

Айляк (n.) - being idle, care-free (pronunciation: eye-lyak).

Хептен (adv.) - quite, completely, entirely (pronunciation: hepten).

Куче марка/КучA марка (n.) - a no-name brand, an object of doubtful origin and quality. Its literal meaning is “dog’s brand” (pronunciation: kuche marka).

Тинтири-минтири - a word of exclamation used when someone is telling you something improbable/false (pronunciation: tintiri-mintiri).

Честито на патерици! (exp.) - an expression used to congratulate someone on something that happened a while ago, which you forgot about. Literally, it means “congratulations on crutches!” (pronunciation: chestito na pateritsi).

не е цвете за мирисане (exp.) - an expression used to describe someone who is known for their bad qualities and negative influence on people. Literally, it means “he is not a flower to sniff” (pronunciation: nay eh tsve-te za mee-ree-sah-nay).

Catalan

Catalan people do enjoy a good time. They have the uncanny ability to perfectly combine their appreciation for fun with a wholesome, sensible approach to life, which is reflected in our list of untranslatable words in Catalan.

Mudat (adj.) - to dress up fancy.

Seny (n.) - the concept of integrity and wisdom. It derives from an old philosophy of living by making sensible, informed, and thought-through choices and maintaining a complex perception of our surroundings.

Galician

The Galicians like to party - that much is a fact. Family and friends are very important to them, and they like to celebrate life together. For that reason, many untranslatable words in Galician refer to social gatherings, as well as the concept of belonging, authenticity, and the importance of nature.

Morriña (n.) - the nostalgic feeling of being away from the place you come from.

Encebre (n.) - something authentic, characteristic, rooted into the culture and specific for a certain region, impossible to find anywhere else.

Afouteza (n.) - the willingness to commit to any challenge without the fear of failure or danger.

Luscofusco (n.) - the moment when day fades into the night and all light disappears, leaving everything looking like shadows.

Foliada (n.) - a specific kind of social gathering involving singing, dancing, and traditional Galician instruments.

Esmorga (n.) - another kind of a party, less casual than a foliada. It refers to an over-the-top kind of event that’s just a little bit too much.

We hope you enjoyed this travel across languages and cultures! Did any terms surprise you? Did some stand out to you more than others? Or maybe you have your own suggestions for words that aren’t yet on the list, in these or other languages?

Let us know in the comments, we would love our article about untranslatable words in European languages to keep growing!

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