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The Untranslatable Souls – 5 untranslatable words: part 1

Expressing what we feel is not always easy, especially when feelings slip beyond the grasp of words.

Have you ever tried to capture a feeling in a single word, only to realize your language falls short? Or attempted to translate an important concept only to be confronted with a linguistic void?

Some words are so deeply rooted in their culture that finding a direct equivalent feels impossible. And it’s precisely this uniqueness that makes them special.

In this article, we explore five untranslatable words tiny windows into fascinating worlds, each reflecting the Soul of a culture.

Each word is paired with a unique illustration, designed to bring the untranslatable to life.

1. Waldeinsamkeit

The combination of the words ‘Wald‘ (forest) and ‘Einsamkeit‘ (solitude) evokes an immersive natural landscape, where the silence of the forest becomes a companion for those seeking peace and reconnection with themselves. It describes solitude not as isolation, but as a quiet embrace of nature—a source of peace, connection, and inner serenity.

 

2. Cafuné

Love doesn’t always need words. Sometimes, a simple gesture—like affectionately running your fingers through a loved one’s hair—says it all.

In Portuguese, this tender act is called Cafuné: a quiet, universal language of love.

 

3. Merak

What’s better than gratitude? Sometimes it comes from observing and appreciating the simplest things in life. “Merak” is an invitation to pause and recognise the small that expand within and around us. It’s the feeling of belonging to the entire universe. Will it inspire your approach to everyday life?

 

4. Esprit de l’Escalier/Treppenwitz

“The spirit of the staircase” and “the irony of the staircase”  captures the frustrating moment when the perfect comeback arrives too late—metaphorically, when you’re already walking away.

 

5. Geborgenheit

We would like to conclude this first part of the article with warmth.

‘Geborgenheit‘ is once again a German word that conveys a lot of warmth: it evokes safety, security and comfort and makes us feel at home in the arms of a loved one or when surrounded by a group of loved ones.

Every untranslatable word is an invitation to explore and understand a new culture.
We’ll be back in December with five more words. In the meantime, let us know which of these will make its way your vocabulary!

All illustrations are by Jessica Cozzi and are protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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