1. Cwtch

This Welsh word, pronounced ‘kutch’, has no direct translation into Italian, but it certainly goes straight to the heart.

Cwtch is a hug that goes beyond the physical gesture: it is special and intimate, making us feel at home.

In the arms of a loved one, we sink into a Cwtch that conveys warmth and security.

It is curious that another meaning of Cwtch is ‘niche’ or ‘small cupboard’ where something is safely stored.

The common thread? Always a sense of protection.

2. Sobremesa

After sharing a good meal together, we often feel like chatting and spending more time with one another.

Spanish has the perfect word for this: Sobremesa. Literally “Over the table”,  its meaning runs deeper: it’s the joy of lingering together, unhurried, after finishing a meal.

3. Torschlusspanik

As Muse would sing, ‘Time is running out‘.

Who has never wanted to stop time, afraid there wouldn’t be enough of it?

We might just have been caught by Torschlusspanik

It comes from the combination of:

• Tor = door, gate
• Schluss = closing
• Panik = panic

The term is believed to date back to the Middle Ages, when those outside their villages at sunset had to return before the gates closed.

Spending the night in the open meant exposing oneself to the dangers of robbery, assault and other perils.

Today, Torschlusspanik has taken on a more metaphorical meaning: the fear that time to be happy and achieve our dreams and goals is running out.

4. Desenrascanço

If something doesn’t go according to plan, all is not lost: there’s always desenrascanço.

It can be literally translated as ‘to disentangle‘, but its true essence is broader: for the Portuguese, it is the ability to solve a problem with improvisation and resourcefulness, even without the right tools and at the last minute.

5. Mamihlapinatapai

The last word in this series takes us all the way to Tierra del Fuego.

Mamihlapinatapai belongs to the Yahgan language, peculiar to the indigenous people of the region.

Cristina Calderón, who passed away in 2022, was the last fluent speaker, and even she didn’t know its exact meaning.

Among the various interpretations attributed to this mysterious word, one stands out:

It is the moment of hesitation, the exchange of glances between two people who both want to take the first step but are waiting for the other to do so.

It can be a romantic gaze between two people who like each other, but also the silent standoff between two tribal leaders who want to make peace but hesitate to declare it first.

What all interpretations share is always a mutual intention and reluctance to act first.

According to another local interpretation, Mamihlapinatapai might refer to the moment of meditation around the evening fire, when elders tell stories to the younger generations.

Perhaps it’s this aura of mystery that makes it so fascinating.

Until next time, hoping we’ve helped you discover something new. Let us know which word represents you the most!

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