Lost In Translation

A word is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy. A page filled with idioms, words, and other sayings that have no English translation of the word.

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Nakkele (Tulu)

A man who licks whatever the food has been served on.

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Shemomedjamo (Georgian)

To continue eating food even though you’re already full, just because you like the taste of the food so much.

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Pole (Swahili)

Means ‘I am sorry for your misfortune.’ It is pronounced ‘po-lay.’ It can be used for small or big things, and ‘pole sana’ also exists, where ‘sana’ is an intensifier.

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Jayus (Indonesian)

A joke so poorly told and so unfunny that one cannot help but laugh

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Bakku-Shan (Japanese)

Bakku-shan is the word for a girl who looks pretty from behind but ugly in front.

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Hygge (Danish)

Hygge is something we all want all the time – but seldom have. It is a Danish word meaning a “complete absence of anything annoying, irritating or emotionally overwhelming, and the presence of and pleasure from comforting, gentle and soothing things”. It is especially associated with Christmas time, grilling Danish sausage on long summer evenings and sitting around lit candles on a rainy night. What an amazing word.

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Mendokusai (Japanese)

It means something is too much of a hassle. A way of saying you can’t be bothered to do whatever task it is.

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Fucha (Polish)

To use a company’s time and resources for your own personal endeavors.

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Aigoo (Korean)

Word said while sighing, or wanting to sigh. Expresses frustration, pain and resignation. Roughly equivalent to “FML,” or “jeez”.

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Denize girse kurutur (Turkish)

A person who can’t do anything right.