Language is so ingrained in the way we live, in our culture, that very often we use words or expressions that only exist in our community or only make sense in our immediate reality. The Dutch language has the adjective gezellig (and the noun gezelligheid), which can roughly be translated into English as cozy, nice, homey, but that also can be applied to family time or activities that we do with loved ones. Needless to say that the Dutch are quite proud of having a word that, although difficult to translate to most languages, represents such important aspects of their culture as family ties and values or staying and spending time together.

Other languages have words that are difficult to translate as well. For instance, Portuguese-language music and poetry have made famous worldwide the concept of saudade, which is only matched in Galician language and can be described as a deep feeling of nostalgia for someone absent or who is missing. Other words and concepts related to emotions are described and mapped in these interesting infographics called Unspeakableness created by Pei-Ying Lin (alternative link).

But not all words that cannot be translated are related to love, emotions or states of mind! Here are some words and expressions that will make you think and smile.

Does your language have any words or expressions that are difficult to translate to other languages? What aspects or values of your culture do these words represent?