The Challenge of Translating Untranslatable Words

Ever struggled to explain exactly how you felt? Perhaps there was a perfect word for that emotion—in another language. Terms like Meraki, Jayus, or Gökotta highlight the curious challenge translators face: capturing the untranslatable. What exactly are untranslatable words? Contrary to popular belief, they're not simply words that can't be translated at all. Rather, these are terms deeply rooted in specific cultural contexts, emotions, or experiences unique to the language they belong to. In this blog, we will explain what untranslatable words are, provide illustrative examples, and offer practical insights on how translators and language professionals deal with them.

What Exactly Are Untranslatable Words?

Untranslatable words are terms or expressions unique to a particular language, carrying cultural, emotional, or social meanings without an exact equivalent in another language. While translators may approximate their meaning, capturing their full nuance and essence remains notoriously challenging.

These words typically embody concepts or experiences deeply embedded within the culture that gave birth to them. The absence of direct translations emphasizes how language is more than simply a communication tool; it reflects the cultural heritage, values, and worldview of a community.

Examples of Commonly Untranslatable Words

• Spanish: Sobremesa 

In Spanish-speaking countries, the “sobre mesa” tradition is an essential part of the dining experience. “Sobremesa” literally translates to “over the table” but it refers to the time after a meal when people linger at the table talking and enjoying each other’s company. This concept does not have a true equivalent in English; although we may use phrases such as “dessert conversation” or “table talk” to try and express this idea, they don’t quite capture the essence of sobre mesa as a cultural tradition.

• French: Dépaysement 

The French word “dépaysement” literally translates to “un-countrying” but it describes the feeling of being out of one's element or unfamiliar with their surroundings. It implies a sense of homesickness or disorientation and often accompanies travelers who visit new places. This term has no direct equivalent in English - we may say someone feels homesick or out of place but neither phrase quite captures the intensity of “dépaysement”.

• Japanese: Shouganai 

The Japanese word “shouganai” can be used in several contexts but it generally conveys acceptance or resignation towards something that cannot be changed no matter how hard one tries. There is no exact translation for this concept in English; while we may say something like “it is what it is” or “what will be, will be” these phrases lack the depth and emotion conveyed by “shouganai”.

• Danish: Hygge 

The Danish word “hygge” is often used to describe feelings of coziness, simplicity, and contentment. It’s not just about being comfortable; hygge is about feeling at home in the moment and enjoying simple pleasures with friends or family. In English, we might use words like “cozy” or “homely” but they don't quite capture the essence of hygge as it's experienced in Denmark.

•  Meraki (Greek)

"Meraki" refers to the act of doing something with complete passion, creativity, and dedication—often putting a part of yourself into your work. While English speakers might say "doing something wholeheartedly," the emotional intensity and personal investment conveyed by Meraki is deeper and richer, reflecting a cultural emphasis on passion and creative expression.

Why are Some Words Untranslatable?

Words become untranslatable because language evolves directly from the experiences and values of the culture it belongs to. Language shapes—and is shaped by—the worldview of its speakers. When an experience or concept is unique to a particular culture or community, other languages may not have an exact equivalent simply because their speakers have not prioritized or conceptualized that idea in precisely the same way.

This linguistic uniqueness is not a deficiency but a reflection of diversity. Languages develop their unique vocabularies based on geography, history, social structures, customs, and emotional landscapes. This makes the translation of certain words challenging but fascinating.

How Translators Can Deal With Untranslatable Words

1. Contextual Explanation

One common method is adding context-based explanations. Rather than forcing a single-word translation, the translator may include short explanatory phrases or footnotes that clarify the meaning and cultural significance of the word.

2. Loanwords

Translators might choose to directly borrow or adopt the original term, incorporating it into the target language. Words such as "schadenfreude" (German) and "déjà vu" (French) are examples of loanwords successfully integrated into English.

3. Approximate Expressions

Sometimes, translators choose the nearest possible expression in the target language, accepting that some subtlety may be lost. For instance, "saudades" might be rendered as "longing," "yearning," or "nostalgia," even though these terms individually don’t fully encapsulate its emotional depth.

4. Cultural Adaptation

In certain cases, translators adapt the concept entirely to fit the target audience’s cultural context. This method involves creatively reshaping the message to communicate the essence rather than an exact linguistic match.

5. Maintaining Authenticity

Occasionally, translators intentionally keep the original word unchanged to preserve its cultural authenticity, allowing readers to encounter and gradually understand the original concept through repeated exposure.

Untranslatable words are windows into the soul of different cultures. Translators' attempts to capture their essence highlight language's limits and its immense expressive potential. While translating such words might be challenging, the process deepens understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, encouraging openness toward other cultures’ unique experiences and perspectives.

Thus, although exact translations of terms like Meraki, Hygge , or Shouganai  may remain elusive, their presence enriches communication, reminding us that the beauty of language lies precisely in its variety, complexity, and resilience in the face of translation.