Question of the Week
Which Word Would You Import?
Is there a word that can't be properly translated into English that you would import from another language (e.g. schadenfreude)?
Thanks to The Economist for the idea behind this Question of the Week.
Replies (7)
Posted by
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Another German word: Sehnsucht. Means, very roughly, longing.
Aug 16, 2011 8:58 am
by jrgiddens -
How about "yoroshiku" (yo-RO-sh(i)-koo)? (The "RO" is slightly trilled.) In Japan, it is very often used and its meaning is roughly "please treat me well" or "please take care of me/something now and into the future". So, when someone asks another person to do something, the asker would say "yoroshiku" after the asking. Also, upon meeting someone for the first time, one would say "yoroshiku" to indicate that you want that person to think well of you in the future.
Aug 16, 2011 9:26 am
by seanohagan -
One more german word: Zweizamkeit -which describe to sensation of feeling alone with someone you like, even if you are in a crowded place-
Also, being French I can telll you that interestingly enough 'Successful' has actually no French translation.Aug 16, 2011 12:50 pm
by david.nucci -
A modern Hebrew word - balagan - a mess, chaos or fiasco. "They tried to give away 100 free lottery tickets in an orderly way, but it turned into a complete balagan."
Aug 17, 2011 6:48 am
by Thamus -
fais do do -- french/cajun mix for "make sleep", said in a soothing, baby-like way to mean close your eyes, be at peace, all is calm and well.
cucush/kookoosh(sp?) -- another soothing/sleep word meaning "go lay down, get cozy, hush and sleep"... origin? maybe from the HushCush water well/area of northern Great Britian where it is believed that animals hearing the water sound become peaceful... and/or from the "cush-cush" said by farmers to round up cows for day's end.
fee-foo-la -- cajun origin? (travelled to this home from Nova Scotia)... a little, impish spirit/ghost that bothers one/says silly things/acts foolish... basically used to mean one is a real air-head but with a colorful, almost intriguing twist.Aug 18, 2011 2:36 pm
by DayLily -
A word meaning 'gratis' to supplement the word 'free', which has entirely too many meanings.
Aug 22, 2011 6:50 pm
by MadJo -
Lekker - Dutch word meaning "yummy"
Aug 24, 2011 3:08 pm
by ISAAudrey