Eunoia

Words That Don't Translate

Eunoia was built in 24h by Steph. Search 700+ untranslatable words by 80+ languages and 60+ tags, or click refresh to see a new batch. Enjoy!


Word Definition Language Tags Audio
kaizen Continuous growth Japanese growth
Zuihitsu (随筆) Literally, “running brush”. A genre of Japanese literature; authors write what’s top of mind and follow their random thoughts. The genre is more personal than performative and gives the reader an intimate look at the inner workings of the writer’s mind. Japanese writing creative
Ikigai A reason for being; the thing that gets you up in the morning. Japanese growth happiness
Boketto The act of gazing vacantly into the distance. Japanese thinking
Pekopeko Bowing one's head repeatedly in a grovelling manner Japanese physical action
Ukiyo The floating world - living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life Japanese creative visual art
Yokomeshi Literal: "meal eaten sideways"; the stress caused by speaking a foreign language Japanese stress feeling awareness
Umami A category of taste in food (besides sweet, sour, salt, and bitter); savoriness Japanese food attribute
Seijaku (静寂) Quiet (sei) tranquillity (jaku); silence, calm, serenity (especially in the midst of activity or chaos). Japanese awareness beauty
Kuuki Yomenai "Cannot read the air” and jokingly applies to people who struggle to read social situations Japanese connection confusion
Bimyou Not bad, or "meh" Japanese attribute
Nekama A man who pretends to be a woman on the internet Japanese society
Hatsuyume The first dream one has in the new year; thought to be an omen Japanese feeling
Yoisho A word without meaning, said when flopping into a chair after a hard day at work or lifting a heavy bag. Japanese event physical work
Kintsukuroi To repair with gold. Understanding that a piece is more beautiful for having broken. Japanese beauty change
Nito-onna A woman so dedicated to her career that she has no time to iron blouses, so dresses only in knitted tops. Japanese society work
Tachiyomi To stand in a bookstore and read a book without buying it Japanese society funny action
Majime (真面目) Reliable, responsible, diligent; seriousness, formality. Japanese society attribute
Tsundoku Acquiring reading materials but letting them pile up in one's home without reading them Japanese adverse
Gemba The real place'; in business it refers to the real place where value is created, such as the factory floor. Instead of depending on hierarchy, the people who are closest to what's happening make decisions. Ie: the more hands-on knowledge a decision-maker has, the better their decision will be. Japanese work cultural
Shibui Old school cool Japanese attribute
Kenjataimu "wise man's time": The post-orgasmic period when a man's thoughts are no longer impaired by his sexual drive; he is thus likened to a "sage" of clear mind Japanese awareness
Koi No Yokan The feeling upon meeting someone that falling in love with them is inevitable. Japanese love
Tokimeki ときめき Excitement; Feeling of bliss or joy from a discrete experience Japanese emotion feeling happiness
On-nomi The practice of getting together with friends on the internet and having a drink together Japanese friends




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