Untranslatable

usgb/ˌʌntrænˈsleɪtəbəl/
adjective

Referring to a word or phrase that has no equivalent expression in another language.

Some emotions are untranslatable, as they cannot be fully conveyed in another language.
Visual representation of "untranslatable" - Referring to a word or phrase that has no equivalent expression in another language.

Often appears as...

  • Translation difficulties
  • Language gaps

Usage tips

Neutral

language barrier, cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "untranslatable"
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Context

Consider the cultural background when thinking about untranslatable words

Illustration for Context
In Japanese, 'wabi-sabi' captures a whole aesthetic that is hard to grasp in English.
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Nuance

Look for deep cultural meanings

Illustration for Nuance
Words like 'saudade' in Portuguese evoke complex feelings that may not have a direct English equivalent.
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Emotion

Emotional expressions may be challenging to translate accessibly

Illustration for Emotion
For example, the concept of 'hygge' from Danish represents coziness that doesn't have a singular term in English.
Visual representation of the word "Untranslatable"

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