Karly

I’m unsure as to whether to categorise this as a Trust Me, I’m a Linguist post, but I think it definitely fits the theme of those ones. As everyone knows by now, I know a few languages, that often have words that capture precise emotions or moments that we can only describe in full sentences. In this post, I will talk about some of my favourite words in the languages I know and a couple of extra ones.

Spanish Words

Estrenar
Spanish speakers have the perfect word for the joy of wearing or using something for the first time: estrenar. Whether it’s a brand-new outfit, a fresh notebook, or even the first time driving a new car, estrenar captures that special moment of excitement and novelty. It’s not just about using something new—it’s about the feeling of making a debut with it.

Madrugar
This word describes waking up early in the morning—especially before sunrise. While English has “to wake up early,” madrugar is a single, efficient verb for the act of rising at dawn.

Sobremesa
In Spain and many Latin American countries, meals aren’t just about eating; they’re about lingering at the table afterward, chatting and enjoying each other’s company. Sobremesa is the word for that relaxed time after a meal when the conversation keeps flowing.

Italian Words

Culaccino
You know that little water ring left on the table after you set down a cold glass? Italians have a word for it: culaccino. It’s oddly specific but undeniably useful. The next time you reach for a coaster, you’ll know exactly what you’re trying to avoid.

Abbiocco
That drowsy, sluggish feeling you get after eating a big meal? Italians call it abbiocco. It’s that post-lunch or post-dinner food coma where all you want to do is nap.

Menefreghismo
This word describes a carefree attitude or an “I don’t care” mentality, often in a slightly indifferent or defiant way. If someone shrugs off problems and doesn’t let things get to them, they embody menefreghismo.

Struggimento
A deeply poetic word, struggimento describes intense longing, yearning, or heartache—especially the kind that feels endless and dramatic, like in classic Italian opera.

German Words

Fernweh
We often talk about Wanderlust, that deep craving to travel and explore new places, but the Germans have another word that takes it a step further: Fernweh. It describes the painful longing for far-off places—almost like homesickness, but for places you’ve never been.

Schadenfreude
This is one of those words that English speakers love to borrow because it captures something so specific: the feeling of joy at someone else’s misfortune. Whether it’s laughing when a smug celebrity gets caught in a scandal or secretly enjoying when a rival fails, Schadenfreude describes that guilty (or not-so-guilty) pleasure of witnessing others’ bad luck.

Kummerspeck
Literally translating to “grief bacon,” Kummerspeck refers to the weight gained from emotional eating. If you’ve ever comforted yourself with ice cream and snacks after a breakup or a stressful week, you’ve experienced Kummerspeck.

Torschlusspanik
This word describes the fear that time is running out to achieve something—whether it’s finding love, reaching career goals, or traveling the world. It’s often associated with a midlife crisis but can happen at any age when you feel a sense of urgency about life’s opportunities slipping away.

French Words

Dépaysement
This French word describes the feeling of being out of place in a new or unfamiliar environment. It’s more than just culture shock—it’s the sensation of no longer being in the world you know, whether that’s disorienting, exciting, or both.

L’esprit de l’escalier
Have you ever thought of the perfect comeback or response after a conversation has ended? That’s l’esprit de l’escalier, which translates to “the spirit of the staircase”—the idea that the best replies always come to you too late.

Flâner
This elegant French verb means to wander aimlessly, especially through a city, enjoying the atmosphere with no real destination in mind. It’s the perfect word for leisurely strolls through Parisian streets or getting lost in charming alleyways.

Retrouvailles
That warm, emotional moment of reuniting with someone you haven’t seen in a long time? The French call it retrouvailles. It’s the feeling of joy and nostalgia when you reconnect with someone important to you.

Bonus Words

Russian

Тоска (Toska)
A deeply untranslatable word, toska describes a profound, melancholic longing—sometimes for something unknown. Nabokov defined it as “a sensation of great spiritual anguish, often without any specific cause.” It can range from a vague restlessness to deep existential despair.

Dutch

Gezelligheid
More than just “coziness,” gezelligheid embodies warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging. A lively café, a night in with friends, or even a candlelit room can be gezellig. It’s about feeling at home, wherever you are.

Korean

봄비 (Bombi)
This beautiful Korean word refers to the gentle rain that falls in spring, bringing new life to nature. Bombi isn’t just any rain—it carries a sense of renewal, freshness, and quiet beauty, marking the transition from winter’s chill to the warmth of spring.

These words highlight how language shapes our experiences. They remind us that sometimes, the right words do exist—just not in English. Maybe it’s time we borrow them!

Do you have a favorite word from another language that English needs? Let me know in the comments!