Certain words capture entire philosophies, ways of life, or emotions that are difficult to translate directly. These words, drawn from various cultures, offer insight into values, traditions, and ways of seeing the world.

01. Ikigai (生き甲斐) – Japanese

"A reason for being."

A concept that defines the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Ikigai is about finding meaning and purpose in daily life.

02. Sisu – Finnish

"Extraordinary determination in the face of adversity."

More than just resilience, sisu is an inner strength that allows people to endure hardships without complaint, embracing discomfort as part of growth.

03. Lagom – Swedish

"Not too much, not too little—just the right amount."

A Swedish philosophy of moderation, balance, and sustainability in all aspects of life.

04. Lykke (Scandinavia)

"Happiness that comes from small, everyday pleasures."

A common Scandinavian concept shared across Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, (an area often ranked among the world's happiest countries) particularly embracing lykke as a way of finding joy in community, nature, and simple moments.

05. Wabi-Sabi (侘寂) – Japanese

"The beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness."

A Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds elegance in natural flaws, aging materials, and asymmetry.

06. Ubuntu – Zulu / Xhosa (Southern Africa)

"I am because we are."

A deep sense of humanity and interconnectedness, emphasizing that personal identity is shaped through relationships with others.

07. Saudade – Portuguese

"A deep, melancholic longing for something lost."

Describes a sense of nostalgia, love, or longing for something—whether a place, a person, or a moment in time—that may never return.

08. Meraki (μεράκι) – Greek

"Doing something with your soul, creativity, or love."

Putting passion and dedication into whatever you create, whether it's cooking, writing, or building something by hand.

09. Hygge – Danish

"A mood of coziness, comfort, and warmth."

A cultural focus on creating intimate, relaxing atmospheres—soft lighting, good food, and meaningful conversations.

10. Komorebi (木漏れ日) – Japanese

"Sunlight filtering through the trees."

A word capturing a simple but fleeting beauty—how light and nature interact to create quiet moments of wonder.

Honorable Mentions

• Fernweh (German) – "A deep longing for distant places, even places you've never been."

• Mångata (Swedish) – "The path of light that the moon creates on water."

• Flâneur (French) – "A wanderer who observes the city with no specific purpose."

• Dor (Romanian) – "A longing for someone or something deeply loved but absent."

• Gökotta (Swedish) – "Waking up early to hear the first birds sing."

• Gezellig (Dutch) – "A feeling of warmth, coziness, and togetherness."

• Uitwaaien (Dutch) – "To take a break outdoors in the wind to clear your mind."

• Resfeber (Swedish) – "The mix of excitement and anxiety before a journey begins."

• Sobremesa (Spanish) – "Lingering at the table after a meal, enjoying conversation."

Why These Words Matter

• They hold entire philosophies within them – Concepts like ikigai, sisu, and ubuntu shape how people live.

• They describe feelings English often struggles with – Words like saudade, fernweh, and dor express emotions that lack direct translation.

• They capture fleeting moments – From komorebi to mångata, they remind us to appreciate beauty in the everyday.