Ten “Relationship” Words that Aren’t Translatable into English
By OFW editor: Katrina Monroe
Published: October 28, 2013
Not only does the English language have the most exceptions to grammatical rules and is arguably the most difficult to learn, but there are some words and phrases that aren’t translatable into English. Here are a few of those related to romance and relationships.
Mamihlapinatapei (Yagan)
The wordless look shared by two people who wish to initiate a romantic pairing but are reluctant to start
Yuanfen (Chinese)
A relationship by fate or destiny, drawing on principles of predetermination in Chinese culture which dictate relationships, encounters, and affinity
Cafuné (Brazillian Portuguese)
The act of tenderly running your fingers through someone’s hair
Restrouvailles (French)
The happiness of meeting again after a long time
Ilunga (Bantu)
A person who is willing to forgive abuse the first time, tolerate it the second time, but never a third time
La Douleur Exquise (French)
The pain of wanting someone you can’t have
Koi no Yokan (Japanese)
The sense upon first meeting a person that the two of you are going to fall in love
Ya’aburnee (Arabic)
A declaration of one’s hope that they’ll die before another person because of how difficult it would be to live without them
Forelskit (Norwegian)
The euphoria you experience when you’re first falling in love
Suadade (Portuguese)
A vague and constant desire for something that does not and probably cannot exist
Mamihlapinatapei (Yagan)
Yuanfen (Chinese)
Cafuné (Brazillian Portuguese)
Restrouvailles (French)
Ilunga (Bantu)
La Douleur Exquise (French)
Koi no Yokan (Japanese)
Ya’aburnee (Arabic)
Forelskit (Norwegian)
Suadade (Portuguese)