Language is more than just words—it’s a window into culture, identity, and human emotion. But did you know that some feelings can’t be perfectly translated? Certain languages have unique words that capture emotions in ways English simply can’t. Let’s explore how different languages express feelings, revealing fascinating insights into how we experience the world.

1. Untranslatable emotions: words English doesn’t have

Some languages have terms for emotions so specific that they require entire sentences to explain in English. For example:

• “Saudade” (Portuguese) – A deep, melancholic longing for something or someone lost, mixed with nostalgia.
• “Toska” (Russian) – A spiritual ache, a mix of boredom, sadness, and yearning.
• “Gigil” (Tagalog) – The irresistible urge to pinch or squeeze something cute.
• “Iktsuarpok” (Inuit) – The restless anticipation of waiting for someone to arrive, often leading you to check outside repeatedly.

These words show how culture shapes emotional expression—what one language highlights, another may overlook.

2. Emotions tied to social relationships

Some languages prioritize emotions based on social context:

• “Arigata-meiwaku” (Japanese) – The feeling when someone does you a favor you didn’t want, leaving you grateful but also annoyed.
• “Mamihlapinatapei” (Yaghan) – A wordless, meaningful look shared between two people who both desire something but hesitate to initiate.
• “Fremdschämen” (German) – Secondhand embarrassment for someone else’s actions.

These terms reflect cultural values, like Japanese politeness or German directness.

3. How language affects emotional perception

Research suggests that the words we use influence how we feel. For example:

• Spanish speakers describe anger as a hot, fluid substance (“boiling with rage”), while Dutch speakers associate it with sharpness (“sharp words”).
• Mandarin Chinese often links sadness to physical pain (“heartache”), whereas English separates emotional and physical pain.

This means bilingual individuals may even experience emotions differently depending on which language they’re speaking!

4. Why this matters in translation & communication

Understanding emotional nuances is crucial for:

• Business negotiations – A direct “no” may be rude in some cultures, while others prefer blunt honesty.
• Mental health support – Therapists working with multilingual clients must recognize untranslatable emotions.
• Marketing & branding – Emotional messaging must adapt to cultural context.

Final Thoughts

Languages don’t just translate words—they reveal how people feel, connect, and perceive life. The next time you struggle to describe an emotion, remember: somewhere in the world, there’s probably a word for it.