Never Lost in Translation

Learning a new language can be a rich, rewarding – even unexpectedly delightful journey. Sometimes a word that is new to us may sound so beautiful you’ll want to hear it repeatedly. Others may have such poetic or inspiring meaning that you can’t wait to share your discovery with friends or family. Still, others get lost in translation when trying to describe the word in your native language. Here are just a few examples:

First, in order and terms of sheer size, is the word Nakakapagpabagabag (Naka-ka-pag-paba-ga-bag). This term, spoken in the language of the Philippines (Tagalog), is used to describe “something that creates anxiety or uneasiness,” which is precisely what I feel each time I try to pronounce it!

Next is Kaamos – a Finnish word for “polar night.” A phenomenon that happens within the polar circles, Kaamos refers to a period of darkness that lasts more than 24 hours. The term also holds an emotional impact when used to describe a feeling of…