What strange words do you know in your language learning process?
AuroraW
13 replies
During my language learning journey, I’ve stumbled upon some amusing words that don’t always have a direct translation. For example, in Spanish, “sobremesa” refers to the time spent chatting at the table after a meal—something that’s such a cultural staple but doesn’t quite exist in the same way in English. 🌏
It’s fun to see how different languages capture unique aspects of culture! What strange or interesting words have you come across in your language learning adventures? 📚💬
Replies
Kat Pim@kat_pim
I love learning quirky words like Schadenfreude in German, which means taking pleasure in someone else's misfortune. It’s a bit dark but so specific to its own culture
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In Japanese, Komorebi describes the effect of sunlight streaming through leaves. It’s a beautiful concept that doesn’t have a direct translation in english
Flabbergasted,I love this word because it means being extremely surprised or shocked. It just sounds like what it means!
Nefarious ,This word has a bit of an old-timey vibe and means wicked or evil. It feels dramatic and mysterious.
Kerfuffle, I think this is quirky word for a commotion or fuss. It just sounds like the chaos it describes!
Schadenfreude - such a delightfully expressive German word for taking pleasure in the misfortunes of others 😅 I remember being oddly satisfied learning that one in German class! Anyone else have bizarrely specific foreign vocab they've picked up?
I found the German word Fernweh fascinating. It means a longing for distant places, which I think is so poetic and specific. 🌍
In Japanese, Komorebi describes the effect of sunlight streaming through the leaves of trees. It's such a beautiful word for something we often take for granted.
The French term “l’esprit de l’escalier” refers to thinking of the perfect comeback too late. It’s a bit of a tongue-twister but a very relatable concept.