Untranslatable words can actually be translated, but in more words, not just one, right? I love how the concepts can be felt and understood viscerally by anyone, regardless of whether they have the notion in their own language. A beautiful list of words at the end!
Absolutely. I adore the one-word concepts in certain languages, they are always moving, maybe sometimes shocking and other times, beautiful. But I think we fall short when we think they are "untranslatable" because it is a way to other people, cultures, languages. We can all feel the same things even if it takes us a few words rather than one word to convey those feelings/thoughts.
Vabba comes from Vård av barn (and the a at the end is to verbify it). Vård av barn means care of children.
My favourite Swedish word is lagom which would translate into “just right” a bit a la goldie locks.
Love both.
Untranslatable words can actually be translated, but in more words, not just one, right? I love how the concepts can be felt and understood viscerally by anyone, regardless of whether they have the notion in their own language. A beautiful list of words at the end!
Absolutely. I adore the one-word concepts in certain languages, they are always moving, maybe sometimes shocking and other times, beautiful. But I think we fall short when we think they are "untranslatable" because it is a way to other people, cultures, languages. We can all feel the same things even if it takes us a few words rather than one word to convey those feelings/thoughts.