Untranslatable wordSocialYaghan

Mamihlapinatapai

Meaning: The look between two people who both want the same thing but neither is willing to initiate — a loaded, hopeful, hesitant glance.

Literally: Shared unspoken wish

Origin: Yaghan (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina); listed in the Guinness Book as the most succinct word.

More untranslatable words — Social

  • Ubuntu The philosophy that a person is a person only through other people — humanity expressed t…
  • Jayus A joke so unfunny, so badly delivered, that it becomes funny in its own right — a joke th…
  • Yuánfèn The invisible thread of fate that brings people together — the destined connection betwee…
  • Cafuné The tender act of running your fingers through someone's hair — an intimate gesture of lo…
  • Backpfeifengesicht A face that is just begging to be slapped — someone so smug you can't help the urge.
  • Tartle That panicky pause when you go to introduce someone and realize you've forgotten their na…

Explore another collection: False Friends

Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

  • Déception Actually means 'disappointment'. For deception (a trick), say tromperie.
  • Disgusto Actually means 'displeasure', 'upset', or 'trouble'. For disgust (revulsion), say asco.
  • Rat Actually means 'advice' or 'counsel'. A rat (the rodent) is eine Ratte.

Browse all false friends →

Keep exploring

Explore all untranslatable words →