Preamble: I’ve been wanting to do this for a while now – Having come across a collection of some of the most evocative words in languages other than English that have no direct equivalents – and each of which having struck a chord in me – I’m going to post them a couple at a time, with explanations (not mine) and complementary visuals, for you to savour. And a request to all readers – can we make this interactive, where you can also contribute some more in languages you speak / know, which I will compile?
Here goes… when Koi No Yokan leads to Mamihlapinatapei leads to Forelsket
Koi No Yokan (Japanese): The sense upon first meeting a person that the two of you are going to fall into love.
This is different than “love at first sight,” since it implies that you might have a sense of imminent love, somewhere down the road, without yet feeling it. The term captures the intimation of inevitable love in the future, rather than the instant attraction implied by love at first sight.
Mamihlapinatapei (Yagan, an indigenous language of Tierra del Fuego): The wordless yet meaningful look shared by two people who desire to initiate something, but are both reluctant to start.
Oh yes, this is an exquisite word, compressing a thrilling and scary relationship moment. It’s that delicious, cusp-y moment of imminent seduction. Neither of you has mustered the courage to make a move, yet. Hands haven’t been placed on knees; you’ve not kissed. But you’ve both conveyed enough to know that it will happen soon… very soon.
Forelsket: (Norwegian): The euphoria you experience when you’re first falling in love.
This is a wonderful term for that blissful state, when all your senses are acute for the beloved, the pins and needles thrill of the novelty. There’s a phrase in English for this, but it’s clunky. It’s “New Relationship Energy,” or NRE.
Reblogged this on random rants ruminations ramblings.
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Love the nuances!
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Thanks, M!
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Awesome!!
I will think of more such words to contribute 🙂
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Thanks, I’d like that!
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New words ! Nice !
Me says Obrigado 🙂
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More than their newness, I like what they convey… you’re welcome, P!
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🙂
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Well I must say that the explanations of these words are delicious in themselves. In fact I love the word delicious itself – bought a perfume once called “Delicious” I can’t think of words to match these states but I can appreciate those nuances – sooo seductive 😊
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Thanks… I’m going to do this once I week, I have that many! And I’m sure there are some from one of your many languages. Please feel free to add… 🙂
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Okay, I’ll look out for them. Interestingly in one of our languages there is only one word for love. I was told that it’s not just the word that matters but how you use/say it😀
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That’s interesting!!!
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Oh yes, it’s a package, the look , the tone of voice and that intangible thing called chemistry – the pheromones…
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🙂
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oooooooh! lovely lovely lovely words! 😀 thank you for sharing them, Kunal! ❤
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They spoke to me, Rose! Glad you liked
them! And if there are any in Tagalog that you might want to add, feel free…
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I really like them, Kunal. Foreign languages have been one of my fascinations. 🙂
Hmmm. If I will add a word that would be Kilig then! 😉
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Gotcha! 🙂
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😉
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Great post. Not really related to the theme, but pretty funny nonetheless:
“Rhwe” (in South African language of Tsonga) means: to sleep on the floor without a mat, while drunk and naked
On a related note to your post, Mamihlapinatapei is really nice!
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Thanks! Look out for more, maybe next week! 👍😊
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Great words! This could be fodder for future writing prompts!
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Yes, indeed! I’m going to serialise this, maybe weekly?!
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Whatever works for you. Organizing an event is va lot of work 🙂
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Thanks for visiting, M! Have a good weekend! Hey, if you’re American, happy 4th!
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Thank you, I’m enjoying long weekend thanks to the 4th of July holiday 🙂 you have a great weekend too!
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🙂
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Wow. Very differently thought and beautifully put together. Bollywood makes 1500 movies a year and I bet 1400 of them would be love stories but I doubt if Indian languages have a range beyond the translation of the world falling in love… But then let me think 🙂
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Thanks, Aseem! The subtleties in these words are amazing – and that’s what hooked me!
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[…] And for those who missed it, here’s last week’s link – The Deliciousness of Words – 1 […]
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Kunal, this is a scrumptious idea….I love the deliciousness of words and there are so many fantastic ones to feast on in so many different languages 🙂
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Indeed! Send me some of yours, would love to incorporate them 😊
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[…] The Deliciousness of Words – 1 […]
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[…] The Deliciousness of Words – 1 […]
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[…] The Deliciousness of Words – 1 […]
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Wonderful posts! I love language tidbits. I especially enjoyed learning the Japanese word ‘Koi No Yokan’.
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Thank you! There’s more to come next week 😊
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I’ll be reading 🙂
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I am happy I found this 🙂 Thank you.
https://pebblesmakethemountainwordpresscom.wordpress.com/
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And I’m happy you were here! 😀 Thanks!!
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[…] The Deliciousness of Words – 1 […]
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[…] The Deliciousness of Words – 1 […]
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[…] The Deliciousness of Words – 1 […]
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