15 Incredible Words with No Direct English Translation

The English language is comprised of words which have origins in many other languages. However, sometimes these other languages have words that are so unique they can’t be translated into English in a simple one- or two-word phrase. You’ve probably wished there was a word in English to describe some of these situations, but for now you’ll have to rely on foreign languages to express yourself. Thankfully, Anjana Iyer has created a series of images to describe these situations perfectly, so you can start impressing your friends by using some foreign words in very specific situations:

1. Backpfeifengesicht, German. Ever see someone that just absolutely needs to get five-across-the-face?

2. Bakku-shan, Japanese. Ever see a woman walking away and start chasing after her…until she turns around?

3. Waldeinsamkeit, German. The woods can be a lonely place.

4. Pochemuchka, Russian. What does it mean? But why? Can you explain it to me? Please?

5. Aware, Japanese. Charlie in The Perks of Being a Wallflower described this as feeling “infinite.”

6. Prozvonit, Czech. If you don’t have any minutes left on your monthly plan, just pull this little switcheroo.

7. Rire dans sa barbe, French. Is this why Santa always appears so jolly?

8. Lieko, Finnish. Watch out for that lieko when fishing!

9. Komorebi, Japanese. Ever feel like you’re in a spotlight while walking through the woods?

10. Wabi-Sabi, Japanese. It’s the circle of liiiife…

11. Schadenfreude, German. Ha! He definitely deserved that.

12. Iluba, Bantu. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me three times, never speak to me again.

13. Iktsuarpok, Inuit. C’mon, you said you’d be here ten minutes ago!

14. Utepils, Norwegian. Don’t mind if I do!

15. Shlimazl, Yiddish. In other words: me.