Language List A PR 20

Lomas lexicography Provisional list – by language April 2020
PROVISIONAL LEXICOGRAPHY – BY LANGUAGE
Updated April 2020
Contents
Afrikaans ................................................................................................................................................. 5
Akkadian.................................................................................................................................................. 5
Alutiiq ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Albanian .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Aleut ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Amharic ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Arabic ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Armenian................................................................................................................................................. 8
Arrernte................................................................................................................................................... 8
Bakweri ................................................................................................................................................... 8
Balinese ................................................................................................................................................... 9
Basque..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Bengali..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Bininj Kunwok ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Breton ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Boro....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Bulgarian ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Catalan .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Cherokee ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Chinese (Mandarin, unless specified otherwise) .................................................................................. 10
Chinook ................................................................................................................................................. 16
Creole .................................................................................................................................................... 16
Croatian................................................................................................................................................. 16
Czech ..................................................................................................................................................... 17
Danish ................................................................................................................................................... 18
Dharruk ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Dutch ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Dayak..................................................................................................................................................... 20
Egyptian (ancient) ................................................................................................................................. 20
1
English (old / new) ................................................................................................................................ 20

Estonian ................................................................................................................................................ 23
Fijian ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
Finnish ................................................................................................................................................... 23
French ................................................................................................................................................... 24
Gadigal .................................................................................................................................................. 30
Gaelic..................................................................................................................................................... 30
Galician.................................................................................................................................................. 31
Georgian................................................................................................................................................ 31
German ................................................................................................................................................. 31
Greek ..................................................................................................................................................... 39
Guaraní.................................................................................................................................................. 48
Guugu Yimithirr ..................................................................................................................................... 48
Haitian Creole ....................................................................................................................................... 49
Hausa .................................................................................................................................................... 49
Hawaiian ............................................................................................................................................... 49
Hebrew.................................................................................................................................................. 49
Hindi ...................................................................................................................................................... 53
Hopi ....................................................................................................................................................... 53
Hungarian .............................................................................................................................................. 54
Hunsrik (Brazil). ..................................................................................................................................... 54
Huron .................................................................................................................................................... 54
Icelandic ................................................................................................................................................ 55
Indian (various) ..................................................................................................................................... 55
Innu ....................................................................................................................................................... 55
Indonesian (Bahasa) .............................................................................................................................. 56
Inuktitut ................................................................................................................................................ 56
Iroquoian ............................................................................................................................................... 57
Italian .................................................................................................................................................... 57
Jamaican Patois ..................................................................................................................................... 60
Japanese................................................................................................................................................ 61
Javanese ................................................................................................................................................ 68
Jiwarli .................................................................................................................................................... 68
Kiluba .................................................................................................................................................... 69
Kimbundu (Angola) ............................................................................................................................... 69
Kivila ...................................................................................................................................................... 69
2
Korean ................................................................................................................................................... 69
Kriol ....................................................................................................................................................... 70
Lakota .................................................................................................................................................... 70
Latin....................................................................................................................................................... 71
Latvian ................................................................................................................................................... 77
Lithuanian ............................................................................................................................................. 77
Malay .................................................................................................................................................... 77
Malagasy ............................................................................................................................................... 77
Māori ..................................................................................................................................................... 78
Maasai ................................................................................................................................................... 78
Mi-kmaw ............................................................................................................................................... 78
Mongolian ............................................................................................................................................. 78
Murrinhpatha ........................................................................................................................................ 79
Mwotlap (Vanuata) ............................................................................................................................... 79
Nahuatl.................................................................................................................................................. 79
Navaho .................................................................................................................................................. 79
Ngangiwumirr ....................................................................................................................................... 79
Ngarluma............................................................................................................................................... 79
Ngunnawal ............................................................................................................................................ 80
Noongar ................................................................................................................................................ 80
Norwegian ............................................................................................................................................. 80
Ojibwe ................................................................................................................................................... 81
Old Norse .............................................................................................................................................. 81
Pashto ................................................................................................................................................... 82
Persian................................................................................................................................................... 82
Pintupi ................................................................................................................................................... 82
Pirahã .................................................................................................................................................... 83
Pitjantjatjara ......................................................................................................................................... 83
Polynesian languages ............................................................................................................................ 83
Polish ..................................................................................................................................................... 83
Portuguese ............................................................................................................................................ 84
Quechua ................................................................................................................................................ 85
Raramuri ra’icha .................................................................................................................................... 85
Romanian .............................................................................................................................................. 85
Rukwangali ............................................................................................................................................ 85
Russian .................................................................................................................................................. 85
3
Sama...................................................................................................................................................... 87
Sanskrit / Pāli ........................................................................................................................................ 88
Sardinian ............................................................................................................................................... 98
Scottish.................................................................................................................................................. 98
Serbian .................................................................................................................................................. 99
Serbo-Croatian ...................................................................................................................................... 99
Shilluk (Southern Sudan) ....................................................................................................................... 99
Shona (Zimbabwe) ................................................................................................................................ 99
Sinhalese ............................................................................................................................................... 99
Slovenian ............................................................................................................................................. 100
Somali.................................................................................................................................................. 100
Sotho ................................................................................................................................................... 100
Spanish ................................................................................................................................................ 100
Swahili ................................................................................................................................................. 102
Swedish ............................................................................................................................................... 103
Tucano................................................................................................................................................. 104
Tagalog ................................................................................................................................................ 104
Takuu................................................................................................................................................... 105
Tamil.................................................................................................................................................... 105
Telegu.................................................................................................................................................. 105
Thai...................................................................................................................................................... 105
Tibetan ................................................................................................................................................ 106
Tshiluba ............................................................................................................................................... 106
Tupi-Guarani ....................................................................................................................................... 107
Turkish................................................................................................................................................. 107
Tulu (India) .......................................................................................................................................... 107
Ukranian .............................................................................................................................................. 107
Upper Umpqua ................................................................................................................................... 107
Urdu .................................................................................................................................................... 107
Vietnamese ......................................................................................................................................... 108
Visayan (Phillipines) ............................................................................................................................ 108
Welsh .................................................................................................................................................. 108
Wiradjuri ............................................................................................................................................. 108
Xhosa ................................................................................................................................................... 109
Yaqui ................................................................................................................................................... 109
Yagán ................................................................................................................................................... 109
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Yiddish ................................................................................................................................................. 109

Yolngu ................................................................................................................................................. 110
Yoruba ................................................................................................................................................. 110
Yup’ik................................................................................................................................................... 111
Zulu ..................................................................................................................................................... 111
142
Afrikaans
Dwaal. n. / dwɑːl / dwahl. A dreamy, dazed, or absent-minded state.
Fluks. adj. / fləks / fluhks. Hard-working, industrious; diligent, careful; deft, skilled.
Lus. n. / lʊs / looss. Desire, craving; greed; fancy, cupidity; inclination, tendency.
Sterkte. n., injuction / stɛrk.tə / steyrk-tuh. Strength (i.e., ‘have strength); good luck; an expression
wishing someone well in an endeavour.
Akkadian
Apsû (𒍪 𒀊). n. / æp.suː / ap-soo. ‘Deep water’; fresh water from underground aquifers which was
given a religious fertilising quality in Sumerian and Akkadian mythology.
Enkidu (𒂗𒆠𒆕). p. / ɛn.kiːduː / en-kee-doo. Lit. Enki’s (a Sumerian God) creation; a wild,
mythological figure, emblematic of nature, in the Epic of Gilgamesh; friend of the main protagonist,
his death teaches Gilgamesh about mortality.
Enûma Eliš (𒂊𒉡𒈠𒂊𒇺). n. / ɛnuːm ɛlɪʃ / eh-noo-muh eh-lish. ‘When on high’; the Babylonian
creation myth.
Marduk (𒀭𒀫𒌓). p. / mɑːdək / mar-duhk. ‘Calf of the sun’; God from ancient Mesopotamia,
eventually head of the Babylonian pantheon.
Tiamat (𒀭𒋾𒊩𒆳). p. / tiːə.mæt / tee-uh-matt. A primordial goddess in the religion of ancient

Babylon; symbol of the chaos of primordial creation; mated with Abzû (god of fresh water) to
produce younger gods.
5
Alutiiq
Imasuugtua. phrase / ɪm.ɑːˈʃuːk.tuɑː / im-ah-shook-too-ah. I am sad. Lit. I am searching for my imaq

(sea, ocean; a liquid contained inside; contents).
Albanian
Besa. n. / ˈbeɪ.sæ / bay-sah. An inviolable promise; a word of honour; to keep an oath.
Aleut
Qanglaagix. p. / kæn.glɑːgʰɪx / kan-glah-ghikh / aka Tulukaruq (Yup'ik). The Raven, mythological

figure of the Inuktitut, Aleut and Yupik peoples; not a creator deity per se, but a figure who guides
the people and shapes their world (although can also feature in stories as a ‘trickster’ figure).
Amharic
Tizita (ትዝታ). n. / tɪ.ziːtə / tih-zee-tuh. A bittersweet remembrance and longing for a time, person,
thing gone by.
Yilugnta (ይሉኝታ). n. / jɪ.lʌnj.tə / yih-lun-ytuh. A feeling of obligation to consider and defer to the
opinion of others (in a positive way).
Arabic
Asabiyyah (‫)عصبية‬. n. / a.saːˈbiː.ja / ah-sah-bee-yah. Solidarity; group feeling; group consciousness.
Baraka (‫)بركة‬. n. / ˈbʌ.rʌ.kʌ / buh-ruh-kuh. Spiritual energy; ‘sanctifying power’.

َ
Damīr (‫)ضمي‬. n. / dæ.mɪə / dah-meer. Conscience; inner self; heart; soul.
ْ
Dhikr (‫)ذکر‬.
ِ n. / ˈðɪ.kɘɾ / zthi-krr. Lit. remembrance; devout contemplation; worship, particularly in
the Sufi tradition (often involving music, singing, and dance).
ُْ
Dunyā (‫)دنيا‬. n. / dənˈjɑː / dun-yaa. Lit. closer or lower; the temporal world (in contrast to Ākhirah
(‫)اآلخرة‬, the afterlife); earthly concerns, delights, and possessions.
Eid Mubarak (‫)يد مبارك‬. Arabic / inj. / iːd. muːbæ.rək / eed-mu-bah-rak. Blessed Eid (celebration);
'happy holidays'.
‫ر‬
Eshra (‫)عشة‬. n. / ɛʃ.ræ / esh-rah. Connectedness and obligations arising from people having known
each other a long time and/or from shared experiences.
6
Fanaa (‫)فناء‬. n. / fɘ.nɑː / fuh-nar. Annihilation, destruction; e.g., used in Sufism to describe the
‘annihilation’ or overcoming of the ego, leading to enlightenment and union with God.
Fitra (‫)فطرة‬. n. / fɪ.træ / fih-trah. Disposition; nature; instinct; used in religious discourse to describe
an innate purity and closeness to God.
Furūsiyya (‫)فروسية‬. n. / fɜːruːsiːjæ / fur-oo-see-yuh. Equestrian martial exercise.
Halal (‫)حالل‬. n. / həˈlɑːl / huh-lahl. Allowed, permissible; in accordance with Islamic law (especially
relating to food).
Hurufiyya (‫)حروفية‬. Arabic / n. / hɜːruːfi:jʌ / hur-oo-fee-yuh. An aesthetic movement that emerged in

the twentieth century amongst Arabian and North African artists, combining traditional Islamic
calligraphy and modern art.
ٰ َ َ
In sha' Allah (‫ ِ)إن ش َاء اّلل‬. v. / ˌɪnʃˈɑ.lə / in-shall-ah. God willing ('may Allah wish it'), a hopeful wish.
Ishq (‫)عشق‬. n. / ɪʃk / ishk. Fervent, true, all-consuming love.
Islam (‫)اإلسالم‬. n. / ˈɪslɑːm / iss-lahm. Many meanings, including surrender, peace; the religion of
Muslims.
Jinn (‫)جن‬. n. / ʤɪn / jin. Supernatural creatures in early pre-Islamic Arabian and later Islamic
mythology and theology.
َ
Kayf (‫)ك ْيف‬. n. / keɪf / kayf. Pleasure, satisfaction; wellbeing; humour; mood; will.
Khalas (‫)خالص‬. n. / kʰæ.læs / kha-lass. Something (e.g., a task) that is irrevocably done/over/finished
(often with an implication of liberation/deliverance as a result).
Muraqaba (‫)مراقبة‬. n. / mʊə.rə.kʌ.bʌ / mooh-reuh-kuh-buh. Watchful attention; vigilance;

wakefulness; used for a form of Sufi meditation.
Qarīn (‫)قرين‬. n. / kɑːrɪn / kar-in. ‘Constant companion’; a spiritual double of human, either part of
the human himself or a complementary creature in a parallel dimension.
Qurʾān (‫)قرآن‬. n. / kɔː|ɑːn / korr-ahn / aka Koran. Lit. recitation; the sacred scripture of Islam.
Sadaqah (‫)صدقة‬. n. / sˤa.da.qa / suh-duh-kuh. Lit. justice, righteousness; generosity/charity

(mandated by justice); required righteous giving.
Salām (‫)سالم‬. n. / saˈlaːm / sah-lahm. Peace, harmony, wholeness, prosperity, welfare and
tranquillity; used also as a greeting/parting salutation.
ُ َ َ َّ
As-salāmu ʿalaykum (‫)السَل ُم َعل ْيك ْم‬. inj. / asːaˈlaːmu ʕaˈlajkum / ah-sah-lah-mu kha-lay-koom. Lit. peace
be upon you; a standard form of greeting.
Salsabil (‫)سلسبيل‬. n. / sæl.sə.biːl / sal-suh-beel. Fresh, cool, pure water; a spring or fountain in
paradise.
7
َ n. / ˈsa.ma / sah-mah. Lit. listening; devout contemplation; worship, particularly in the

Sama (‫)س َماع‬.
Sufi tradition (often involving music, singing, and dance).
Samar (‫)سمر‬. v. / ˈsa.mar / sah-mahrr. To sit together in conversation at sunset/ in the evening.
Ṣifr (‫)صفر‬. n. / sɪfr / sif-rr. Void; empty place; zero, cypher; possibly adaptation of Sanskrit Sūnya;
origin of ‘zero’ in English.
Sumud (‫)صمود‬. n. / sɘˈmuːd / suh-mood. Steadfastness; perseverance; a determined struggle to

persist.
Taarradhin (‫)تراض‬. n. / ˈtæʜ.ræʜ.diːn / takh-rah-deen. A ‘win-win’; a positive agreement, solution,

compromise.
Ta'ala (‫)تعاىل‬. v. / tɘˈɑːlə / tuh-ahlla. To transcend; to have divine superiority; to rise above; to tower
above; to disdain; to be far above; also, to ask someone to come over.
Tarab (‫)طرب‬. n. / ˈtɑː.rɘb / tah-rrb. Musically-induced ecstasy or enchantment.
Tarbiya (‫)”تربية‬. n. / tɑːbiːjɘ / tar-bee-yuh. Education; development; training; can refer to on-going
moral and spiritual development.
Taṣawwuf (‫)التصوف‬. n. / tʌˈsaʊf / tuh-souwf. Lit. one who wears wool; Arabic name for a mystical,
esoteric branch of Islam.
Armenian
Apres (ապրես). int. / ap.rɛs / ahp-rez. Lit. ‘live long’; an expression of thanks.
Janid mernem (ջանիդ մեռնեմ). phrase / dza.nit mɛr.nɛm / jah-nit mer-nem. Lit. ‘let me die for/on
your body’; I love you profoundly; I care for you intensely.
Tsavd danem (Ցավդ տանեմ). int. / tsæv danɛm / tsav dah-nem. Lit. ‘let me take away your pain’;
used in various ways to position the speaker as interested in / caring about the other.
Arrernte
Alcheringa (aka Aljerre-nge, Ülchurringa). Arrernte (aka Arunta, Aranda) / n. / ˌaltʃəˈrɪŋɡə / al-chuh-
ring-guh. A complex cultural-religious belief system, spanning all elements of life; sometimes
referred to as dreamtime or ‘the dreaming’ (occurring ‘everywhen,’ embracing past, present and
future).
Bakweri
Womba. n. / wɒm.bə / wom-buh. The smile of a sleeping child.
8
Balinese
Ramé. n. / ɹɑːˈmeɪ / rah-may. A lively and/or boisterous social occasion; an event that is both chaotic
and joyful.
Basque
Gaupasa. n. / ɡawˈpas̺a / gao-pasha. Lit. to spend the night, or ‘all-nighter’; e.g., o spend the night
partying and to arrive home at dawn.
Jatorra. Adj. / xʌˈtɔː.rɑ / khuh-torr-ah. Genuine, nice, trustful, truthful, agreeable.
Poteo. n. / pəˈteɪ.əʊ / puh-tay-oh. To tour a street’s bars in the evening drinking potes (small
measures of wine or beer).
Sirimiri. Basque / n. / si.ɾi.ˈmi.ɾi / sih-ree-mih-ree. A very light mist of rain (that is often long-lasting).
Tiki taka. n. / tɪ.kɪ tæ.kæ / tih-kee tah-kah. Taking quick, light steps; a style of football based on
retaining possession by using intricate sequences of short passes.
Bengali
Abhisar (অভিসার). n. / ɒb.hiːʃɑː / ob-hih-shaar. Lit. 'going towards'; a meeting (often secret)
between lovers / partners.
Nyaka (ন্যাকা). adj. / naɪ.jæ.kə / niy-ah-kuh. Coy, coquettish; feigning ignorance (often used
pejoratively).
Bininj Kunwok
Karriyolyolmen. v. / ga.ɾi.jol.jol.mɛn / gah-ree-jol-jol-men. ‘Let’s story’; to tell a story, or relate news.
Breton
Startijenn. n. / stɑːt.ɪˈʒɛn / start-ih-zjen. A kickstart/boost of energy; also denotes perseverance.
9
Boro
Onsay. v. / ˈʌn.seɪ / uhn-say. To pretend to love.
Onsra. v. / ˈʌns.rɑː / uhns-rah. To love for the last time; the feeling that love won’t last.
Bulgarian
Aylyak (айляк). n. / aɪ.ljæk / ey-lyak. A carefree, relaxed lifestyle; the art of not rushing or worrying;
living without hurry and concern.
Catalan
Dau al set. n. / ˈdaw əl ˈsɛt / dor-ul-set. ‘Seventh face of the dice’; a post-World War II artistic
movement in Catalonia, influenced by Surrealism and Dadaism, best known for translating the
conscious and unconscious mind into art.
Enraonar. v. / en.ra.oˈna / en-ra-oh-na. To discuss in a civilised, reasoned manner.
Seny. n. / seɪŋ / sayng. A blend of common sense and wisdom; a practical and even-keeled
judiciousness; insight, awareness, and integrity.
Cherokee
Gadugi. Cherokee / n. / gæˈduːgiː / gah-doo-gee. Cooperative labour; working together for the
common good.
Chinese (Mandarin, unless specified otherwise)
Bái lù (白露). n. / baɪ luː / by loo. ‘White dew’; 15th solar term in the Chinese lunisolar calendar
(dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 8th September.
Bēi xî jiāo jí (悲喜交集). n. / beɪ.ɕɪ.ʤiaʊ.ʤi / bay-shee-jeeow-jee. Intermingled feelings of sadness

and joy.
Chán (禪). n. / tʃ͡ æːn / chan. The Chinese adaptation of dhyāna/jhana.
Ching (經). n. / ʧɪŋ / ching / aka jīng. Rule, norm; plan; classic, great book; scripture.
Chǔ shǔ (處暑). n. / ʧu: ʃuː / choo shoo. Heat withdraws; 14th solar term in the Chinese lunisolar
calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 23rd August.
10
Chūn fēn (春分). n. / ʧʊn fɤ́n / choon fn. Spring centre; vernal equinox; 4th solar term in the
Chinese lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 21st March.
Chūn jié (春节). n. / ʧʊn ʤiːeə / choon jeah. Spring festival; Chinese new year.
Dà shǔ (大暑). n. / dæ ʃuː / dah shoo. Great heat; 12th solar term in the Chinese lunisolar calendar
(dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 23rd July.
Dān tián (丹田). n. / dæn.tiːɛn / dan tee-en. Lit. energy centre; places in the body that are believed
to be significant in the flow of qi; focal points for meditative exercises Ēn (恩). n. / ɜːn / uhn. Moral
indebtedness; duty, obligation.
Dím sām (點心). Cantonese / n. / dɪm sʌm / dim sam. A style of Chinese cuisine, involving
small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on a small plate.
Dòu zhì (斗志). n. / dəʊ t͡ʂɘɻ / doh jrr. Fighting spirit; the will and motivation to fight; a battle of wits.
Ēn (恩). Chinese / n. / ɜːn / uhn. Moral indebtedness; duty, obligation; repayment of a favour.
Fā qì (发氣). v. / fæ tɕʰiː / fah chee. Projecting qi to the exterior/outside of the body; can also mean
expressing anger.
Fàng xīn. / fæŋ ɕɪn / fang shin. Lit. to put, place, release, set free (fang) one’s heart (xīn); to relax; to
feel reassured/relieved; to be at ease.
Fēng shuǐ (風水). n. / fɤ́ŋ ʂwèi / fung shoo-ay. Lit. ‘wind-water’; a philosophy of space and spatial
arrangements (e.g., in relation to the flow of qì).
Fēng yùn (風韻). n. / fɤ́ŋ juːɛn / fung yoo-en. Charm; grace; elegant bearing.
Gōng fu (功夫). n. / gɒŋ.fuː / gong-foo. Lit. work/achievement (by a person); refers generically to
acquisition of a skill (particularly if it takes time and effort); more recent usage reserves it specifically
for martial arts.
Gōng hé (工合). v. / gɒŋ.χɜː / gong-hur. Lit. work together; the basis for the anglicised term gung-ho.
Gǔ yǔ (穀雨). n. / gu: ju: / goo yoo. ‘Corn rain’; 6th solar term in the Chinese lunisolar calendar
(dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 20th April.
Guān xì (關係). n. / gwɒn.ɕiː / gwun-shee. Cultivating relationships; reciprocal connections;

networking; social karma.
Guò yǐn (過癮). n. / ku̯ ɔ.jɪəɪn̥ / kwor-yi-in. Satisfaction of a craving; a highly pleasurable and
enjoyable experience.
Huā niǎo huà (花鸟画). n. / huːæ ni:aʊ huːæ / hoo-ah nee-ow hoo-ah. Bird and flower paintings.
Jī qíng (激情). n. / ʤiː ʧɪŋ / jee ching. Passion, heat, ardour (often in a specifically romantic or sexual
sense).
11
Jiā yóu (加油). phrase / ʤi.a juː / jee-ah yoo. Lit. to refuel, to add fuel; an expression of
encouragement and perseverance (i.e., ‘keep going, you can do it’).
Jié qì (節氣). n. / ʤiːeə tɕʰiː / jeah chee. ‘Solar terms’; the division of the year into 24 segments,
spaced 15° apart along the sun’s ecliptic.
Jìn qû (进取). adj. / ʤɪn tɕʰu / jin choo. Proactive; ambitious; constantly progressing; forging ahead.
Jīng shū (驚輸). n. / ʤɪŋ.ʃu / jing-shoo / aka kiasu (Hokkien). Fear of losing or missing out (FOMO);
can denote a selfish, grasping attitude.
Jīng zhé (驚蟄). n. / ʤɪŋ t͡ʂɘː / jing cherr. ‘Insects awaken’; 3rd solar term in the Chinese lunisolar
calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 6th March.
Kāi xīn (开心). adj. / kaɪ ɕɪn / ky shin. Lit. to open, turn on one’s heart; happy (specifically, relatively
brief or momentary hedonic forms of happiness).
Kào pǔ (靠譜). adj. / kaʊ.pu.uː / kow-pooor. Reliable, responsible; able to do things without causing
problems.
Kuài lè (快乐). n. / ˌkwaɪˈlɘː / kwy-ler. Lit. fast/quick (kuài) cheer/joy (lè); pleasure/satisfaction;
hedonic happiness.
Kǔ qù gān lái (苦去甘來). phrase / kuːtɕʰuːgæn. laɪ / koo-choo-gan-lye. Lit. go from pain, come
towards sweetness. Happiness or relief after going through trying times.
Lǎo tóng (老同). n. / laʊ tɒŋ / laow-tong. ‘Old sames'; friends for life; an everlasting kindred bond
between two people (often two girls).
Lè jí sheng bēi (樂極生悲). phrase / lɘːʤiːʃɛŋ.beɪ / ler-jee-sheng-bay. Lit. joy’s zenith generates
sadness; intense joy begets sorrow; after a peak of happiness, unhappiness inevitably follows.
Lǐ (理). n. / liːi / lee-e. Law, order, rational principle; often used particularly with respect to the
organic order found in nature (e.g., a flower as a systematic, cohesive organism).
Lǐ (禮). n. / liːi / lee-e. Etiquette, decorum, ceremony, custom, propriety.
Lì chūn (立春). n. / liː ʧʊn / lee choon. Spring begings; 1st solar term in the Chinese lunisolar calendar
(dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 4th February.
Lì qiū (立秋). n. / liː tɕʰiːuː / lee chee-oo. Autumn begins; 13th solar term in the Chinese lunisolar
calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 8th August.
Lì xià (立夏). n. / li: ɕi.a / lee shee-ah. ‘Summer begins; 7th solar term in the Chinese lunisolar
calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 6th May.
Máng zhòng. n. / mæŋ t͡ʂɒŋ / mang chong. ‘Corn on the ear’; 9th solar term in the Chinese lunisolar
calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 6th June.
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Nèi gōng (內功). n. / neɪ.gɒŋ / nay-gong. ‘Inner practice’; breathing, meditation, and spiritual
practices associated with Daoism and martial arts.
Nèi jiā (内家). Chinese / n. / neɪ.ʤi.a / nay- jee-ah. ‘Internal family'; internally-directed forms of
martial arts, focusing on thee practice of such elements as awareness of the spirit, mind, and qi;
contrasted with wài jiā (externally-directed practices).
Pàn tóu (盼头). n. / pæn tuː / pan too. Confident hope; something hoped for that is likely to happen;
something to look forward to; good prospects.
Qì (氣). n. / tɕʰiː / chee. Lit. air, breath; ‘life force/energy’.
Qì chang (氣場). n. / tɕʰiː ʧæŋ / chee chang. Energy field (e.g., between/surrounding multiple
people).
Qì gōng (氣功). n. / tɕʰiː gɒŋ / chee-gong. Lit. ‘qì/breath work’; a practice of developing mastery over
body and mind; cultivating qi as a way to improve health, and as a way of self-defence.
Qì zhì (氣质). n. / tɕʰiː t͡ʂɘɻ / chee jrr. Quality of character, disposition, style, charm, attractiveness,
magnetism.
Qīng míng (清明). n. / tɕʰiŋ miŋ / ching ming. ‘Clear and bright’; 5th solar term in the Chinese
lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 5th April.
Qiū fēn (秋分). n. / tɕʰiuː fɤ́n / chee-oo fn. Autumn centre; autumn equinox; 16th solar term in the
Chinese lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 23rd September.
Rè ài (热爱). v. / riː aɪ / ree ay. To love ardently and passionately, usually in a non-romantic way (e.g.,
being passionate about one’s work); to adore.
Rén (仁). n. / ɻɛn / ren. Humanity, benevolence; the positive feeling enjoyed by a virtuous person
through altruistic behaviour.
Rè nào (熱鬧). adj. / ɻɘɻ.naʊ / rerr-now. Lively; boisterous; bustling with noise and excitement.
Sā luò guī qí (洒落瑰琦). n. / sɑː luːəʊ gweɪ ʧiː / sar loo-o g-way chee. The quality of being
impressive or surprising through careless or unorderly grace.
Sanxian (三弦). n. / sæn. ɕi.an / san-shee-an. ‘Three strings’; a traditional fretless Chinese lute.
Sàn xīn (散心). v. / sæn.ɕɪn / san-shin. Lit. to loosen the heart; to drive away one's cares; relieve
boredom; ease up; enjoy a diversion; be carefree.
Shěnměi píláo (审美疲劳). n. / ʃɛn.meɪ piːlaʊ / shen-may pee-lao. Aesthetically fatigued; exposure to
so much beauty that one ceases to appreciate it.
Shù (恕). n., v. / ʃuː / shoo. Forgiveness (to forgive as verb); mercy; reciprocity.
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Shān shuǐ (山水). n. / ʃæːn ʃu.eɪ / shan shoo-ay. Lit. mountain-water; a style of Chinese painting that
focuses on natural landscapes and phenomena.
Shê dé (舍得). phrase / ʃʊəː dʊə / shur dur. To be willing and/or able to part with something or let
go.
Shì (勢). n. / ʃiː / shee. Power, force; tendency; situation; developing a favourable situation with
respect to one’s agenda; taking and maintaining the initiative; creating an overwhelming force.
Shuâng (爽). adj. / ʃuːʌŋ / shoo-ung. To feel well; bright; pleasurable; crisp; frank; invigorating;
straight-forward.
Sī weí (思维). n. / siː weɪ / see way. Line or way of thinking; mental process; perspective.
Tai (太). n. / taɪ / ty. Great, greatest, supreme, ultimate.
Tài-jí [Tai chi] (太極). n. / taɪ tɕʰiː / ty-chee. Lit. supreme/ultimate force/energy; a form of martial art
involving slow, deliberative movements.
Tao (道). n. / tʰaʊ / t/d-ao. All-powerful and pervasive power, path or way; the unfolding dynamic
process of reality itself.
Te (德). n. / tɜː / ter / aka dé. Virtue; morality; integrity; inner power.
Téng (疼). n. / tɤ́ŋ / tung. To love dearly and intensely; love intermingled with worry and hurt; often
refers specifically to bonds between parents and children.
Tiān mìng (天命). n. / tiːæn mɪŋ / tee-an ming. Lit. heaven decree; mandate of heaven; the bestowal
upon a leader of a mandate to govern/rule (granted by the heavens, i.e., the cosmos).
Tīng tiān yōu mìng (聽天悠命). phrase / tɪŋ.tiːæn.jəʊ.mɪŋ / ting-teean-yoh-ming. Lit. to listen to life;
to submit to the will of heaven; to resign oneself to fate; to trust in luck.
Wài jiā (外家). Chinese / n. / waɪ.ʤi.a / wy-jee-ah. ‘External family’; externally-directed forms of
martial arts, characterized by fast and explosive movements and a focus on physical strength and
agility.
Wú (無). n. / wuː / woo. Negative, void, nothingness, non-being; can imply 'neither yes nor no'.
Wú jí (無極). n. / wuː tɕʰiː / woo chjee. Lit. without highest point, utmost point, ridgepole; ultimate,
boundless, limitless; the primodial universe; original nature.
Wú xin (無心). n. / wuː ɕɪn / woo shin. ‘No heart-mind’; a mind not attached to simuli, nor fixed or
occupied by thought or emotion.
Wú wéi (無為): to ‘do nothing,’ acting in accordance with the Tao, being natural, uncontrived and
effortless.
Xiá (霞). n. / ɕi.a /shee-ah. Rosy clouds at sunrise or sunset.
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Xià zhì (夏至). n. / ɕi.a t͡ʂɘɻ / shee-ah jrr. ‘Summer maximum’; summer solstice; 10th solar term in the
Chinese lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 21st June.
Xiào (孝). n. / ɕi.aʊ /shee-aow. Filial piety; family reverence.
Xiǎo mǎn (小滿). n. / ɕi.aʊ mæːn /shee-aow man. ‘Lesser full grain’; corn forms; 8th solar term in the
Chinese lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 21st May.
Xiǎo shǔ (小暑). n. / ɕi.aʊ ʃuː / shee-aow shoo. Moderate heat; 11th solar term in the Chinese
lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 7th July.
Xīn (心). n. / ɕɪn / shin. Heart and mind (and even spirit) combined.
Xìn (信). n. / ɕɪn / shin. Truth/truthfulness; sincerity; trust/trustworthiness.
Xìng fú (幸福). n. / ɕɪŋ. fʊː / shing-fuu. Fortunate (xìng) blessing (fú); contentment; deep happiness;
blessedness.
Xīn kǔ (辛苦). n. / ɕɪn. kuː / shin-koo. Appreciation and recognition for others and their efforts.
Xīn wèi (欣慰). adj. / ɕɪn weɪ / shin way. Lit. happy, joyous (xīn), reassured, comforted (wèi);
delighted; gratified.
Xíng qì (行氣). v. / ɕɪŋ tɕʰiː / sing chee. Volitionally (e.g., mentally) circulating or directing qi.
Xīn píng qì hé (心平氣和). phrase / ɕɪn.pɪŋ.tɕʰiːχɘɻ / shin-ping-chee-hrr. Lit. even heart, harmonious
spirit; tranquil composure.
Xīn rú zhǐ shuǐ (心如止水). phrase / ɕɪn.ruː t͡ʂɘɻ.ʃweɪ / shin-roo-jrr-shway. Lit. a mind like still water;
tranquillity; to be at peace with oneself.
Xiū liàn (修煉). n. / ɕɪ.u li.ɛn / see-oo lee-en. Spiritual training; self-cultivation; practising asceticism
or austerities.
Yì (義). n. / jiː / ee. Duty; justice; a moral disposition towards goodness.
Yīn yáng (陰陽). n. / ˈjiːnˈjʌŋ / yin-yung. Cloud/cloudy (Yīn), sun/sunlit (Yang); holistic duality;
dialectical (co-dependent) opposites.
Youxia (遊俠). n. / juː ɕi.a / yoo-shee-ah. ‘Wandering vigilante’; a warrior folk hero celebrated in
classical Chinese poetry and fictional literature, commonly translated as ‘knight-errant’, ‘cavalier’, or
‘adventurer’.
Yǔ shuǐ (雨水). n. / ju: ʂwèi / yoo shoo-ay. ‘More rain than snow’; Spring showers; 2nd solar term in
the Chinese lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 19th February.
Yuán bèi (圓備). n. / juɛn.beɪ / yoo-en-bey. Preparation completed; being reunited; full recovery,
especially of the physical body; a sense of complete accomplishment.
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Yuán fèn (緣分). n. / juɛnˈfɛn / yoo-en-fen. A relationship ordained by fate/destiny; natural affinity
or chemistry.
Yuán man (圆满). adj. / juɛnˈmæn / yoo-en man. Perfect; satisfactory; complete closure; a happy
ending.
Wú wéi (無爲). n. / wuː weɪ / woo way. Lit. non-action or non-doing; natural, spontaneous,
effortless action; aligning with the Tao.
Wǔ xiá (武俠). Chinese / n. / wù.ɕjǎ / woo-shee-uh. ‘Martial heroes’; a genre of fiction concerning
the adventures of martial artists in ancient China.
Wú xin (無心). n. / wuː ɕɪn / woo shin. ‘No heart-mind’; a mind not attached to simuli, nor fixed or
occupied by thought or emotion.
Zhì (智). n. / t͡ʂɘɻ / jrr. Wisdom, perspicacity, knowledge.
Zìrán zìzài (自然自在). phrase / zɘɻ.ræn zɘɻ.zaɪ / zrr-ran zr-ziy. Lit. spontaneous, natural (zìrán) ease,
comfort, freedom, unrestraint (zìzài); effortless grace and ease.
Chinook
Potlatch. n. / pɒtˌlætʃ / pot-lach. Lit. to give, or gift; a ceremonial feast in which possessions are
given away (e.g., to enhance one's prestige).
Creole
Bazodee. Trinidad and Tobago / n. / bæ.zəʊ.diː / bah-zoe-dee. Euphoric confusion; dizzy/dazed

happiness.
Lagniappe. New Orleans / n. / lænˈjæp / lan-yap. a small gift given with a purchase to a customer, by
way of thanks, compliment, or for good measure; a gratuity or tip; an unexpected gift or benefit.
Mojo. Gullah / n. / məʊ.ʤəʊ / mow-joe. Lit. witchcraft; a magic charm or spell; sex drive/appeal;
personal magnetism or charm.
Tabanca. Trinidad and Tobago / n. / tæ.bæ.kæ / tah-bah-kah. Love-sickness (e.g., after being left by a
person you’re in love with).
Croatian
Fjaka. n. / fjâ.ka / fyah-kah. Relaxation of body and mind; sleepiness, drowsiness; the ‘sweetness of
doing nothing’.
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Czech
Epesní. adj. / ˈɛpɛs.niː / epes-niyee. Great, perfect, exquisite, first-class.
Hej. adv., interjection / ˈɦɛj / hey. Well, pleasantly, good; similar to English ‘Hey’.
Jedna báseň. phrase /ˈjɛd.na ˈbaː.sɛɲ / yeh-dnah baa-seniy. Lit. 'one poem'. Praise, admiration for
exceptional quality (esp. with regard to food), for something that gives a pleasant impression, or
works exceptionally well.
Krasosmutněn. n. /ˈkra.soˌsmut.ɲɛˌɲiː/ krra-soh-smut-niyeh-niyee. Beautiful sadness; joyful blues.
Labůžo. n. / ˈla.buː.ʒo / lah-boo-zhoh. Satisfaction; a favourable situation; enjoying or savouring

something; from labužník ('gourmet').
Leháro. n. / ˈlɛ.ɦaː.ro / leh-haa-rroh. Lit. 'lie-down'. A state of few responsibilities and little work;
living a good and pleasant life in a sweet and comfortable idleness.
Miliskovat. v. / ˈmɪ.lɪsˌko.vat sɛ / me-lis-koh-vat-seh. To kiss, hug, fondle; related to the Slavic god of
love, Milek.
Odkoukat. v. / ɒd.kuːkæt / od-koo-kat. To learn by watching.
Oplodňovák. n. / ˈoplod.ɲoˌvaːk / oplod-niyoh-vaak. A slow, erotic dance; the word itself relates to
impregnation.
Pábit. v. / ˈpaː.bɪt sɛ / paa-bit-seh To captivate people (e.g., by one’s natural behaviour and/or
passionate fascination with something).
Pohoda. n. / ˈpo.ɦo.da / poh-hoh-dah. A state of wellbeing, peace, happiness; favourable conditions

(e.g., weather).
Rochnit. v. / ˈrox.ɲɪt sɪ / rokh-niyit-sih. Going through things; revelling in something. Refers to the
way a pig rummages through things.
Uňuhňat. phrase /ˈuɲu.ɦɲat / uniyuh-hniyat. To (want to) smother or crush by cuddling or fondling;
to shower somebody with boundless love.
Veget. n. / ˈvɛ.gɛt / veh-get. A state of idleness; plain living; undisturbed rest; free time.
Vískat. v. /ˈviːs.kat/ vees-kat. To play with somebody’s hair; originally, to look for lice.
Vybafnout. v. / vɪˈbæf.naʊt / vih-baf-nowt. To jump out and surprise someone by saying ‘boo’.
Zevlovat. v. /ˈzɛ.vloˌvat / zeh-vloh-vat. To stare idly and curiously; to loiter, hang around; from older
word zevel (a person staring with mouth open wide).
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Danish
Angst. n. / ɑŋ(k)st / angkst. Some combination of anxiety, alarm fear, dread and gloom; a prominent
emotional state in existentialist philosophy.
Arbejdsglæde. n. / ˈɑː.baɪd̪ ʱsˌglɪl / ar-bides-glil. Lit. work gladness/joy; pleasure/satisfaction derived

from work.
Enkelt. n. / ɛn.kɛlt / en-kelt. Beauty through simplicity.
Folkelig. adj. / fɒlˈkɪ.liː / foll-ki-lee. Folkish; belonging to the people; democratic national
spirit/sentiment; having broad popular appeal.
Hygge. n. / ˈhʊː.ɡə / hhoo-guh. A deep sense of place, warmth, friendship, and contentment. As an
adjective (hyggelig): enjoyable, warm, friendly, pleasant.
Hyggekrog. n. / ˈhʊːɡə.kʰʁɔwˀ / hhoo-guh/khrow. Lit. hygge-corner; a cozy nook in a room where

one can feel hygge.
Janteloven. n. / ˈjand̥ əˌloʋˀən / yan-deh-low-ven. Lit. the ‘Laws of Jante’ (a fictional community in a
novel by Aksel Sandemose); a set of rules which discourages individualism in communities.
Kæk. adj. / kɛk / kek. Spirited, bold, cheeky, cocky.
Lego. n. / lɛ.gəʊ / leh-go. ‘Play well’ (a contraction of ‘leg godt’).
Morgenfrisk. adj. / ˈmɔːn.frɪsk / morn-frisk. Lit. ‘morning-freshness’; feeling rested after a good
night's sleep.
Overskud. n. / ˈɒwɐsgud / oh-wuhs-good. Extra/excess energy; do have sufficient resources to do

something; profit (in an economic context).
Pyt. int. / ˈpɪd / pid. ‘Don’t worry about it’; ‘stuff happens’; ‘oh well’.
Dharruk
Caribberie. n. / kæ.rɪ.biːəri / kah-rih-ber-ee. Aboriginal spiritual ceremonies involving singing and

dancing (in which participants might communicate with what is sometimes referred to as ‘the
dreamtime’).
Dutch
Binnenpretje. n. / ˈbɪ.nən.prɛt.ʤə / bih-nuhn-preyt-juh. Lit. ‘inside fun’; a private joke; amusement

that is secret, or enjoyed by you alone.
Borrel. n. / bɔːrəl / bohr-uhl. Party, revelry; reception, meeting; get-together.
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Deftig. adj. / dɛf.təʜ / def-tukh. Dignified, ceremonious, formal, genteel.
Eigenwijs. adj,. adv. / ɛi ̯ɣə(n)ˈʋɛi ̯s / ey-gn-viyz. ‘Own-wise’; self-willed; stubborn, headstrong;

refusing to conform to expectation or protocol; can imply a foolish but possibly admirable risk.
Engelengeduld. n. / ˈɛŋ.gɘ.lɘnˈɣɘ.dʊlt / eng-uhl-uhn-kher-dult. Angelic patience (i.e., great patience).
Feestvarken. n. / feɪst.vɑr.kən / fayst-var-ken. Lit. party pig; someone in whose honour a party is
thrown.
Gedogen. v. / ɣəˈdoːɣən / kheh-doh-khen. To tolerate, permit, condone; to not enforce certain laws.
Gelijkhebberig. n. / ɣɜːˈlɛg.hɛ.bə.ruː / khe-legg-heh-burr-uh. Determined to be right; precocious.
Gezellig. adj. / ɣəˈzɛl.əɣ / khe-zell-ikh): cosy, warm, intimate, enjoyable; often a shared experience
(with close others).
Gunnen. v. / ˈɣən.ən / khun-un. To think that someone deserves something (good); to feel happy for
them getting it.
Luchtkasteel. n. / ˈlʏxt.kʌ.stɪl / lookht-kuh-still. Lit. ‘air castle’; illusion, dream.
Mierenneuker. n. / ˈmiːrənøːgər / meer-uh-noer-guh. Lit. ‘ant-f***er’; a nitpicker; someone who

takes pleasure in, or obsesses over, seemingly small or trivial details.
Niksen. v. / ˈnɪk.sən / nik-sn. ‘Nothinging’ (verbification of ‘nothing’); to do nothing; being or doing

without purpose; idling, loafing.
Poldermodel. n. / ˈpɔl.dər.mɔ.dɛl / pol-duh-moh-del. From polder (a piece of land); consensus-based

decision making. As a verb (polderen): to solve problems using dialogue.
Pretoogjes. n. / prɛtˈoːx.jiːs / pret-oh-yeess. Lit. 'fun eyes'; the twinkling eyes of someone engaging in
benign mischief or fun.
Lekker. adj. / ˈlɛ.kər / leh-ker. Tasty (food); relaxed, comfortable; pleasurable; sexy.
Sterkte. n., injuction / stɛrk.tə / steyrk-tuh. Strength (i.e., ‘have strength); good luck; an expression
wishing someone well in an endeavour.
Uitbuiken. v. / ˈəʊt.bɜːɣən / oat-ber-ghen. Lit. 'outbellying'; to relax satiated between courses or

after a meal.
Uitwaaien. v. / ˈəʊt.vaɪ.ɛn / oat-vye-en. Lit out-windy; to walk in the wind; to go out into nature
(perhaps to clear one's head).
Uitzieken. v. / əʊt.ziːɣən / oat-zee-ghen. ‘Sick it out’; to wait out an illness and fully recover.
Vakidioot. n. / ˈvɑk.i.diˌjoːt / vak-ih-dee-oot. ‘Profession idiot’; someone monomanically obessed

with the work they do.
19
Weemoed. n. / veɪ.muːt / vay-moot. Lit. sadness, woe (wee) courage, daring, mood (moed); soft
mood; light melancholy; having the strength to overcome a feeling of sorrow (e.g., arising in relation
to nostalgia).
Dayak
Ngarong. n. / ən.gæ.rɔːŋ / nn-gah-rawng. Spirit guide or protector (sometimes but not always an
ancestor); dream helper; a guide who appears in a dream or vision (e.g., providing a solution to a
problem).
Egyptian (ancient)
Akh (Ꜣḫ). n. / ækʰ / akh. Thought, intellect; enduring soul; reanimated after death by the union of ba
and ka.
Ba (bꜣ). n. / bæ / bah. Personality; everything that makes an individual unique; one of five parts of
the soul in Egyptian thought.
Ib. n. / ɪb / ib. Heart (physical and metaphysical); the seat of emotion, thought, will and intention;
one of five parts of the soul in Egyptian thought.
Ka (kꜣ). n. / kæ / kah. Vital essence; that which separates a living being from a dead one; one of five
parts of the soul in Egyptian thought.
Maat (mˤ3t). n. / mɑːt / mart. Justice and truth, order and equity; the foundational principle of
ancient Egypt; personified as a goddess (daughter of sun God Ra).
Nu. pronoun / nuː / noo. Deification of the primordial watery abyss in ancient Egyptian religion.
Ren (rn). n. / rən / rn. Name (given at birth); person believed to live as long as that name was
spoken; one of five parts of the soul in Egyptian thought.
Sheut (šwt). n. / ʃwɛt / shwet. Shadow, silhouette; the ever-present shadow of death; one of five
parts of the soul in Egyptian thought.
English (old / new)
Agathism. n. / ˈa-gə-ˌthi-zəm / ah-guh-thizm. From the Greek agathos (ἀγαθός), i.e., good; the
doctrine that all things tend towards ultimate good.
Ambedo. n. / æmˈbiːdəʊ / am-bee-doh. A melancholic trance involving absorption in vivid sensory

details; coined by John Koenig.
Chrysalism. n. / ˈkrɪs.ə.lɪsm / kriss-uh-lissm. The amniotic tranquility of being indoors during a

thunderstorm; coined by John Koenig.
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Degrassé. n. / də.græs.eɪ / duh-grass-eh. Entranced and unsettled by the vastness of the universe;
coined by John Koenig.
Deliciate. v. / də.lɪs.ɪeɪt / duh-liss-ee-ayt. Luxuriating, revelling in intense pleasure.
Eucatastrophe. n. / juːkə.tæ.strə.fi / yoo-kah-tah-stoh-fee. A sudden, favourable resolution of

events; a happy ending. Coined by J. R. R. Tolkien.
Fyrgebraec. n. / fɪə.gʌ.breɪk / feer-guh-braik. The crackling sound of fire.
Ġēol. n. / jeo
͜ ːl / yeoll. A pre-Christian mid-winter festival celebrated by the Germanic peoples
(known as Yule in modern English).
Gringagog. n. / grɪn.ə.gɒg / grin-uh-gog. Someone who is always grinning.
Grok. v. / grɒk / grok. Complete empathy and understanding; to understand someone or something
thoroughly that observer becomes part of the observed; coined by Robert H Heinlein.
Holon. n. / həʊ.lɒn / hoe-lon. Combining holos (all, whole) with on (denoting a part), reflecting the
idea that everything is simultaneously a whole and a part; coined by Arthur Koestler.
Hwæt. int. / hwæt / hwat. Hark; listen; hear me.
Kayfabe. n. / ˈkeɪˌfeɪb / kay-fayb. The portrayal of staged events as ‘real’ or ‘true’ (e.g., in
professional wrestling).
Kenopsia. n. / kɛnˈɒp.siːə / ken-op-see-uh. From the Greek roots kenosis (emptiness) and opsia
(seeing); appraising the lack or absence of something (especially people); the strange eerieness of
empty or abandoned places; coined by John Koenig.
Klexos. n. / ˈklɛks.əʊs / klek-sohss. The art of dwelling on the past; coined by John Koenig.
Kwassa kwassa. n. / kwæs.sæ kwæs.sæ / kwass-ah kwass-ah. A dance style from the DRC (where
the hips move back and forth while the hands move to follow the hips); possibly derived from
the French quoi ça? (“what is it?”).
Lutalica. n. / luːtæ.lɪ.kɘ / loo-tah-lik-ah. The part of your identity that doesn't fit into categories;
coined by John Koenig.
Montivagant. adj., n. / mɒn.ti.və.ɡənt / mon-tiv-a-gnt. Wandering over mountains or hills (as adj.);
one who wanders so (n.).
Nodus Tollens. n. / ˈnəʊ.dəs ˈtɒl.əns / no-dus toll-uns. From the Latin roots nodus (a knot) and
tollens (to remove or lift up); the feeling that your life doesn't make narrative sense, or fit into a neat
story; coined by John Koenig.
Novaturient. adj. / nəʊ.və.tjʊə.rɪənt / noh-vah-tyuur-ient. Latinate, meaning the desiring or seeking

of strong changes in one’s behaviour or situation.
Opia. n. / ˈəʊ.pɪə / oh-pee-ah. The ambiguous intensity of eye-contact; coined by John Koenig.
21
Petrichor. n. / ˈpɛtrʌɪkɔː / pet-rih-kor. From the Greek stems petro/a (stone/rock) and ichor (fluid;
watery discharge); the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil; coined by Isabel Joy Bear
and Richard Thomas.
Sawol. n. / ˈsɑːwol / sah-wol. Soul; immortal principle; possibly from the Proto-Germanic saiwala
(potentially meaning ‘of the sea’).
Selcouth. adj. / ˈsɛlˌkuːθ / sell-kooth. Rare, strange, marvellous, wondrous.
Semaphorism. n. / sɛmˈæ.fə.rɪz.əm / sem-ah-fur-ism. An enigmatic, conversational hint that you

have something personal to say on a subject; coined by John Koenig.
Sharawadgi. n. /ˌʃa.ɹəˈwa.dʒi / sha-ra-wad-jee. A a style of landscape gardening or architecture in

which rigid lines and symmetry are avoided to give the scene an organic, naturalistic appearance;
first used by Sir William Temple in an essay published in 1692, possibly based on the Japanese
shara'aji (しゃれ味).
Socha. n. / səʊ.ʜɑː / soe-khah. The hidden vulnerability of others; the illusion of others’
invulnerability arising from their distance from ourselves; coined by John Koenig.
Solastalgia. n. / ˌsɒləˈstældʒə / sol-stah-jee-uh. Mental and existential distress caused by

environmental change; coined by Glenn Albrecht.
Sonder. n. / ˈsɒndə / son-duh. Possibly from the French verb sonder (to probe) and/or the German
adjective Sonder (special); the realization that everyone has a life as vivid and complex as your own,
which proceed despite one’s own lack of awareness of these); coined by John Koenig.
Strikhedonia. n. / strɪk.hɛˈdəʊ.niːə / strik-he-doh-nee-uh. Lit. ‘strike out pleasure’ (i.e., striking out in
a new direction); the joy of not caring, of saying ‘to hell with it’.
Uns. pron. / ʌnz / unz. A grammatical term expressing first person plural, but which only applies to
two people, and only to people who have an intense connection.
Wassail. int., n. / ˈwɒ.seɪl / wah-sayl. Salutation meaning ‘be well’ or ‘be healthy’ (from from Old
Norse ves heill).
Weodmonað. n. / wəʊd.mʌ.nəθ / weod-muh-nath. Weed-month; woad-month; grass-month.
Wicca. n. / wɪ.kə / wih-kuh. Male witch, wizard, soothsayer, sorcerer, astrologer, magician ; now
the label for a modern pagan religion.
Woke. n., adj. / woʊk / woke. Social, political awareness; actively aware of systematic prejudice and
injustice; prominence attributed to Erykah Badu.
Zielschmerz. n. / tsiːl.ʃmɛrts / tseel.shmairts. Based on the German roots Ziel (goal, destination) and
Schmerz (pain, woe); the exhilarating dread of finally pursuing a lifelong dream; coined by John
Koenig.
22
Estonian
Liigud. Estonian / n. / liːgʊd / lee-gud. A celebration for completing a purchase.
Roosamanna. adj./ ruːsə.mænə / roo-suh-mah-nuh. Lit. pink semolina; something or someone that is
overly naive, romantic or over-prettified.
Tubli. adj. / tʊb.liː / toob-lee. Having a good work ethic; capable, hardworking, diligent, persistent,
strong, good, fine.
Viitsimine. v. / viːt.sɪ.mɪ.neɪ / veet-sih-mih-nay. To not want to do something.
Fijian
Talanoa. v. / tələnoːə / tuh-luh-nor-uh. To tell stories; to chat or gossip (in ways that can serve as a
‘social adhesive’).
Finnish
Jaksaa. v. / ˈjɑkˌsɑː / yak-sah. To have energy, enthusiasm, and spirit (e.g., for a task).
Hyppytyynytyydytys. n. / huːp.ə.tɜːniːtɜːdə.tɪs / hoop-uh-tuer-nee-tuerd-uh-tiss. Bouncy cushion

satisfaction; the relaxing feeling of sitting down in a comfortable chair.
Itsenäisyyspäivä. n. / its̠e̞ˌnæi ̯s̠yːs̠.pæi ̯.ʋæ / it-suh-niys-pai-vuh. Independence day.
Kalsarikännit. n. / ˈkɑl.sɑ.riˌkæ.nːi / kall-sah-ree-kah-nee. Lit. underpants intoxication; getting drunk

at home, often underdressed and/or alone.
Lintukoto. n. / lɪn.tu:ko.to / lin-too-koh-toh. ‘Home of the birds’; isle of bliss; a paradise-like place
where birds migrate every winter.
Maadoittuminen. v. / ˈmɑːdoi ̯.tuːmɪ.ɛn / mah-doi-too-min-en. Grounding, earthing; rooting oneself

in nature.
Morkkis. n. / mɔːks / morks. A moral or psychological hangover; post-hoc embarrassment or shame

at one’s drunken behaviour (and dread or confusion about what one might have done).
Myötähäpeä. n. / muːɜːtə.hæ.peɪ.ə / moo-er-tuh-hah-pay-uh. Vicarious embarrassment, shame; a

cringing feeling.
Raaskia. v. / ˈrɑːskiɑ / rah-skee-ah. To have the heart, courage to do something.
Sisu. n. / ˈsi.su / si-su. Extraordinary determination/courage, especially in the face of adversity.
Talkoot. n. / ˈtal.koːt / tahl-koort / aka talko (Swedish). A collectively pursued or undertaken task;
voluntary community work.
23
Tarjeta. v. / tɑːrˈjɛt.ɘ / tarr-yet-uh. To be able to withstand the cold (and function effectively).
Vilukissa. n. / vɪl:ə.kis̠ːɑ / vill-luh-kisss-uh. Lit. cold cat, or chilly cat; a person who is sensitive to, and
easily feels, the cold.
French
Adroit. adj. / ad.ʀwa / ah-drwa. Lit. according to right; skilled, resourceful; dexterous.
Amateur. n. / a.ma.tœʀ / ah-mah-toer. Lit. lover or ‘one who loves’; amateur, hobbyist.
Amour de soi. n. / amuʀ dɘ swʌ / a-moor-de-swuh. Lit. 'love of oneself'; self-esteem that is not
contingent on others' judgement.
Amour fou. n. / amuʀ fu / a-moor-foo. Mad/crazy/foolish love.
Amour propre. n. / amuʀ ˈpʀɔ.pʀ / a-moor-prrop-ruh. Lit. 'self-love'; self-esteem that is contingent
on others' judgement.
Amuse-bouche. n. / əˌmjuːzˈbuːʃ / u-myooz-boosh. ‘Mouth amuser’; a single, bite-sized hors

d'œuvre, not ordered from a menu by patrons but are served free and according to the chef's
selection alone (to prepare the guest for the meal and to offer a glimpse of the chef's style).
Apéritif. n. / ap.eʀ.it.if / ah-per-ree-teef. A drink taken before dinner (and the social occasion
involving this).
S'apprivoiser. v. / sˈapʀiˈvwaze / s-a-prre-vwa-zay. Lit, 'to tame'; in the context of a relationship can
describe a mutual process of each side learning to trust/accept the other.
Arabesque. n. / a.ʁa.bɛsk / ah-rah-besk. ‘In Arabic fashion’; in dance (particularly ballet), a body
position in which a dancer stands on one leg, with the other extended, straight, behind the body.
Arriviste. n. / aʀ.iv.ist / ah-ree-veest. An ambitious social-climber or go-getter (with connotations of

ruthlessness).
Avant-garde. n. / a.vɑ̃ .ɡaʀd / ah-von-gaard. Lit. fore-guard, vanguard, advance-guard; phenomena

(e.g., people, artworks, ideas) that are unorthodox, experimental, radical.
Bariolage. n. / bæ.rɪɔ.laʒ / bah-ree-oh-laazge. A mixture or palette of colours; in music, a bowed

string instrument musical technique, involving the alternation of notes on adjacent strings, one of
which is usually open.
Baroque. adj. / ba.ʀɔk / bah-rohk. Lit. irregular (possibly from Portuguese barroco, meaning
‘imperfect pearl’); a form of art and architecture characterised by elaborate (and often exaggerated)
ornamentation.
Basse-taille. French / n. / bɑsˈtɑ yə / bass-tah-yeh. ‘Low cut’; an enameling technique in which

transparent enamels are fused over a background carved in low relief.
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Béatitude. n. / beɪˈæt.ɪt.juːd / bay-at-it-ude. Supreme happiness; a state of blessedness.
Beau geste. n. / bo ʒɛst / boh zhjest. A graceful, noble or beautiful gesture (especially if it is futile or
meaningless).
Bonhomie. n. / ˌbɒn.əˈmi / bon-uh-mee. Cheerful friendliness, geniality, congeniality, conviviality,

cordiality.
Bon appétit. int. / bɔ̃ apeti / bon app-et-ee. Lit. good appetite; enjoy your meal.
Bon hiver. int. / bɔn‿ivɛːʁ / bohn-ee-verr. ‘Good winter’; often used as a greeting at the first
snowfall of winter.
Bon vivant. n. / bɔ̃ vivɑ̃ / boh vih-voh. Someone who enjoys and appreciates the good life.
Bon voyage. int. / bɔ̃ vwajaʒ / boh vwoy-arje. Lit. good voyage; enjoy your travels; wishing a safe and
enjoyable journey.
Bricolage. n. / bʀi.kɔ.laʒ / brih-koh-laazge. DIY; a makeshift job; construction of something achieved

by using whatever comes to hand.
Capoter. Quebec / v. / kapɔte / kah-poe-tay. Lit. to overturn or derail; can be used in a positive way
to express delight or ecstasy; can also be used in negative contexts to imply feeling overwhelmed
and/or at a loss.
Carte blanche. n. / kaʀt blɑ̃ / kaart-bloh. Lit. ‘white card’; being granted or invested with power,
authority to do as one wishes.
Chaconne. n. / ʃak.ɔn / shah-kohn. A type of musical composition popular in the baroque era,
involving variation on a repeated short harmonic progression.
Champlevé. n. / ʃɒmp.lɛvi / shomp-levee. An artistic technique in which troughs or cells are carved
into the surface of a metal object, and filled with vitreous enamel.
Chic. adj. / ʃiːk / sheek. Elegant, stylish, fashionable.
Chiffonade. n . / ʃi.fɔ.nad / shi-fon-ahd. A slicing technique in which leafy green vegetables are cut
into long, thin strips.
Claque. n. / ˈklak / klak. ‘A clap’; a group hired to applaud at a performance; a group of sycophants.
Cocagne. n. / kɒ.kaɲ / kok-ang / aka Cockaigne (English). A mythical land of ease and plenty
(etymology uncertain).
Complicité. n. / kɔ̃.pli.si.te / koh-plih-sih-tey. Complicity (e.g., before the law); also, a tacit
understanding that no longer needs to be explicitly articulated (e.g., in the context of long-term
relationships).
Connaisseur. n., adj. / kɔ.nɛ.sœʀ / koh-nay-sir. Lit ‘one who knows’; expert; borrowed as connoisseur
in English.
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Coup. n. / ku / koo. Lit. strike; a well-executed manoeuvre; a sudden tactical victory.
Coup de cœur. n. / ku də ˈ kœʁ / coo de coo-er. Lit. a bolt of the heart; a crush, infatuation; to fall in
love; to fall for something; to make a deep connection (not necessarily romantic).
Coup de foudre. n. / ku də ˈfudrə / coo-de-foo-druh. Lit. a 'lightning bolt', sudden and powerful love
at first sight.
Dada. n. / da.da / da-da. Lit. hobby-horse; also, meaningless babble; an avant-garde art movement,
concerned with rejecting logic, rationality, and modern conventions, aesthetics, and ideologies.
Débonnaire. adj. / de.bɔn.ɛʀ / deh-bon-ayr. Charming, well-mannered; suave, smooth; easy-going.
Débrouillard. adj., n. / de.bʀu.jaʀ / deh-brroo-yah. Resourceful; skilled at adapting to any situation; a

resourceful person who can act independently or cope with any development (n.).
Décollage. n. / de.kɔ.laʒ / de-ko-lahj. ‘Take off’ ; an artistic technique, involving removing pieces of
an original image.
Se déhancher. v. / sə deɑ̃ ʃe / suh de-hon-shay. To sway or wiggle one's hips (e.g., while dancing).
Déjà vécu. n. / de.ʒa vɛ. kuː / deh-zha veh-koo. ‘Aready living through’; considered as a
pathological form of déjà vu, with behavioral consequences (e.g., withdrawing from current
events or activities, as one believes one has participated in them before).
Déjà vu. n. / de.ʒa vy / deh-zha voo. ‘Already seen’; the feeling that one has lived through the
present situation before.
Dépayser. v. / de.pei.ze / deh-pay-zay. Disorientation; not necessarily unpleasant (e.g., a pleasant

sense of strangeness from being in a foreign country).
Don de soi. n. / dɔ̃ də swa / doh duh swah. Giving/donating oneself; self-sacrifice; altruism.
Différance. n. / di.feʀ.ɑ̃ s / dih-fer-ahs. Difference and deferral of meaning; coined by Derrida in

relation to his philosophy of deconstruction.
Digestif. French / n. / diːʒɛˈstiːf / de-jest-eef. ‘Digestive’; a drink, typically alcoholic, normally served
after a meal.
Discotheque. n. / ˈdɪs.kə.tɛk / diss-ku-tek. ‘A library of phonograph records’; used initially for a type
of nightclub; later referred to a genre of music.
Dos-à-dos. n. / do.za.do / doh-za-doh. ‘Back to back’; a move in which two dancers face each other,
then step forward and left until they have right shoulders adjacent, then move to a position where
they are back to back, then move to have left shoulders adjacent, then return to facing each other.
Élan. n. / eɪˈlɒ̃ / ay-loh. Lit. spring, bound, dart; spirit, enthusiasm; style, grace; flash, panache.
Émigré. n. / ˈem.ɪ.ɡreɪ / em-ee-grey. Someone who has left their own country to settle in another,
often for political reasons.
26
En pointe. n. / ɑ̃ pwɛ̃t / ah pwah. Supporting one's body weight on the tips of the toes.En plein air.
phrase / ɑ̃ plɛn ɛʀ / ohn-plen-ayrr. Outdoors; in the open air.
Enfant terrible. n. / ɑ̃ fɑ̃ tɛ.ʁibl / oh-foh the-reebl. ‘Unruly child’; a child who says candidly
embarrassing things to parents or others; in the arts implies a usually young and successful person
who is strikingly unorthodox, innovative, or avant-garde.
S’entendre. v. / sɑ̃ .tɑ̃ .dʀ / soh-toh-drruh. Lit. to hear one another or oneself; to agree; to
understand; to get on.
L’esprit de l’escalier. phrase / lɛsˈpʀi də lɛsˈkal.je / less-prree-duh-less-kal-ee-ay. Lit. staircase wit (cf.
Treppenwitz); a witty and/or incisive rejoinder that comes to mind just after an interaction.
Flâner. v. / flɑ.ne / fla-nay. Leisurely strolling (e.g., through the streets). As noun (Flâneur): one who
strolls (e.g., to experience the city).
Frimousse. n. / fʀimus / frree-moose. A sweet/cute little face.
Frisson. n. / fʀisɔ̃ / frree-soh. A sudden feeling of thrill, combining fear and excitement.
Fugue. n. / fjuːɡ / fyoog. From the Latin fuga (meaning to flee or take flight); in music, a contrapuntal
compositional technique in two or more voices.
Grimoire. n. / ɡʀim.waʀ / greem-waar. A book of magic spells; a textbook of magic.
Gourmand. adj. / ɡuʀmɑ̃ / goor-mohn. A person who appreciates and/or consumes good food and
drink; possible connotations of greed or gluttony.
Gourmet. adj. / ɡuʀ.mɛ / goor-mehy. A person who appreciates and/or is knowledgable about good
food and drink; more refined implications than gourmand.
Grisaille. n. / ɡʀi.zɑj / grrih-zy. Lit. greyness, or dullness; a monochromatic art technique, involving
use of a single colour (especially grey), often to generate a three-dimensional effect.
Haute cuisine. n. / ˈo kɥizin / oh-kwee-zeen. Lit. high cooking; fine dining (e.g., involving rare and/or
expensive ingredients, eaten in exclusive establishments).
Idée fixe. n. / ide.fiks / ee-day-feex. Lit. fixed idea; a fixation; an idea that dominates or preoccupies
the mind (including despite attempt to modify it).
Jamais vu. v. / ˈʒæ.meɪ ˈvuː / zha-mey voo. ‘Never seen’; the phenomenon of experiencing a
situation that one recognizes in some fashion, but nonetheless seems very unfamiliar.
Je ne sais quoi. phrase / ˌʒə nə seɪ ˈkwɑ / zhe ne say kwar. Lit. ‘I don’t know what’; a positive quality
that is indefinable, ineffable, or hard to express.
Jeté. French / n. / ʒɛt.eɪ / zheh-tay. In ballet a leap from one foot to the other in which one leg
appears to be ‘thrown’ in the direction of the movement.
Joie de vivre. n. / ˌʒwɑː də ˈviːvrə / jwa-de-vee-vruh. Joy of living / for life; exuberance, ebullience;
zest for life, the knack of knowing how to live.
27
Jouissance. n. / ʒˈwi.sɑ̃ s / szh-wee-sonse. Physical or intellectual pleasure, delight, or ecstasy; an

orgasm.
Laissez-faire. n. / lese fɛʀ / ley-say fare. The tendency or willingness to leave things to take their own
course, without interfering.
Manqué. adj. / mɑ̃k / mahnk. Lit. missing, loss of; failing to become or achieve what one might have.
Mise en abyme. n. / mē-zäⁿ-nä-bēm \ meez-uh-nah-bem. ‘Putting into the abyss’ ; an artistic

technique of placing a copy of an image within itself, often in a way that suggests an infinitely
recurring sequence.
Mise en place. n. / miːz ɒ̃ ˈplas / meez-uh-plass. ‘Putting in place’; the set-up before cooking (e.g.,
organizing and arranging the ingredients).
Mot juste. n. / mo ʒyst / moh szhoost. Lit. just or fair word; the exactly right word or phrasing.
Musique concrète. n. / myzik kɔ̃k.ʁɛt / moo-zik kon-kret. ‘Concrete music’; music composition that
utilizes recorded sounds as raw material.
Noblesse oblige. phrase / nɔb.lɛs ɔ.bliʒ / noh-bless ob-leejz. Lit. nobility obligates; that whoever
claims to be noble must act nobly; that social or economic standing does not only confer privileges,
but also responsibilities (e.g., to look after those less fortunate).
Nocturne. n. / nɒkˈtɜːn / nok-turn. ‘Nocturnal’; a musical composition that is inspired by, or

evocative of, the night.
Nombrilisme. n. / nɔ̃.bʀi.lism / noh-bree-leezm, Lit. ‘bellybuttonism’ or navel-gazing; self-

centredness, self-absorption; egoism.
Panache. n. / pa.naʃ / pah-nash. Lit. plume (e.g., on a helmet); a stylish, original, confident, even
flamboyant way doing things.
Parole. n. / pa.ʀɔl / pah-rrol. Word, speech, promise, oath.
Pirouette. n. / pi.ʁ.wɛt / pih-ru-wet. ‘Whirl’; a non-traveling turn on one leg, of one or more
rotations.
Plié. n. / pli.je / plee-ay. ‘Bent’; a smooth and continuous bending of the knees outward with the
upper body held upright.
Presque vu. n. / pʁɛsk vy / prek voo. ‘Almost seen’; the feeling of being on the brink of a powerful
epiphany or insight, without actually achieving the revelation.
Recherché. adj. / ʀ(ə)ʃɛʀʃe / suh-sher-shay. Rare, exotic, unusual; not understood or appreciated by
many people.
Renaissance. n. / ʀ(ə).nɛ.sɑ̃s / ruh-nay-sohs. Lit. rebirth or revival; a period of European history,

usually dated between the 14th and 17th centuries, driven by the rediscovery of Classical works, and
associated with great humanistic art and philosophy.
28
Retrouvailles. n. / ʀə.tʀu.vɑj / ruh-trroo-vy. Lit. 'rediscovery'; a reunion (e.g., with loved ones after a
long time apart).
Revoltade. n. / ʁə.vɔl.tad / ru-vol-taad. A bravura jump in which one lands on the leg from which one
pushes off after that leg travels around the other leg lifted to 90 degrees.
Risqué. adj. / rɪˈskeɪ / risk-ay. Daring, edgy; suggestive; verging on indecent; often applies
particularly to humour.
Rococo. n., adj. / ˈʀɔkɔko / rroh-koh-koh. Adapted from rocaille, meaning shell-work or pebble-work;
whimsical and/or elaboratively decorative forms of art.
Salon. n. / salɔ̃ / sall-ohh. Lit. lounge or sitting room; cultural events or groupings, usually devoted to
literature and art, and often run by a female host.
Savoir-être. n. / sav.waʀ.ɛtʀ / sav-wah-et-ruh. Lit. knowing how to be; knowing how to be and
carry oneself; 'soft' or interpersonal skills.
Savoir-faire. n. / sav.waʀ.fɛʀ / sav-wah-fare. Lit. knowing how to do; the ability to behave in a correct
and confident way in different situations.
Savoir-vivre. n. / sav.waʀ.viv.ʀ / sav-wah-veev-ruh. Lit’ knowing how to live (particularly in an elegant

or refined way); being familiar with norms and customs.
Sillage. n. / siːˈjɑːʒ / se-yaaj. Lit. ‘wake’ (as in water); the degree to which a perfume's fragrance
lingers in the air when worn.
Sissonne. n. / si.sɔn / sih-son. A jump done from two feet to one foot (named after the originator of
the step).
Soirée. n. / swa.ʀe / swah-rray. A relatively cultured evening party, often centred around music or
conversation
Taizé. n. / ˈtɛ.zeɪ / teh-zay. Contemplative Christian worship practiced by the ecumenical Taizé
community in France (characterised by music and/or singing, interspersed with readings, prayers,
and silence).
Terroir. n. / teʀwaʀ / tayr-wahr. Lit. earth or soil; the natural ecosystem/environment in which a
product is grown, and the qualities imbued within the project as a result.
Touché. v. / tu.ʃe / too-shay. Lit. to touch (past part.), used to acknowledge a hit in fencing;
acknowledgement of a good point being made (e.g., by an interlocutor in an argument).
Trompe-l'œil. n. / tʀɔ̃p lœj / trohp loy. Lit. deceives the eye; visual illusion in art (especially regarding
tricking the eye into perceiving three dimensions).
Trouvaille. n. / tʁu.vaj / tkhroo-vay. A lucky find; something good/valuable discovered by chance.
Vague à l'âme. n., adj.. / væg ɑˈlɑːm / vag ah-lahm. Lit. vague soul, spirit; vague melancholy; soul
discomfort; gentle, wistful sadness.
29
Vogue. n. / vōɡ / vowg. The prevailing fashion or style at a particular time.
Yaourter. n. / ja.uʁ.te / yao-or-ter. ‘Yoghurt-er’; an ttempt to speak or sing in a foreign language,

usually English, and incorporating many mondegreens.
Gadigal
Putuwa. n. / pə.tuːə / puh-too-uh. Warming one’s hands by the fire while gently squeezing someone
else’s hands.
Gaelic
A chuisle. Irish / n. / ə'hɪʃ.l ̠ʲə / uh-hoosh-luh. Lit. my pulse; my beloved, my darling. Someone who is
so close and loved they are like your pulse. A chuisle is used when speaking directly to them; mo
chuisle is used when referring to them.
Anam cara. Irish / n. / æn.æm kæ.rə / ah-nam cah-ra. Soul friend; a deep, heartfelt friendship (often
with a spiritual dimension).
Béaláiste. Irish / n. / beɪ.æl.æʃ.tə / bay-al-ash-tuh. A drink or toast to seal or celebrate a deal.
Lá bealtaine. Irish / n. / bɛl.tə.nə / bell-tuh-n. The Gaelic May Day festival; the beginning of summer,
halfway between the Spring equinox and the Summer solstice.
Brabbag. Manx / n. / bræ.væg / brah-vag. The act (and enjoyment) of warming the back of one’s legs
in front of the fire.
Craic. Irish / n. / kræk / crack. Fun, revelry, good times; ‘what’s going on’.
Dinnseanchas. Irish / n. / diːn.ʃæ.nə / din-shan-uh. Lore or story of places (e.g., origins of place
names); local legends and mythology; often involves acts of mythic/legendary figures.
Èit. Scottish / n. / aɪt / iyt. Placing quartz stones/crystals in streams (e.g., so that they shine/sparkle
in the moonlight, thereby attracting salmon).
Fianna. Irish / n. / ˈfʲiə.n̪ ˠə / fee-en-ya. Small, semi-independent warrior bands in Irish mythology.
Frith. Scottish / n. / frɪθ / frith. Deer forest.
Geis. Irish / n. / ɟɛʃ / gesh. Taboo, prohibition; injunction; something you do (or don’t do), upon
which your life depends, or which defines your life.
Lá an Dreoilín. Irish / n. / læ æn drəʊ.liːn / lah an droe-leen. ‘Wren Day’; a tradition celebrated on

Stephen's Day (26th December) in a number of countries across Europe, involving the ‘hunting’ of a
fake wren and putting it on top of a decorated pole.
Nabocklish. Irish / expression / neɪ.bɒk.liːʃ / nah-bok-lish. ‘Don’t worry about it.’
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Plámás. Irish / n., v. / ’plɔ:mɔ:s / plaw-mawse. Flattery, ingratiation, sweet-nothings; can have the
implication of being hollow or insincere.
Samhain. Irish, Scottish / n. / ˈsɑːwɪn / sow-win. A Gaelic festival with Celtic Pagan origins marking
the end of harvest and the beginning of winter, halfway between the autumn equinox and winter
solstice.
Suaimhneas croí. Irish / n. / sɪv.niːæs kɾˠi / siv-nyass kree. Lit. happy, peaceful relaxed (Suaimhneas)
heart, core (croí); happiness, contentment (e.g., in relation to finishing a task).
Tholtan. Manx / n. / θɒl.tæn / tholl-tan. A ruined or abandoned building (often a house, cottage or
farm).
Galician
Morriña. n. / moˈriɲa / moh-rreen-yah. Longing; homesickness; notalgia.
Georgian
Shemomechama (შემომეჭამა). v. / ʃɛ.mɒ.mɛʤɑːmə / sheh-moh-meh-djah-muh. To eat past the

point of satiety (e.g., due to enjoyment of the food).
Zeg. n. / zɛg / zeg. The day after tomorrow.
German
Achsenzeit. n. / ˈak.sən.tsait / ak-sen-tsiyt. Axis age, axial age; coined by Karl Jaspers to denote a key
period in human history, roughly from the 3rd to 8th Centuries BCE, characterised by the emergence
of new philosophical systems.
Affektenlehre. n. / əˈfɛkt. ən.leːʀə / af-ect-un-ler-uh. ‘Affect learning’; the doctrine of the affections
(a theory based on the idea that the passions could be represented by their outward visible or
audible signs).
Aktivansteher. n. / akˈtiːvan.steɪə / ak-tee-van-stay-uh. ‘Active queuer; someone who is skilled at

queuing.
Aleatorik. n. / eɪ.lɪæ.tʊə.rɪk / ay-lee-a-tor-ik. Music in which an aspect of the composition is left to

chance, and/or an aspect composed work's realization is left to the determination of its
performer(s); use first associated with the acoustician Werner Meyer-Eppler, based on the Latin alea
(dice).
Anschauung. n. / ˈæn.ʃaʊʊŋ / an-shao-ung. Sense perception; apprehension or immediate

perception.
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Ansatz. n. / æn.zæts / an-zats. ‘Set down’; an initial placement of a tool at a work piece;an educated
guess or an additional assumption made to help solve a problem (later verified to be part of the
solution by its results).
Anstand. n. / ˈan.ʃtant / an-shtant. Decency, integrity; moral, modest and decorous behaviour.
Aufforderungscharakter. n. / 'aʊ.fɔːdə.ruːŋz.kaˈraktɐ / ow-for-duh-roongz.kah-rak-tuh. Lit. demand

character or invitation; coined by Kurt Lewin to denote how objects ‘want’ to be used/treated (e.g.,
door handle ‘wants’ to be turned); basis of the English term valence.
Aufheben. v. / ˈaʊ̯ fˌheːbm / orf-hee-bn. Sublimation; to raise up, to remove/suspend/repeal/set

aside, yet also paradoxically to preserve/keep.
Augenmusik. n. / ˈauɡ.ən. mjuːzɪk / or-gen-myoo-zik. ‘Eye music’; graphical features of scores which
when performed are unnoticeable by the listener.
Augenweide. n. / ˈauɡ.ən.vai.də / or-gen-vy-duh. A feast for the eyes; a beautiful, stimulating, or

enriching scene.
Auseinandersetzung. n. / aus|aiˈnan.dɐ.zɛt.sʊŋ / auss-eye-nan-der-zet-sung. Discussion, debate,

analysis; grappling with, facing up to (e.g., the past); deconstruction or disaggregation (e.g., in order
to better understand something).
Bauhaus. n. / baʊ.haʊs / bow-house. Lit. construction-house, or school of building; a German

modernist school of art, concerned with creating Gesamtkunstwerk (total works of art).
Bergdenken. n. / bɜːgˈdɛŋkən / burg-deng-ken. Lit. ‘mountain thought’; thinking or dreaming of

mountains.
Beruf. n. / bəˈruːf / buh-rooff. Trade, job, occupation. Berufung: vocation, calling, religious calling.
Beschaulich. adj., adv. / bəˈʃaulɪç / beh-shao-lish. Quiet, pensive; living a simple life; pleasantly
contemplative, unhurried in a fashion that inspires mental well-being.
Bettmümpfeli. n. / bɛt.muːm.fʊli / bet-moom-fooli. Bedtime snack.
Bildung. n. / ˈbɪldʊŋ / bill-doong. Education, formation, acculturation, cultivation, development.
Bildungsroman. n. / ˈbɪldʊŋs .ʁoˌmaːn / bill-doongs roe-mahn. A coming-of-age story; a narrative of

education/formation.
Blueschtfaehrtli. n. / bluːʃt.feət.liː / bloosht-fairt-lee. Lit. little blossom drive; going for a leisurely
jaunt in the car to admire the spring blossoms.
Blüttle. Swiss / v. / bluːtl / blootl. To walk around naked; to enjoy being naked.
Brav. adj. / braːf / brraaf. Pleasant, earnest, well-behaved.
Das man. n. / das man / dass man. Lit. they-self; ‘the they’; people, anyone; one.
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Dasein. v. / ˈdaːzaɪn / dah-zine. Lit. ‘being here/there’; Heidegger’s term for a human being,
capturing the sense that people always exist in a context (e.g., in a world and in a certain mood).
Denkmal. n. / ˈdɛŋk.maːl / denk-maal. Lit. think-sign or -mark; monument, memorial.
Doch. particle / dɔx / dokhh. But, nevertheless, all the same, though, after all.
Ehrenmal. n. / ˈeːrən.maːl / eer-en-maal. Lit. honour-sign or -mark; monument or memorial (to

honour something or someone).
Eigengrau. n. / ʔaɪ̯gn̩ ˌgʁaʊ̯ / y-gn-graow. ‘Own gray’, authentic grey; the uniform dark gray
background that many people report seeing in the absence of light.
Eigentlichkeit. n. / ˈaiɡnt.lɪç.haɪt / iy-gnt-leesh-kiyt. Lit. ownedness, being owned, being one’s own;
often rendered as ‘authenticity.’
Eigenwillig. adj. / ˈaiɡn.vɪlɪç / i-gn-vill-isch. To have a will of one’s own; behaving and doing things in
a manner that reflects one’s own personality and idiosyncrasies.
Eilkrankheit. n. / eɪlk.rænk.haɪt / ailk-ran-kiyt. ‘Hurry sickness’; a behavior pattern characterized by

continual rushing and anxiousness; an overwhelming and continual sense of urgency.
Einfühlung. n. / ain.fyːlʊŋ / ayn-foo-long. Lit. ‘feeling into’; close to empathy, but also often used in
the context of art (e.g., the ability to directly perceive its quality or meaning).
Erklärungsnot. n. / ɛɐ̯ˈklɛːʁʊŋ.snɒt / ek-ler-ung-snot. ‘Explanation need’; needing to quickly explain

oneself.
Ereignis. n. / ɛɐˈ|aiɡnɪs / err ihg-niss. Something ‘coming into view’; the realm in which the ‘truth of
being’ is manifested.
Erfolgserlebnis. n. / ɜːˈfɒlks.ɜːliːb.nɪs / er-folks-er-leeb-niss. Lit. ‘success experience’; a feeling of

success, a sense of achievement.
Erschlossenheit. n. / ɛɐˈʃlɔsn.haɪt / err-schloss-un-hite. World disclosure; the process by which things

become intelligible and meaningfully relevant to human beings.
Entrückt. adj. / ɛntˈrʏkt / ent-rookt. Enraptured and absent; transported into one’s own universe;
lost in thought; absentminded; meditative.
Fein. adj. / fain / fine. Fine, tender, noble, honourable, unique.
Fernweh. n. / ˈfiɜːn.veː / fiern-vay. Lit. far/distant (Fern) pain/woe (Weh); the ‘call of faraway places’;
homesickness for the unknown.
Feierabend. n. / faɪɐʔaːbənt / fire-ar-bent. Lit. ‘evening celebration’; the festive mood that can arrive
at the end of a working day; can also just mean the end of the working day (with no particular festive
connotation).
Fingerspitzengefühl. n. / ˈfɪŋɐʃpɪtsn̩ ɡəˌfyːl / fing-ah-shpitz-en-gu-foo-eh. Lit. ‘fingertip feeling’; the

ability to act with tact and sensitivity.
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Freier Einfall. n. / ˈfraiɐ ˈeɪn.fʌl / frhyer ain-ful. Free, spontaneous (freier) irruption, association,
invasion, idea (Einfall); the original Freudian term for ‘free association.’
Freizeitstress. n. / ˈfraɪ.tsait.strɛs / fry-ziyt-stress. Free-time stress; stress related to, or in the context
of, one’s leisure time.
Fremdschämen. n. / ˈfʀɛmtˌʃɛːmən / fremt-shay-mn. To be embarrassed/ashamed (schämen) for

someone else (Fremd); vicarious embarrassment; shame on behalf of another person; a cringing
feeling.
Freudentaumel. n. / ˈfrɔy͜ dn̩ .ta͜uml ̩ / froyd-un-tau-mel. Lit. joy swash; being giddy or delirious with
happiness.
Frühjahrsmüdigkeit. n. / ˈfryːjaːɐ̯s.myːdɪçk.a͜it / fru-yars-moo-dih-kiyt. Lit. ‘spring fatigue’; a state of

lowered energy or mood associated with the onset of spring.
Ganzheit. n. / ˈgænz.haɪt / ganz-hite. Unity; integrated whole; undivided completeness; total and
complete.
Ganzfeld. n. / ˈɡanzfɛld / ganz-feld. Lit. ‘whole field’ or ‘complete field’; a total loss of depth
perception (e.g., in a white-out); a technique of controlling or minimising sensory input (e.g., used in
parapsychology experiments).
Geborgenheit. n. / ɡəˈbɔʁɡn̩ ˌhaɪ̯t / geh-bor-gen-hite. Feeling protected and safe from harm.
Gedenkstätte. n. / ɡəˈdɛŋk. ʃtɛtə / guh-dengk-shtet-uh. Lit. place of remembrance, memory,

reflection; memorial, shrine.
Geistig. adj. / ˈɡai.stɪç / gie-steesh. Spiritual; intellectual.
Gelassenheit. n. / ɡəˈlasn̩ haɪ̯t / geh-lah-sen-hiyt. Self-surrender/abandonment; yielding to God’s will;

serenity, calmness.
Gemeinschaftsgefühl. n. / ɡəˈmaɪ̯n.ʃaftsˌɡəˈfyːl / guh-miyn-shafts-guh-fuhl. Community feeling;

social interest.
Gemütlichkeit. n. / ɡəˈmyːtlɪçkaɪt / geh-moot-lish-kite. a feeling of comfort, cosiness, homeliness. As

adjective (Gemütlich): cosy, homely, comfortable.
Gesamtkunstwerk. n. / gəˈzamtˌkʊnstvɛʁk / guh-zamt-koonst.vurk. Lit. ‘total work of art’, total art;

comprehensive, sysnthesising, all-embracing art; artworks that strive to utilise multiple artistic
modalities (even as many as possible).
Gestalt. n. / ɡəˈʃtalt / guh-shtalt. An overall pattern / configuration; the notion that the whole is
greater than the sum of its parts.
Geworfenheit. n. / gɘˈvɔːfɘn.haɪt / guh-vor-fuhn-hite. ‘Thrownness’; existence as characterised by

the condition of being thrown into contexts that are not of one’s choosing).
Habseligkeiten. n. / ˈhaːpzeːlɪçkaitn / hab-zee-lish-ky-ten. Lit. belongings; can imply one’s most

precious, treasured possessions (especially if one has few possessions).
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Hamsterkäufe. n. / hæm.stə.kaʊ̯ f / ham-stuh-kawf. ‘Hamster buying’ ; panic-buying and hoarding of

supplies.
Heimat. n. / ˈhaɪ̯.maːt / hi-mat. Home; a place to which one feels on belongs; a homeland.
Heimlich. adj. / ˈhaɪ̯m.lɪç / hime-lisch. Pertaining to the home; comfortable, familiar, known;
secretive, clandestine.
Heimelig. adj. / ˈhaɪ.mɘˌlɪg / hi-m-lig. Cosy, homely, secure.
Heiligenschein. n. / ˈhaɪlɪɡənˌʃaɪn / hi-lig-un-shine. Lit. halo or aureola; a bright light around the
shadow of a person's head caused by diffraction and reflection of sunlight.
Heilsgeschichte. n. / haɪ̯ls.ɡəˈʃɪçtə / hayl-guh-steesh-tuh. ‘Salvation history’; history seen as the work

of God's salvation.
Heldentenor. German / n. / ˈhel.dənˌtā.nȯr / hel-dun-ta-nor. ‘Heroic tenor’; a tenor with a powerful,

dramatic voice well suited to heroic roles (as in Wagnerian operas).
Herrliche Gefühle. n. / ˈhɛrlɪç ɡəˈfyːl / hair-leesh guh-foool. Glorious, lovely, gorgeous (Herrliche)
feelings, sentiments (Gefühle); a notion associated with Goethe, who described these as forces that
‘give us life.’
Herzklopfen. n. / hɛrts.klɔp.fən / hairts-klop-uhn. Lit. ‘heart-knock’; the thumping of the heart in

anticipation of something good (or bad) happening.
Idealtypus. n. / ideˈaːl.tuːpɒs / ih-dee-al-too-poss. Lit. ideal or pure type; the standard or normative
form of a given phenomenon, featuring elements common to most actual instances of it.
Innig. adj., adv. / ˈɪn.ɪç / in-eekh. Heartfelt, tender; devoted, intimate; dear.
Jodeln. n. / joːdəln / yo-duln. To utter the syllable ‘jo’ (which relates to joy) ; borrowed in English as
'yodel'.
Kaffeeklatsch. n. / kafeːˌklatʃ / ka-fee-klatch. ‘Coffee chat’; a meet-up (usually in the afternoon)

where people chat and gossip while drinking coffee or tea and having cake.
Karfreitag. n. / kaːɐˈfrai.taːk / kar-frey-tak. ‘Sorrowful Friday’; Good Friday.
Kitsch. n. / kɪtʃ / kitch. Pleasantly tacky objects or art; objects whose beauty and/or charm is
superficial or ‘fake’, but is somewhat appreciated nonetheless.
Klangfarbenmelodie. n. / klæŋ.fɑːbən.mɛ.lə.di / klang-far-bn-meh-low-dee. ‘Sound-color melody’;

musical technique that involves splitting a musical line or melody between several instruments,
rather than assigning it to just one instrument, thereby adding timbre and colour to the melodic line.
Kopfkino. n. / ˈkɔp͡fˌkiːno / kokf-kee-noh. Lit. ‘head cinema’; the view from your ‘mind’s eye’;
subjective internal images or scenes.
Konfliktfähigkeit. n. / kɒnˈflɪkt.feɪ.ɪç.haɪt / kon-flict-fay-ikh-hite. The ability to manage interpersonal

conflict constructively, without becoming personally involved.
35
Krampusnacht. n. / kræm.pʊs.nɑxt / kram-puss-nakht. ‘Krampus night’; the night in Central

European folklore in which the Krampus (a horned, anthropomorphic figure, described as
half-goat, half-demon) visits children during the Christmas season to children who have
misbehaved.
Künstlerroman. n. / ˈkʏnst.lɐ.ʁoˌmaːn / koonst-lu-roh-man. ‘Artist's novel; a story about an artist's

growth to maturity.
Kur. n. / kuːɐ̯ / coo-ur. ‘Cure’; a prolonged period of recuperation at a health resort or spa.
Lebenskrankheit. n. / leːbnsˈkʁaŋkˌhaɪ̯t / lee-buns-krank-hite. Lit. life sickness/disease; existential

anomie; world-weariness; coined by Hermann Hesse.
Lebenslüge. n. / ˈleːbnsˌlyːɡə / lee-bns-loo-guh. Lit. life lie; falsehoods (e.g., about one’s past) that
one tells oneself in order to live with oneself.
Leitmotiv. n. / ˌlaɪt.moʊˈtiːf / leyt-moh-teef. ‘Leading motif’; a short, constantly recurring musical

phrase associated with a particular person, place, or idea.
Leitwortstil. n. / laɪt.wort.stɪl / layt-wort-stil. ‘Leading word style’; the repetition of a wording, often
with a theme, in a narrative to make sure it catches the reader's attention.
Lust. n. / lʊst / loost. Pleasure, joy; desire, wish; satisfaction.
Machtwort. n. / ˈmaxt.wort / mahkt-v/wort. Power word; a word that encompasses or condenses

many meanings.
Mahnmal. n. / ˈmaːnˌmaːl / marn-marl. Memorial/monument to past tragedy (serving as a warning

against it being repeated).
Merkwelt. n. / mɜːk.velt / murk-velt. ‘Memory world’; ‘way of viewing the world’; the perceptually-
based ability to experience and manipulate one's world.
Minnesang. n. / ˈmɪ.nəˌzaŋ / mih-nu-zang. ‘Love song’ ; a tradition of lyric- and song-writing in

Germany that flourished in the Middle High German period.
Mitdenken. v. / mɪtˈdɛŋkən / mit-deng-ken. Lit. ‘with thinking’; being able to follow another person’s
thoughts; reaching sound conclusions without having to be told; the ability to think for oneself;
cognitive empathy.
Mitsein. v. / mɪt.zain / mit-zine. Lit. ‘being with’; coined by Heidegger to capture the way that,
ontologically, humans are always already with others of their kind.
Mutterseelenallein. n. / mʊtɐzeːlənʔaˈlaɪ̯n/mut-ter-see-len-al-lein. ‘Mother soul alone’;

completely, utterly alone.
Nachträglichkeit. n. / ˈnaːx.trɛːklɪç.haɪt / nark-tye-leekh-hite. Deferred action, retroaction,

‘afterwardsness’; retroactive attribution of meaning to earlier events.
Nichtwollen. n. / nɪçtˈvɔlə / neekht-voh-ley. Non-willing, non-wishing, non-wanting.
36
Nihilartikel. n. / naɪɪl ɑːtɪkl / niyl-ar-tikl. ‘Nothing article’; a deliberately fictitious entry in an

encyclopedia or academic work, generally identifiable as false, usually included to brand the
intellectual property so copies can be identified.
Passivhaus. n. / pæ.sɪv.haʊs / pah-siv-howss. ‘Passive house’; a voluntary standard for energy

efficiency in a building, which reduces the building's ecological footprint.
Quellenkritik. n. / kwɛl.ən.krɪ.tɪk / kwell-un-krih-tik. Source criticism; verification of sources; the

process of evaluating an information source.
Rumspringa. Pennsylvanian / n. / rʊmˈʃprɪ.ŋə / roohm-spring-uh. From the verb herumspringen (to

run around); an adolescent rite of passage in some Amish communities, during which a youth
intentionally segreates themselves from their community and tradition for several years.
Schnapsidee. n. / ʃnaps iˈdeː / shnaps-ee-day. Lit. liquour idea; a daft or ridiculous plan (thought up
usually, though not necessarily, while drunk); generally used pejoratively.
Schulbildend. adj. / ʃuːl.bɪl.dɘnt / shoo-bill-dnt. Inspiring or leading to the creation of schools of

thought.
Schwärmerei. n. / ʃvɛr.məˈrai / shver-mer-ay. Excessive or extreme enthusiasm or sentimentality.
Schwellenangst. n. / ˈʃvɛlə.aŋst / shvell-uhn-ungst. Fear, anxiety relating to crossing a threshold

(literally or metaphorically).
Seelisch. adj. / ziːlʊʃ / zee-loosh. Pertaining to the soul; spiritual; mental, psychological.
Sehnsucht: n. / ˈzeɪnˌzuːxt / zeen-zukht. Life longings, intense desire for alternative paths and states;
lit. an ‘addiction’ (Sucht) to longing/pining (Sehn).
͡
Sitzfleisch. n. / ˈzɪtsflaɪʃ / zitz-flysh. Lit ‘sitting flesh’; the ability or willingness to persevere through
tasks that are hard or boring.
Sollen. v. / ˈzɔlən / zo-len. To be supposed to; to ought to.
Sprachgefühl. n. / ˈʃpʀaːχɡəˌfyːl / sprark-geh-fuul. Lit. ‘language feeling’; an intuitive sense of what is

linguistically appropriate; the character of a language.
Spieltenor. n. / ʃpiːl.tā.nȯr / shpeel-ta-nor. ‘Speech tenor’; a tenor with good acting ability, and the
ability to create distinct voices for his characters.
Sprechgesang. n. / ˈʃpʀɛç.ɡəˌzaŋ / shprech-gu-zang. ‘Spoken singing’; an expressionist vocal

technique between singing and speaking; pitches are sung, but the articulation is rapid and loose like
speech.
Sprechstimme. n. / ˈʃpʀɛçˌʃtɪmə / shprech-shteem-uh. ‘Spoken voice’; an expressionist vocal

technique between singing and speaking; closer to speech than Sprechgesang (because it does not
emphasise any particular pitches).
Stammtisch. n. / ˈʃtam.tɪʃ / stam-tish. Regulars’ table; an informal meeting held on a regular basis; a
friendly get-together.
37
Stehaufmännchen. n. / ˈʃteː|aufˈmɛn.çən / shteh-orf-men-khen. Lit. tumbler, a roly-poly toy; used for

someone who always bounces back.
Sternstunde. n. / ˈʃtɛrn.ʃtʊn.də / shtern-shtun-duh. Lit. star hour; a great or significant moment; a

dramatically condensed event of great import and brief duration that occur rarely in life.
Stimmung. n. / ˈʃtɪ.mʊŋ / shtee-moong. Mood, feeling; atmosphere; harmonisation, imbrication.
Sturmfrei. adj. / ʃtʊrm.frai / shturm-frriy. Lit. ‘storm-free’; unassailable; having a free house; the
freedom of being alone, without being watched by someone (e.g., a parent), to do as one pleases.
Torschlusspanik. n. / ˈtɔːʃ.luːs.pæ.nɪk / torsh-looss-panik. Lit. ‘gate-closing panic’; the worry/fear

about diminishing life opportunities as one gets older; also refers to people acting hastily generally
when time is running out.
Treppenwitz. n. / ˈtrɛ.pənˌvɪts / treh-pn-vitz. Lit. staircase wit (a calque of L’esprit de l’escalier); a

witty rejoinder that comes to mind just after an interaction.
Unbewusste. adj., n. / ʊn.bəˈvʊst / oon-buh-voost. Unconscious; used as a noun in psychoanalystic

theory (Das Unbewusste) to denote aspects of mind not accessible to conscious inspection.
Vergangenheitsbewältigung. n. / fɛɐ̯ˈɡaŋn̩ haɪtsbəˌvɛltɪɡʊŋ / fer-gang-uhn-hites-buh-vell-tee-goong.

The struggle to overcome the past (in particular its negative aspects); processes that have become
key in the study of post-1945 German literature, society, and culture.
Verschlimmbessern. v. / fɛɐ̯ˈʃlɪmˌbɛ.sɐn / ferr-shlim-beh-sen. A combination of the verbs ‘to make

things worse’ and ‘to improve’; to make something worse in the attempt to improve it.
Versenkung. n. / fɛrˈsɛn.kʊŋ / ferr-sen-koong. Lit. lowering, sinking; contemplation, meditation;

complete immersion in an activity; total focus upon the task in hand.
Vorfreude. n. / ˈfoːa̯fʀɔɪ̯.də / for-fhroy-duh / aka voorpret (Dutch). Intense, joyful anticipation

derived from imagining future pleasures.
Vorführeffekt. n. / ˈfoːˈfyːɛˌfɛkt / for-fyer-ef-ekt. Demonstration effects; the impact of being

observed upon people’s behaviour (the observed and/or the observer); often implying that
something that was possible or easier when unobserved becomes more difficult when observed.
Vorlage. n. / ˈfoːɐ̯laːɡə / for-laarghe. Prototype, template; a prior version or manifestation of a text.
Waldeinsamkeit. n. / valtˈain.zaːm.kaɪt / valt-ayn-sam-kite. Lit. forest solitude; the strange feeling of

solitude or loneliness when alone in the woods.
Wahnfried. n. / ˈvɑːn.friːd / varn-frreed. Peace, freedom (Friede) from illusion, delusion, madness
(Wahn).
Wanderlust. n. / ˈvæn.dɛˈlʊst / van-deh-loost. Lit. desire (Lust) to hike (Wander). A

longing/desire/prediliction for travel and adventure.
Weinseelig. adj. / vain.zeːliːɡ / viyn-zee-leeg. Lit. wine (Wein) soulfulness or feeling (Seelig);
merriment brought on by intoxication through drinking wine.
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Welträthsel. n. / velt.ʀɛːtsl ̩ / velt-retsl. ‘World riddle’; a concept associated with Friedrich Nietzsche
concerning the mystery of the universe and the meaning of life.
Weltschmerz. n. / ˈvelt.ʃmeəts / velt-shmerts. World-weariness, world-hurt; causeless melancholy;

existential sadness (e.g., relating to despair at the state of the world).
Weltanschauung. n. / ˈveltænʃaʊʊŋ / vell-tan-shao-ung. Lit. world (Welt) view (Anschauung); an

overarching/all-encompassing worldview or philosophy of life.
Willkür. n. / ˈvɪlkyːɐ / vill-kuah. Following/obeying the will; choosing to obey oneself; arbitrariness,
capriciousness.
Wissenschaft. n. / ˈvɪsn.ʃaft / viss-en-shaaft. The systematic pursuit of knowledge, learning, and

scholarship; science.
Wohlweh. n. / voːl.veː / vool-vey. Lit. well-pain; pain that is pleasurable (e.g., massaging aching
muscles).
Wunschtraum. n. / ˈvʊnʃtrau ͜ m / voonsh-trorm. Lit. wish dream; a great dream; a ‘pipe dream’; an
illusion; a defining ambition; a heartfelt wish or longing.
Würfeln. v. / ˈvʏr.fl / ver-ferl. To cast/throw dice.
Zeitgeber. n. / tsaɪtˌɡeːbɐ / ziyt-gee-buh. ‘Time giver’; any external or environmental cue that
synchronizes an organism's biological rhythms to the Earth's cycles.
Zeitgeist. n. / tsait.ɡaist / ziyt.ɡiyst. The definition spirit / mood of the age.
Zugunruhe. n. / tsuːk.uːn.ruːə / tsook-oon-roo-uh. Migration, move (Zug) agitation, anxiety,

restlessness (Unruhe): anxious behavior in migratory animals.
Zukunftsmusik. n. / ˈtsuːkʊnfts.mjuːzɪk / tsuu-kunts-myoo-zik. ‘Music of the Future’; title of an essay

by Richard Wagner, in which he sets out a number of his desiderata for true opera, including the
need for 'endless melody'.
Zweisamkeit. n. / t͡svaɪ̯. zaːm.kaɪt / tsvy-sam-kiyt. Lit. two-lonliness or two-solitude; a cocoon of

intimacy between two people (often romantic) that excludes others; the self-imposed isolation of a
couple in love.
Zwischenraum. n. / ˈtsvɪ.ʃn.raum / zvish-en-raum. An open or empty space in or between things.
Greek
Abrasax (Αβραξας). n. / ab
͜ ræsæks / ah-bra-sax. A word associated with Gnosticism, with various
meanings, including alluding to the supreme entity of the cosmis hierarchy.
Afrodíti (Αφροδίτη). pronoun / a.fro.di.tiː / ah-froh-dee-tee. In Greek mythology, the Goddess of

love (also beauty, sexuality); known as Venus in Roman mythology.
39
Agápē (ἀγάπη): n. / ˌæˈgɑː.piː / ag-ah'-pee. Selfless, unconditional, devotional love.
Agon (ἀγών). n. / aɣón / ah-gon. Contest, competition, gathering, struggle; often used to imply a
clash of opposing forces that ultimately results in growth, progress.
Agora (Αγορά). n. / a.ɣo.ra / ah-go-rah. Assembly or meeting place; a public space, often used for
markets, debates, or general congration.
Aidos (Αἰδώς). n. / ai͜ .dɔ᷄ːs / ay-doose. A feeling of shame that prevents people doing wrong; a sense
of humility that tempers self-aggrandisement.
Aión (αἰών). n. / ɛˈon / ee-on. A lifespan; an allotment of time; an age or era; eternity.
Akrásia (ακρασια). n. / æ.kræˈsi.a / ah-krah-see-ah. Weakness of will; lack of self-control.
Alétheia (ἀλήθεια). n. / ɑ.leɪˈθi.a / ah-lay-thee-ah. Truth; disclosure, ‘unclosedness’,

‘unconcealedness’; reality as perceived and appraised (subjectively) by human beings. Stands in
contrast to prāgmatikós (i.e., actuality, factuality).
Álpha (Άλφα). n. / ˈal.fa / al-fah. First letter of the Greek alphabet (Α, α); can denote the first in a
series, or the beginning of something.
Anánkē (ἀνάγκη). n. / əˈnæŋ.kiː / uh-nang-kee. Necessity, compulsion, inevitability, fate.
Andreia (ἀνδρεῖα). n. / ˌʌnˈdreɪ.a / uhn-dray-yah. Courage, valour, heroism, gallantry; manliness

(from andreîos).
Aphaíresis (ἀφαίρεσις). n. / ɛɪfəˈriːsɪs / eff-uh-ree-sis. Abstractive negation; to withdraw / take away

(thereby revealing the truth, e.g., in mystical theology).
Aphrodíte (Αφροδίτη). pronoun / a.fro.di.tiː / ah-froh-dee-tee. In Greek mythology, the Goddess of

love (also beauty, sexuality, procreation); known as Venus in Roman mythology.
Apollo (Ἀπόλλων). p. / aˈpól.lɔ / apoll-oh. Greek and Roman deity; God of phenomena including light,
the sun, truth, prophecy, and healing.
Arche (ἀρχή). n. / ˈɑːr.ki / ar-ke. Source of action; first principle; beginning, origin.
Arkadíā (Ἀρκαδία). n. / aɾ.ka.ðía / ar-kay-dthee-ah. Lit. a region of Greece; a pastoral utopia; an

idyllic realm; living in harmony with nature.
Areté (ἀρετή). n. / aˈre.tɛ᷄ː / ah-reh-tay. Excellence; quality; virtue.
Ataraxia (ἀταραξία). n. / ætəˈɹæk.siə / atta-rak-sia. Robust and lucid tranquillity; peace of mind;
calmness.
Ātomos (ἄτομος). Greek / n. / æ.tɒ.mɒs / ah-toh-mos. Lit. indivisible or uncuttable; the idea of the
universe being composed of fundamental units.
Aútexoúsios (αὐτεξούσιος). adj. / ew.teˈxuːsi.os / ew- teh-khoo-see-oss. Mastery of oneself;

exercising agency / free will (especially in the sense of independently of the passions/emotions).
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Cathexis (κάθεξις). v., n. / kəˈθɛk.sɪs / kuh-thek-sis. Holding, retention; chosen by by James Strachey
to render the German term Besetzung (interest, occupation) in his translation of Freud, referring to
the process of investment of mental or emotional energy in a person, object, or idea.
Charis (χαρις). n. / kʰá.ris / khah-riss. Grace, kindness, beauty, nobility.
Charmolypi (χαρμολύπη). n. / sɑːməʊˈlɪ.piː / sar-mo-lih-pee. Sweet or ‘joy-making’ sorrow;

mourning joy; happiness and sadness intermingled.
Chōros (χῶρος). n. / ˈkʰɔː.rɒs / khor-ross. A place/locale (usually denoting the quality of the place –
often somewhere that one feels affection towards).
Daímōn (δαίμονας). n. / ˈðɛ.mɔ.nas / dthe-moh-nas. A divine power that drives/guides human

actions; a manifestation or channelling of divine power.
Dēmētēr (Δημήτηρ). pronoun / dᵻˈmiːtər / deh-mee-tuh. In Greek mythology, the Goddess of grain
(also the harvest, agriculture, fertility); known as Ceres in Roman mythology.
Dēmokratíā (δημοκρατία). n. / ði.mo.kraˈti.a / dthi-moh-kra-tee-ah. Force or power (krátos) of

citizens / the people (dêmos).
Dikaiosuné (δικαιοσύνη). n. / ði.ke.owˈsju.ne̞ / thee-kay-oh-syoo-nay. Justice, righteousness, justice.
Diónysos (Διόνυσος). p. / ðió.ni.sos / dthe-oh-nee-soss. Greek deity; God of phenomena including

wine (and grapes and winemaking), madness, frenzy, theatre, and ecstasy.
Drákōn (δρᾰ́κων). n. / drá.kɔːn / drah-kohrn. Lit. sharp-seeing, or ‘one who sees’; origin of term
‘dragon.’
Dryad (Δρυάδες). n. / ˈdraɪ.æd / dry-ahd. A nymph of the forest in Greek mythology.
Doxa (δόξα). n. / ˈdok.sä / dok-sah. Common belief, popular opinion; behaviour or practice in
worship; glory.
Eidólon (εἴδωλον). n. / ˈaɪ.ðo.lon / eye-dtho-lon. Image; representation; reflection; phantom; idol.
Eikón (εἰκών). n. / eːˈkɔ᷄ːn / aye-kone. Likeness; image.
Eiréné (εἰρήνη). n. / ɪˈreɪ.neɪ / ih-ray-nay. Peace; wholeness, oneness; quiet, rest.
Ekleipsis (ἔκλειψῐς). n. / ɛk.liːp.sɪs / ek-leep-siss. An abandonment, a failing, a forseeking.
Ekstasis (ἔκστασις). n. / ékˈstaːsis / ek-stah-sis. The state of being or standing outside oneself; trance,
displacement; ecstasy, rapture.
Eleuthería (ἐλευθερία). n. / e.leu

͜ .tʰeˈriːa / el-yoo-theh-ree-ya. Freedom, liberty, licence.
Eleutheriótēs (ἐλευθεριότης). n. / ɛˈljuːθəˌriˈo.teɪs / ell-ee-yoo-theh-ri-oh-tace. Generosity; being in

a free condition.
41
Eleutheromania (ελευθερομανία). n. / ɛˈljuːθəˌrəʊ.ma.nía / ell-ee-yoo-theh-roh-mah-nee-ah. An

intense, irrepressible desire for freedom.
Enérgeia (ἐνέργεια). n. / eˈner.ɣi.a / eh-ner-ghee-yah. Activity, operation; workmanship; cosmic

force, action; actuality (in Aristotelian philosophy).
Entelékheia (ἐντελέχεια). n. / en̪te̪ l ̺eˈk̟iːä / en-tell-ech-ee-ah. The complete realisation and final form
of potentiality; the conditions under which a potential phenomenon becomes actualized.
Enthousiasmos (ἐνθουσιασμός). n. / en.θu.si.asˈmos / en-thoo-sias-mous.The state of being inspired

or possessed by a divine being / forces; being driven/guided by a higher power.
Epíkouros (Ἐπίκουρος). p. / ˌɛpɪˈkjɔːrəs / eh-pee-koor-uhs. Lit. ally, friend, comrade; Greek

philosopher (341-270 BCE), as per Epicureanism.
Epistēmē (ἐπιστήμη). n. / ɛpɪˈstiːmɪ / ep-e-stee-me. Knowledge or understanding (e.g., in a scientific

sense).
Epithymía (Ἐπιθυμίᾳ). n. / e.pi.θyˈmi.a / epi-thy-mia. Desire; sexual passion.
Epoché (ἐποχή). Greek / n. / ˈe.pəˌkē / eh-puh-keh. Refraining from drawing a conclusion; the
theoretical moment when judgement about the world, and hence action, is suspended.
Érōs (ἔρως). n. / ˈe.rɔːs / eh-ross. Desire; passionate love; in Greek mythology, the God of desire (or
love); known as Cupid in Roman mythology.
Ethikos (ἠθικός). n. / iθikós / ee-th’ee-koss. Habit, custom, usage; character, bearing.
Eudaimonia (ευδαιμονία). n. / juːdᵻˈmoʊniə / you-de-moe-nia. Lit. 'good spirit'; fulfilment,

flourishing, being infused with divine grace.
Eunoia (εὔνοια). n. / juːˈnɔɪ.ɑ / yoo-noi-ya. Good / beautiful thinking; a well mind.
Euphoría (εὐφορία). n. / e͜u.pʰo.rí.a / yoo-for-ria. Lit. being of ‘good bearing’; more recently used to
imply intense excitement or joy.
Eutrapelia (εὐτραπελία). n. / juːtræ.pɛˈliːɘ / yoo-trah-peh-liah. Wit, pleasantry, humour.
Filoksenia (Φιλοξενία). n. / ɸɪlˈɔː x.sen.ía / fill-oh-kh-sen-ia. Friend to the stranger; love of the
stranger; kind hospitality to all
Gaia (Γαῖα). n. / ˈɣɛ.a / kheh-a. Earth; the earth; in Greek mythology, the primordial Mother Earth.
Glaucus (Γλαῦκος). adj. / ˈɡlɔːkəs / glaow-kuhs. Blueish-grey; glimmering; a Greek prophetic sea-god,
born mortal and turned immortal upon eating a magical herb.
Gnōmōn (γνώμων). n. / ˈnoʊmɒn / noh-mon. Lit. one who knows, examines, judges; the vertical
shadow-caster on a sundial.
Gnôsis (γνῶσις). n. / ɡˈnəʊ.sɪs / gnoe-sis. Knowledge; often implying initiate, secret or esoteric
wisdom.
42
Haliai (Ἁλιαι). n. / hal͜ .i.eɪ / hal-ey-ay. A sea nymph (spirit) in Greek mythology.
Háidēs (Άͅδης). pronoun, n. / ha͜ːj ́.dɛːs / har-dees. In Greek mythology, the God of the underworld
(also of death, the dead, and riches); the underworld itself; known as Pluto in Roman mythology.
Harmonía (ἁρμονία). n. / ɑːmaʊˈniːjə / ah-moh-nee-yuh. Concordance, union, agreement (e.g., of

sounds).
Hemiolios (ἡμιόλιος). n. / hɛ.mɪɒ.liːɒs / heh-me-ol-ee-oss. ‘Containing one and a half’; in the ratio
of one and a half to one (as in musical sounds); borrowed in English as hemiola, meaning a ratio of
3:2 (which is music is the interval of a perfect fifth).
Hieros gamos (ἱερὸς γάμος). n. / heɪ rɒs gæ.məs / hey-ros gah-mus. ‘Holy marriage’; a sacred
marriage that plays out between a god and a goddess, especially when enacted in a symbolic ritual
where human participants represent the deities.
Holos (ὅλος). n. / hɒ.lɒs / hoh-loss. All; whole.
Hubris (ὕβρις). n. / hý.bris / hoo-briss. Extreme pride, arrogance, or overconfidence; especially

associated with behaviour that challenges or defies the gods.
Hypomonē (ὑπομονή). n. / i.po.moˈni / ee-poe-moe-nee. Constancy, endurance, ‘standing firm’.
Ikhthýs (ἰχθύς). n. / ikʰˈtʰys / ihk-ths. ‘Fish’; symbol consisting of two intersecting arcs, the ends of
the right side extending beyond the meeting point so as to resemble the profile of a fish; adopted by
early Christians as a secret symbol. Forms an acronym for Iēsous Christos, Theou Yios, Sōtēr ('Jesus
Christ, Son of God, [Our] Savior').
Kairos (καιρός). n. / kɛˈros / keh-ross. The opportune, ideal, 'supreme' moment for decision or
action.
Kapsoura (Καψούρα). n. / kæp.sɔːə / kap-soor-uh. Crush, infatuation; intense passion; the heady
romantic feelings at the start of a relationship.
Kartería (Καρτερία). n. / kɑ.tɛˈrɪːə / ka-teh-ree-uh. Stubbornness; toughness.
Kefi (κέφι). n. / ˈkeə.fi / keh-fee. Joy, passion, enthusiasm, high spirits, frenzy.
Kerasmata (Κεράσματα). n. / keər.æs.mæ.tæ / kayr-as-mah-tah. Treats or gifts kept on hand at

home in case of visitors.
Khaos (χάος). n. / xáos / khah-oss. Chaos; in Greek mythology, the void preceding the birth of the
cosmos.
Koinōnía (κοινωνία). n. / kɔɪˈnəʊ.nɪə / coy-non-ee-uh. Fellowship, communion, joint participation,

connection, intimacy.
Kosmopolitês (κοσμοπολίτης). n. / ˈkós.mo.pɒˈlɪt.ɪs / koss-moh-poh-lit-iss. Citizen of the cosmos

(world, universe).
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Kosmos (κόσμος). n. / ˈkós.mos / koss-moss. Lit. something ordered / an ordered system; the world
or universe as a complex and orderly system.
Leitourgia (λειτουργία). n. / liːtʊərˈgiːə / lee-toor-gee-yuh. Lit. public service; a charitable act; the
work of the people; worship.
Lêmma (λῆμμᾰ). n. / lɛ̂ːm.ma / leh-mma. ‘Anything which is received’ (e.g., a gift, profit, or a bribe);
in mathematics a ‘helping theorem’ or ‘auxiliary theorem’ (a generally minor, proven proposition
which is used as a stepping stone to a larger result).
Logos (λόγος). n. / ˈlo.ɣos / loh-yoss. Word, reason, plan; in theology, the principle of divine reason
and creative order.
Makários (μακάριος). n. / maˈka:ri.u / mah-kah-ree-oo. Blessed, happy.
Makrothumeó (μακροθυμέω). n. / mæk.rəʊ.θuːˈmeɪ.əʊ / mak-roth-oo-mey-oh. Patience,

forebearance; being long-suffering; slow to anger and avenge.
Mania (μανία). n. / ma.nía / mah-nee-ah. Madness, frenzy, possession.
Megaloprépeia (μεγαλοπρέπεια). n. / ˌmɛɡ.ə.ləʊˈpreɪ.pɪə / meh-gah-lo-pray-pia. Magnificence;

dignity.
Megalopsychia (μεγαλοψυχία). n. / ˌmɛɡ.ə.ləʊˈsʌɪ.kɪə / meh-gah-lo-sye-kia. Greatness of soul;

magnanimity.
Melisma (μέλισμα). n. / mɛl.ɪs.mə / mel-iss-muh. Song, air, melody; the singing of a single syllable of
text while moving between several different notes in succession.
Méntōr (Μέντωρ). p. / ˈmɛn.tɔː / men-tor. Friend of Odysseus who looked after and guided his son
Telemachus when Odysseus left for the Trojan War; root of term ‘mentor’.
Meraki (μεράκι). n. / mɛˈræk.iː / meh-rrack-ee. Ardour (in relation to one’s own actions and
creations).
Mésos (μέσος). n. / ˈme.sos / meh-soss. Mean; middle.
Metaxy/u (μεταξύ). n. / mɛ.tæk.suː / meh-tax-oo. In-between or middle ground; a separation that is

also a link; someone/something partaking in different spheres/realms (e.g., human and divine).
Me yia (με γεια). int. / miː jeə / mee yee-uh. A congratulation / blessing for others.
Mīmēsis (μίμησις). n. / ˈmɪ.mɪ.sɪs / mih-mih-siss. Imitation; receptivity; artistic representation.
Mnemosyne (Μνημοσύνη). p. / mnɛːmo.sýːnɛː / mnee-moh-sy-nee. The goddess (or personification)

of memory in Greej mythology; one of the Titans, and mother of the muses.
Moũsai (Μοῦσαι). p. / mo᷇ːsaɪ / mooh-sai. The muses; goddesses in Greek mythology who were the
divine inspiration for knowledge and the arts.
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Mousiké (μουσική). n., adj. / moːsi.kɛ᷄ / moo-sih-keh. Lit. ‘of the muses’; art forms of the muses,
especially music and lyrical poetry; basis for ‘music.’
Mustérion (μυστήριον). n. / muːsˈteɪ.riːɒn / moos-tay-ree-on. Mystery, secret; a secret doctrine; a

truth that requires initiation to experience/understand.
Naiás (Ναϊάς). n. / na͜a.i.ás / naia-ahs. A female spirit, in Greek Mythology, who presides over a
fountain, spring, well, brooks, and other bodies of fresh water.
Nemesis (Νέμεσις). p. / nɛ.mə.sɪs / neh-muh-sis. A process of justice and/or retribution, personified

as a goddess; a force of divine punishment against evil deeds, undeserved fortune, and particularly
against hubris (arrogance against the Gods).
Nous (νοῦν). n. / nuːs / nooss. Mind, understanding, reason, intellect.
Oikeiôsis (οἰκείωσις). n. / əʊ.kaɪˈəʊ.sɪs ‘ oh-kye-oh-siss. The perception of something as one’s own,

as belonging to oneself; appropriation, familiarization, affinity, affiliation, endearment.
Omega (Ωμέγα). n. / oˈme.ɣa / oh-mey-kha. Lit. ‘great O’; the last letter of the Greek alphabet (Ω, ω);
can denote the end of a series, of the conclusion of something.
Omphalos (ὀμφαλός). n. / omˈpʰa.lós / om-fah-loss. Lit. navel; a heb, centre, pivotal point; in
mythology, the ‘navel’ (i.e., central point) of the universe (often in the form of a religious stone
artefact).
Oread (Ὀρειάς). n. / ɔːri.əd/ or-ee-uhd. A mountain nymph in Greek mythology.
Orgasmós (οργασμός). n. / ɔɾ.ɣa.ˈzmɔs / or-yaz-mos. Orgasm; climax; swelling, burgeoning;

excitement.
Ouranus (Οὐρανός). n. / oːra.nós / oo-rah-nohs. Sky; heaven; in Greek mythology, the deity of the
sky/heavens (son and/or husband of Gaia).
Ourobóros (οὐροβόρος). n. / uːˈrɒ.bə.rɒs / ur-oo-boh-ross. Lit. ‘tail-devouring’; an ancient symbol,

from various mystery traditions, featuring a serpent or snake eating its own tail; symbolises, among
other things, eternity, and self-transformation.
Pan (Πάν). pronoun / pæn / pan. In Greek mythology, a god with the hindquarters, legs, and horns of
a goat (cf. faun or satyr); god of the wild, shepherds and flocks, nature, sex, fertility and the spring.
Parakosmos (παράκοσμος). n. / pa.rá.kóz.mos / pa-ra-kos-mos. ‘Beside world’; an imaginary world;

realm of the imagination.
Parea (παρέα). n. / pæ.riːə / pah-rr-uh. A group of friends; company; informal party; revelry.
Pascha (Πάσχα). n. / pæ.ʃə / pa-sha. Resurrection Sunday; Easter;a transliteration of the Aramaic
pascha, from the Hebrew pesach (‘Passover’).
Páthos (πάθος). n. / ˈpæ.θɒs / pah-thoss. Suffering; emotion; experience.
45
Paixnidi/pachnidi (Παιχνίδι). n. / pɛkʰˈniː.di / pekh-nee-dee. Game/play; used to denote playful,

‘game-playing’ love.
Palímpsēstos (παλίμψηστος). n. / ˈpælɪmpsɛstɒs / pah-lim-sess-toss. ‘Again scraped’; a manuscript

where later writing has been superimposed on effaced earlier writing; something reused or altered
but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form.
Parea (παρέα). n. / pæ.riːə / pah-rr-uh. A group of friends; company; informal party; revelry.
Perigee (περί + γῆ). n. / pɛ.ɹɪd.ʒiː / peh-ri-jee. ‘Near earth’; the point in the orbit of an object that is
nearest to the object it is orbiting.
Persephónē (Περσεφόνη). p. / pərˈsɛ.fə.ni / pur-she-feh-nee. Queen of the underworld in Greek

mythology; daughter of Zeus and Dēmḗtēr; known as Proserpina in Roman mythology.
Phi (ϕεῖ). n. / pʰe᷇ː / fee / aka pheî. The 21st letter of the Greek alphabet; the symbol for the ‘golden
ratio’ (1.618…).
Philautia (ϕιλαυτία). n. / ɸᵻˈlɔːtɪə/ fi-law-tia. Self-love (encompassing, in its benevolent forms, self-
respect, self-compassion, etc.).
Philia (ϕιλία). n. / ɸiˈli.a / fi-lee-ya. Friendship, platonic love (e.g., based on familiarity or shared
interests).
Philotimo (ϕιλότιμο). n. / ɸɪlˈɔːtɪ.mɔ / fill-oh-tee-moh. ‘Love of honour;' the importance

of respecting and honouring friends/family.
Philoxenia (ϕιλοξενία). n. / ɸɪlˈɔːx.sen.ía / fill-oh-kh-sen-ia. Love of strangers, guests; a

hospitable act of welcome.
Phrónēsis (ϕρόνησις). n. / froʊˈniːsɪsː / froh-nee-siss. Practical wisdom; discernment; wisdom and

knowledge in determining ends and the means of attaining them.
Pneúma (πνεῦμα). n. / pnéu

͜ .ma / pnyoo-mah. Wind; breath; spirit.
Pneumatikós (πνευματικῶς). adj. / pnɛβ.mɑ.tiˈkos / pnev-mah-tee-kose. Spiritual; pertaining to the

spirit; being with/of the spirit of God.
Poiēsis (ποίησις). n. / poí͜ .ɛː.sis /poy-ee-sis. Productive and creative disciplines.
Polis (πόλις). n. / pó.lis / poh-liss. City-state; a body of citizens.
Politeia (πολιτεία) (n.): the ways and reasons of a people to live together; the whole order of social
and political relationships in a polis.
Poseidôn (Ποσειδῶν). pronoun / po.see͜ .dɔ́ɔ͜ n / por-seh-dorn. In Greek mythology, God of the ocean
(and also earthquakes, storms, horses); known as Neptune in Roman mythology.
Prâgma (πρᾶγμα). n. / ˈpɾaɣ.ma / prag-mah. A deed, action, or ‘thing done’; used to denote rational,
‘sensible’ love.
46
Prāgmatikós (πραγματικότητα). n. / praɣ.ma.tiˈkos / prag-mah-tee-kose. Reality; actuality, factuality;

the world as it actually is. Stands in contrast to alétheia (reality as subjectively perceived and
appraisedby human beings).
Praotés (πρᾳότης). n. / prɑːˈɒt.eɪs / prah-oh-tace. Temperate; displaying the right blend of force and
reserve; capable of force but refraining from using it; gentleness, mildness, meekness, kindness.
Prâxis (πρᾶξις). n. / pra᷇ːkʰ.sis / prakh-sis. Deed/action; the process by which a theory, lesson, or skill
is enacted, embodied, or realised.
Proairesis (προαίρεσις). n. / prəʊˈɛrɪsɪs / pro-air-ee-sis. Lit. before (pro) choice (hairesis); desiring
reason, or ‘easoning desire; the ability to choose/decide.
Prōtógonos (Πρωτογόνος). n. / pɾoˈto.ɣo.nos / pror-tor-khor-nors. Lit. first-born; in Greek mythology,

the first ‘generation’ of deities.
Psalmós (ψαλμός). n. / sælˈmɒs / sal-moss. Scripture set to music (particularly a harp); sacred music;
later, scripture (not necessarily musical).
Psykhe (ψυχή). n. / psiːkʰɛ̌ / psee-keh. Mind; breath; life; spirit; soul.
Sátyros (σάτυρος). n. / sætaɪ.rəs / sat-yr-us. In Greek mythology, a male nature spirit with ears and a
tail resembling those of a horse.
Sébomai (σέβομαι). v. / ˈsɛb.ɔm.ɑiː / seb-ohm-aaee. To revere, to honour, to be in awe of.
Siga siga (σιγά σιγά). adv. / siˈɣa siˈɣa / see-yah see-yah. Slowly, slowly (i.e., being unhurried).
Sophos (σοφός). n. / sof.os /sof-oss. Sage; wise old man; one who has attained wisdom.
Sophia (σοφία). n. / soˈfi.a / soh-fee-ya. Wisdom.
Sóphrosuné (σωφροσύνη). n. / sɔːpʰroˈsý.nɛ / sor-phro-sy-neh. Excellence of character and

soundness of mind; leads to other beneficial qualities, such as moderation and self-control.
Speûde bradéōs (σπεῦδε βραδέως). phrase / spêu̯.de bra.dé.ɔːs / speu-du bra-dos. ‘Make haste
slowly’; more haste, less speed (when hurrying tasks actually take longer).
Stoá (στοά). n. / sto.a᷄ː / stor-ah. Lit. portico or porch; the basis for the philosophical school of
Stoicism.
Storgē (στοργή). n. / stoɹˈɣə / store-geh. Filial love; care and affection (e.g., between family
members).
Summetría (συμμετρία). n. / ˌsɪ.məˈtriːə / sih-muh-tree-uh. The agreement between the parts and
the whole; proportionality and symmetry.
Suzugos (σύζυγος). Greek / n., adj. / ˈsuːzə.gos / soo-zu-goss. ‘Yoked together'; a roughly straight-
line configuration of three or more celestial bodies in a gravitational system (anglicised as Syzygy).
47
Symposion (συμπόσιον). n. / sɪmˈpoʊ.si.ən / sim-poe-see-un. From sympinein, meaning to drink

together; a banquet and/or drinking party, accompanied by music, dancing, recitals, or discussion.
Techné (τέχνη). n. / ˈtékʰnɛː / tekh-nee. Craftsmanship; practical expertise.
Témenos (τέμενος). n. / té.me.nos / teh-meh-noss. A sacred enclosure; a piece of ground cut or

marked off.
Thalia (Θαλία). n., pron. / θɑːliːə / thar-lee-uh. Abudance; luxury; blooming life. One of three
charities (or graces) in Greek mythology.
Théatron (θέατρον). n. / θeə.trɒn / thee-uh-tron. A place for viewing; a stand from which to behold
a spectacle.
Theōria (θεωρία). n. / θe.oˈri.a / thee-oh-ree-yah. Contemplative, theoretical, and/or abstract

reflection.
Theosophíā (θεοσοφῐ́ᾱ). n. / θeɪ.ɒ.sɒˈɸi.a / thay-oss-oh-fee-ah. Lit. God (theós) wisdom (sophíā);

divine wisdom; knowledge concerning the divine.
Thumos/thymos (θυμός). n. / θyˈmos / thoo-moss. Spiritedness; carries connotations of flesh and

blood; also refers to the human desire for recognition.
Titânes (Τiτᾶνες). n. / ti.tanːɛs / tih-tah-ness. Titans; in Greek mythology, the second generation of
deities.
Volta (βόλτα). n. / ˈvoltɒ / voll-tah. A leisurely stroll/turn/walk in the streets.
Xenia (ξενία). n. / x.sen.ía / kh-sen-ia. Guest-friendship; the importance of offering hospitality and
respect to strangers.
Zeus (Ζεύς). pronoun / zɛ.us / zeh-oos. In Greek mythology, sky or thunder God (also of law, order,
justice); king of the Olympian Gods; known as Jupiter in Roman mythology.
Guaraní
Ñandutí. n. / nan.du.ti: / nan-doo-tee. ‘Spider web’; traditional Paraguayan lace.
Tembetá. n. / tɛm.bɛ.tə / tem-be-tuh. ‘Lip stone’; a metal or stone rod placed in lower lip piercings
by members of some indigenous peoples in South America.
Guugu Yimithirr
Yillal. n. / jɪl.æl / yill-al. ‘Songline’; a path across the land (or sky) which marks the route followed by
creator-beings, and which is recorded in traditional songs, stories, dance, and painting.
48
Haitian Creole
Vèvè. n. / vɛ.veɪ / veh-vay. In Haitian Vodou, geometrical drawings that represent the lwa (spirits).
Hausa
Kaaruwa. n. / ká:rù.wə̀ / kah-roo-wuh. A divorced or widowed woman who has remained

independent and free (e.g., despite still being of ‘marriageable age’)
Hawaiian
Aloha. int. / æˈləʊ.hæ / ah-loh-ha. Lit. the ‘breath of presence’; hello and goodbye, with love and
compassion; cognate with the Māori term Aroha.
Akamai. adj. / ä-kä-ˈmī / ah-kah-my. Intelligent, smart; sharp, quick-witted; cool.
Hoʻoponopono. v. / hɒ | ˈɒ.pɒ.nɒ. pɒ.nɒ / hoh oh-poh-noh-poh-noh. A practice or interaction of

mutual forgiveness and restitution.
Kokua. n. / kəʊˈkuːə / koh-koo-uh. Help, aid, assistance, relief; helper, assistant; a spirit of selfless
kindness, care, generosity; an act of mutual assistance, pitching in.
Mahalo. n., v. / maˈha.lo / ma-ha-lor. Thanks, gratitude, admiration, praise, respect.
Pau hana. phrase / paʊˈha.nə / pow hah-nah. Lit. finished working, work done; valued time after
work (e.g., for socializing, relaxation, etc.).
Powehi. n. / pəʊ.wɛ.hiː / poe-weh-hee. The adorned fathomless dark creation; embellished dark
source of unending creation; name given to the black hole photographed in 2019.
Shaka. n. / ʃæ.kæ / sha-ka. A Hawaiian hand gesture, also more broadly associated with surfing;
‘hang loose,’ ‘chill out’; ‘be well’, ‘take care’; ‘well done.’
Wiki. v., adj. / wiːkiː / wee-kee. To hasten, speed up, be swift, be speedy (as verb); quick, fast (as
adjective); adapted into English by Ward Cunningham to denote a website that allows anyone to
add, change or delete content via their web browser.
Hebrew
Aseret ha-Dibrot (‫)עשרת הדיברות‬. n. / æˈseət hæ.diːˈbrəʊt / ah-sairt hah-dee-broht / aka Aseret ha-
d'varîm. Lit. ten words, statemens, sayings; the Ten Commandments, aka the Decalogue.
Avodah (‫)עֲבֹודָ ה‬. n. / æ.vəʊˈdæʰ / ah-voh-dah. Service, in the sense of both work and worship (thus
work and worship being one act).
49
Bal tashchit (‫)בל תשחית‬. v. / bæl. tɑːʃ.ʧɪt / bal-tash-chit. ‘Do not destroy’; a key ethical principle in
Jewish law about avoiding damage or waste; often interpreted as an environmental principle of
caring for the earth.
Binah (‫)בינה‬. n. / bɪˈnæ / bih-nah. Understanding; the third sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition,
denoting the process/quality which gives form to creation.
Chokmah (‫)חכמה‬. n. / xɒx.mæh / khokh-mah. Wisdom; the second sephirot in the Kabbalah
tradition, denoting the primary force in the process of creation.
Davka (‫)דווקא‬. Hebrew / int. / ˈdæv.kə / dav-kuh / aka dafke/a. Precisely, actually; even, in spite of;
contrary to expectations; a spirit of contrariness.
Ein sof (‫)סוף אין‬. n., adj. / ɛnˈsɒf / en-soff. Lit. unending or infinite; in the Kabbalah tradition, refers to
God in ‘His’ pure, transcendent essence, prior to self-manifestation
Elohim (‫ֱֹלהים‬
ִ ‫)א‬. n. / ɛl.ɔːˈhɪm / el-or-him. Gods (plural), deities, angels, sacred beings/messengers.
Et (‫)את‬. particle / ɑːt / aht. A structural word (e.g., indicating the direct object of the sentence); its
two letters – aleph (‫ )א‬and tav (‫ – )ת‬also the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet; as such, it
can also imply the beginning and the end of something (cf. alpha and omega).
Firgun (‫)פירגון‬. n. / ˈfɪə.guːn / feer-goon. Ungrudging and overt (expressed) pride and happiness at
other's successes.
Gemilut hasadim (‫)חֲ סָ ִדים גְּ ִמילּות‬. n. / gɛ.miˈluːt ʜæ.sæˈdiːm / geh-mee-loot hah-sah-deem. Acts of
loving-kindness.
Gevurah (‫)גבורה‬. n. / gɘ.vuːˈrɘ / guh-voo-rruh. Power, might; judgement; the fifth sephirot in the
Kabbalah tradition, denoting the enactment of justice.
Gila (‫( )גילה‬v.): Dancing with great joy.
Hachnasat orchim )‫(הכנסת אורחים‬. n. / ɦax.na.ʃat ɔːxɪm / hakh-nash-at orh-khim. Welcoming or

‘bringing in guests’; offering hospitality and respect to strangers.
Hallelujah (‫)הַ לְּ לּויָּה‬. v., n. / ˌhælɨˈluːjə / ha-leh-loo-yuh. Lit. praise ye Yah (Yahweh); God be praised;
an expression of worship or rejoicing.
Hésed/chésed/khésed (‫)חסֶ ד‬.

ֶ ֶ֫ n. / ˈʜɛ.sɛd / khe-sed. Loving-kindness, loyalty, mercy, faithfulness,
goodness, salvation; the fourth sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting the love of creation.
Hod (‫)הוד‬. n. / hʊd / hood. Majesty, splendour; the eighth sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition,
denoting the glory of creation.
Kabbalah (‫)קַ בָּ לָּה‬. n. / ka.ba'la / kah-bah-lah. Lit. received tradition; an estoreric spiritual tradition
within Judaism.
Kamea (‫)קמע‬. n. / kæmˈɪə / kam-ee-uh. Talisman, amulet; lucky charm; ‘magic square’ (a grid in
which each cell contains a different integer and the sum of the integers in each row, column and
diagonal is equal).
50
Kashrut (‫)כ ְַּשרּות‬. n. / kaʃˈruːt / kash-root. Proper, legal, permissible; in accordance with Jewish law
(especially relating to food).
Kavanah (‫) ַכ ָּונָה‬. n. / kʌ.vʌ.nʌ / kuh-vuh-nuh / aka Kavana, Kavannah. Intentionality; sincerity; the
‘direction of the heart’ (e.g., in the context of prayer).
Keter (‫)כתר‬. n. / ˈkɛ.teə / keh-tair. Lit. crown; the first sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting
the the initial impulse of Ein Sof to become manifested in the world.
Khavruta, Havruta, Chavruta (‫)חַ ְברּותָּ א‬. n. / χavˈʁuta / khav-roo-tah. Lit. fellowship; the practice of
paired/shared learning (e.g., of religious texts), and the bond that can develop as a result.
Koev halev (‫)כואב לי הלב‬. v. / xəʊv xæ.lɛv / khoh-ev hah-lev. Lit. the heart aches; empathy,
compassion, identifying with the other's suffering.
Kosher (‫( )כשר‬n.): lit. right, proper, lawful; used to denote foods prepared in accordance with Jewish
dietary law; used more informally to denote something genuine and legitimate.
La’asot chaim (‫)לעשות חיים‬. v. / ˈlɑ.ɑːsɒt ˈxaɪ.iːm / lah-ah-sot kha-eem. Lit. 'to do or to make life'; to
live fully, to have a good time.
L’chaim (‫)לְּ חַ יִ ים‬. phrase / ləˈxaɪ.iːm / luh-khai-im. Lit. ‘to life’.
Machatunim. n. / mæ.xæh.tu:nʌm / mah-cha-tuh-num. ‘Co-in-laws’; the parents of the spouse of

your child.
Malchut (‫)מלכות‬. n. / mɒl.ʜuːt / mal-hoot. Realm; the final sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition,
denoting the ‘finished product’ of the manifest world itself.
Manna (‫)מָ ן‬. n. / mæ.næ / mah-nah. Edible food that sustained Israelites in the wilderness; spiritual
food.
Mazal tov (‫)מזל טוב‬. inj. / ˈmɑːzɘl tɒf / mah-zul-toff. Lit. 'good fortune'; a blessing of health and
happiness.
Messiah ( ַ‫)מָּ ִׁשיח‬. n. / mɪˈsaɪə / mih-sy-ah. Lit. anointed one; savour, liberator, redeemer; a king or
high priest.
Mishloach manot (‫)משלוח מנות‬. n. / miʃˈlo.aχ maˈnot / mish-loah ma-not. Lit. ‘sending of portions’;
exchanging gifts of food and drink.
Mishpacha (‫)משפחה‬. Hebrew / n. / mə̇ shˈpäḵə / mush-pah-ke. Family; clan; tribe; kin; social group.
Mitzvah (‫)מצְּ וָה‬.

ִ n. / ˈmɪts.və / mitz-vah. A commandment; a good deed (e.g., performed out of
religious duty).
Nachat (‫)נחת‬. n. / ˈnʌ.xət / nuh-khut. Joyful pride in someone's successes (e.g., your progeny or
student).
51
Netzach (‫)נצח‬. n. / neɪ.tsæx / nay-tsakh. Endurance, eternity; fortitude, triumph; the seventh,
denoting the endurance of Ein Sof in the act of creation.
Osher (‫)אושר‬. n. / ɒʃuʁ / oh-shuh. Joy; contented happiness.
Purim (‫)ּפּורים‬.
ִ n. / ˈpʊərɪm / poor-rim. An annual celebration in Judaism (commemorating the saving
of the Jewish people from a figure named Haman).
Radah (‫)רדָ ה‬.

ָ v. / rɔːdɔː / raw-daw. To rule over; to have dominion over.
Seder (‫)סֵ דֶ ר‬. n. / ˈse.deʁ / seh-der. ‘Order, arrangement'; a ritual feast that marks the beginning of
the Jewish holiday of Passover.
Selah (‫)סֶ לָה‬. n. / siːlɑː / see-lah. A pause for reflection; a musical interlude (e.g., in a psalm).
Sephirot(h) (‫)ס ִפירֹות‬.

ְּ n. / sfɪˈroʊt/ sfih-roht. Emanations, attributes; the way Ein Sof ‘reveals Himself,’
thereby creating the various spiritual and physical realms.
Shabbat (‫)שבָ ת‬.

ַ n. / ʃəˈbɑːt / shuh-bart / aka šabbāṯ, Sabbath. From the verb shavat, meaning to rest
or cease; a day each week kept aside for rest, abstinence, and/or worship in various religious
traditions.
Shalev (‫)שלֵו‬.
ָ n. / ʃɔːˈlɑːv / shaw-laarv. Calm, peaceful, quiet, at ease.
Shalom (‫)שלֹום‬.
ָ n. / ʃɔːˈləʊm / shor-lome. Peace, harmony, wholeness, prosperity, welfare and
tranquillity; used also as a greeting/parting salutation.
Shiv'ah (‫)שבעה‬. n. / ʃɪˈvʌʰ / shee-vuh. Lit. seven; the week-long period of mourning prescribed in
Judaism.
Tachlit (‫)תכלית‬. n. / tæḵˈliːt / takh-leet. Purpose, aim; essence; in practical terms (aka ‘brass-tacks’);
in reality, point of fact.
ְּ n. / teɪ hɒm / tay-hom. The deep, the abyss; the Great Deep of the primordial waters
Tehom (‫)תהֹום‬.
of creation in the Bible.
Tiferet (‫)תפארת‬. n. / tifˈʔeʁ.eθ / tif air-eth. Beauty; balance; the sixth sephirot in the Kabbalah
tradition, integrating Hésed and Gevurah.
Tikkun olam (‫)תיקון עולם‬. phrase / tɪ.kuːn əʊ.læm / tih-koon oh-lam. ‘Repair of the world’; a Jewish
aspiration to act constructively and beneficially; social action and the pursuit of justice.
Timshel (‫)תמשל‬. phrase / tɪm.ʃɛl / tim-shell. ‘Thou shall control’; ‘thou shall rule over’; ‘thou mayest”.
Tithadesh (‫)תתחדש‬. int. / tɪt.xaˈdɛʃ / tit-kha-desh. Lit. 'get new'; salutation given to someone who
has acquired a new possession or positive change in circumstances.
ֹ֙ phrase / təʊ.huː wæ bəʊ.huː / toh-hoo w abo-hoo. ‘Unseen and

Tohu wa-bohu (‫)תהּו ו ָֹ֔בהּו‬.
unformed’; ‘without form, and void’; a Biblical phrase found in the Genesis creation narrative
(Genesis 1:2) that describes the condition of the earth (eretz) immediately before the creation of
light in Genesis 1:3.
52
Tzedaka (‫)צדקה‬. n. / sˤə.ðaːˈqaː / su-tha-khaa. Lit. justice, righteousness; generosity/charity

(mandated by justice); required righteous giving.
Tzniut (‫)צניעות‬. n. / tsniːuːt / tsnee-oot. Modesty, privacy, humility (e.g., in dress, speech and
behaviour).
Yesod (‫)יסוד‬. n. / jɪs.sɒd / yiss-sod. Foundation; the ninth sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition,
denoting the actual creation of the manifest world.
Yhvh (‫)יְּהוָה‬. n. / jɛ.həʊ.væ / yeh-hoh-vah. The Hebrew name of God (usually held to be
unpronounceable, and/or too sacred to be uttered).
Zohar (‫)זהַ ר‬. n. / zəʊ.hɑː / zoh-har. Lit. radiance, light, splendour; inner glow; a shining forth; a
foundational text of Kabbalah.
Hindi
Chai pani (चाय पानी) (n.): lit. 'tea and water'; favours or money given to someone to get something
done (similar to a 'bribe', but without a negative connotation).
Diwali (दिवाली). Hindi / n. / dɪ.vɑːlɪ / dih-var-lee. Hindu festival of light (also observed by Jains, Sikhs,
and some Buddhists).
Jugaad (जुगाड). n. / ʤuːˈgɑːd / joo-gaard. The ability to 'make do' or 'get by'; a 'hack' or
improvisation.
Kal (कल). adv. / kɑl / kall. Yesterday; tomorrow.
Meend (मीण्ड). Hindi / n. / miːnd / meend. A glide from one note to another.
Namaste (नमस्ते). int. / nʌˈmæsteɪ / nuh-mah-stay. From the Sanskrit namas (bowing) te (to you);
often interpreted in spiritual ways as 'I bow to the divine in you'.
Talanoa: the way apparently purposeless idle talk functions as a ‘social adhesive’.
Viraag. Hindi / n. / viraːɡ
Hopi
Kokopelli. p. / kɒ.kəʊ.pɛ.li / koh-ko-peh-lee. A fertility deity venerated by some Native American

cultures; usually depicted as a humpbacked flute player (often with feathers or other protrusions on
his head; also a trickster god, and represents the spirit of music.
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Koyaanisqatsi. n. / ˈkɔɪ.ɑːnɪsˈkɑːtsiː / koy-an-iss-kah-tsee. Nature out of balance; a state of affairs

(e.g., dysfunctional) that calls for another way of living.
Hungarian
Aranyhíd. Hungarian / n. / æ.ræn.jɪd / ah-ran-yid. ‘Golden bridge’; the reflection of the rising or
setting sun on water.
Elmosolyodni. n. / ɛlməsɒljɒdniː / el-mu-sol-yod-nee. A micro-smile; the beginning of a full smile.
Elvágyódás. n. / ɛl.væg.jɒd.æz / el-vag-yod-az. The desire or need to escape or get away from where
you currently are.
Ezüsthíd. n. / ɛz.uːst.ɪd / ez-oost-id. ‘Silver bridge’; the reflection of the moon on water.
Hiányérzet. n. / hiːæn.jə.zɛt / he-an-yer-zet. The sense that something (often underfined or

unidentified) is lacking or missing.
Mentegetőzik. v. / mɛn.tə.gɛ.təʊ.zɪk / men-the-geh-toh-zeek. Making an apologetic explanation or

excuse.
Pertu. n. / ˈpeə.ty / pear-too. Lit. by/for you; a drinking or bonding ritual (signifying the
establishment or maintenance of friendship).
Pihentagyú. adj. / piːhɛn.tæʒ.juː / pee-hen-tazj-yoo. With a relaxed brain; being quick-witted and
sharp; can sometimes be used pejoratively (implying insufficient deployment of mental
resources/attention); more positively may also denote someone who can connect ideas in unusual
or creative ways.
Piszmogás. n. / pɪs.məʊ.gəs / pis-moh-gus. Fiddling or messing around at work, and not really
contributing, but keeping up the appearance of working hard.
Sirva vigad. v. / ʃiːrvɒ vigɒd / sheer-va vig-od. Lit. crying, weeping (sirva), rejoicing, merrymaking
(vigad); taking one's pleasures tearfully; a melancholic intermingling of joy and sorrow.
Hunsrik (Brazil).
Kwadi. Hunsrik / n. / kwa.di / kwah-dee. The laziness one feels after warming oneself in the sun on
cold days.
Huron
Orenda. n. / ɔˈɹɛn.də / or-en-duh. Power, force (often with spiritual connotations).
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Icelandic
Að nenna. v. / aːð ˈnɛnːa / arth nen-nah. The capacity or state of being bothered to do something;
the ability or willingness to persevere through tasks (especially that are hard or boring).
Að redda. v. / aːð ˈrɛdːa / arth red-dah. To save someone or fix something in a time sensitive
manner.
Gluggaveður. n. / ˈgluː.kʌ.ve.dər/ gloo-ka-ve-dhurr. Lit. ‘window weather. Weather that is pleasant

to look at through a window, but unpleasant to be outside in (e.g., cold, windy).
Hugfanginn. adj. / ˈhuː.fʌŋ.gɪn / hoo-fun-gin. Lit. 'mind-captured', to be charmed or fascinated by

someone/something.
Ragnarök. n. / ˈɹæɡ.nə.ɹɒk / rag-nuh-rok. Lit. fate, judgement (rök) of the Gods (Ragna); ‘twilight of
the Gods’; a pivotal event in Norse mythology, involving the fall of many Gods, followed by
existential renewal (of life, the Earst, and some Gods).
Þetta reddast. phrase / ˈθæ.tæ ˈrɛtːast / tha-ta-reh-dst. ‘It will all work out ok' (used especially when
things don't look optimistic!).
Sólarfrí. n. / səʊ.lɑːfriː / soh-lah-free. Lit. sun holiday, i.e., when workers are granted unexpected
time off to enjoy a particularly sunny/warm day.
Vegvísir. n. / ˈvɛg.vɪsiːə / veg-vis-ee-uh. ‘Way finder’; a Nordic magical stave intended to help
the bearer find their way through rough weather.
Vesen. n. / vɛ.sɛn / veh-sen. Something that is more complicated or trouble than it needs to be.
Víðsýni. n, adj. / ˈvɪθ.siːniː / veeth-see-nee. A panoramic view; open-mindedness.
Indian (various)
Susegad. Konkani (Goa) / n. / suːsə.gæd / soo-suh-gad. A relaxed, laid-back attitude or way of life;
enjoying life to the fullest.
Innu
Amipushu. n. / æ.mə.pə.ʃuː / ah-me-puh-shu. Quiet water surface.
Pimashu. v. / pə.mɑːhuː / p-mah-oo. To move with the wind.
Uashtessiu. n. / uːɑːtɪ.ʃuː / oo-ah-tiss-oo. Trees are changing colour.
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Indonesian (Bahasa)
Begadang. v. / bɛ.gə.dæŋ / beh-gah-dang. To stay awake all night talking.
Belum. aux v. / bə.ləm / buh-luhm. Not yet, perhaps, hopeful wish.
Berlenggang. v. / bɜːlɛŋ.gæŋ / ber-leng-gang. To walk gracefully by swinging your hands or hips.
Bijaksana. adj. / biːˈʤæk.sæ.næ / bee-jak-sah-nah. Wise,sagacious; prudent, sensible; judicious,

rational, equitable; bright; discreet.
Gemas. n. / ɡəˈmæs / guh-mass. A feeling of love or affection; the urge to squeeze someone because
they are so cute.
Jayus. n. / gæ.juːs / gah-yoose. A joke that is so unfunny (or told so badly) that you just have to
laugh.
Keren. adj. / kəˈrɛn / kuh-rren. Cool; modern; spirited; impressive; dashing.
Malu. n. / mɑːluː / mah-loo. Humility, modesty; shame, embarrassment; shyness, bashfulness.
Kekau. n. / kə.kaʊ / kuh-kow. Waking up suddenly from sleep (e.g., if startled); regaining
consciousness and returning to reality after a nightmare.
Inuktitut
Aqilokoq. n. / æ.kiːləʊ.kɒk / ah-kee-loh-kok. Gently falling snow.
Ayurnamat. n. / ɪ.jɜːnæ.mæt / ih-yur-nah-mat. Stoicism; the possibility or approach of not worrying

about things that cannot be changed.
Iktsuarpok. n. / ɪk.ˈt͡suɑː.pɒk / ik-tsua-pok. Anticipation one feels when waiting for someone, and
keeps checking if they're arriving.
Ihuma. n. / iː huːmæ: / ee-hoo-maah. Reason, wisdom and knowledge; calm, cheerful patience,
particularly in the face of difficulty and frustration; realism and flexibility; respect for others’
independence.
Inuktitut. n. / i-ˈnük-tə-ˌtüt / ih-nook-tuh-toot. ‘In the way of an Inuk' (a person of Inuit descent);
refers to both language and their culture, so an Inuk can behave in Inuktitut, as well as speak
in Inuktitut.
Inuuqatigiittiarniq. n. / ɪnuːkæt.ɪg.iːt ɪɑːnɪk / ih-noo-kat-ig-eet-ee-ah-nik. Being respectful of all

people; healthy communities; neighbourliness; living in peace and harmony with others.
Pittiarniq. n. / pɪt.ɪɑːniːk / pih-tee-ah-neek. Loving-kindness; being kind and good.
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Qarrtsiluni. v. / kʌːrʒ.sɪ.luːnɪ / kartz-sih-loo-nih. Sitting together in the darkness, perhaps expectantly

(e.g., waiting for something to happen or to ‘burst forth’); the strange quiet before a momentous
event.
Iroquoian
Ondinnonk. n. / ɒn.diːnuːnk / on-dee-noonk. The secret, innermost desires or wishes of the soul
(e.g., as revealed in dreams).
Italian
Abbiocco. n. / abˈbjɔkko / a-bee-okk-o. Drowsiness following eating a (large) meal.
Adagio. adj., adv., n. / ə-ˈdä-jē.ō / a-dar-zhee-oh. ‘At ease’; at a slow tempo (used chiefly as a
direction in music); a ballet duet (or trio) displaying difficult feats of balance, lifting, or spinning.
Adagissimo. adj., adv. / ə-ˈdä-jē.səˌmō / a-dar-zhess-eh-moh. Very slowly (the superlative of adagio);
used as a direction in music.
Al dente. adj. / ælˈdɛn.teɪ / al den-tay. ‘To the tooth’; pasta or rice that is cooked to be firm to the
bite.
Allegro. adj., adv. / ə-ˈle-(ˌ)grō / uh-leg-roh. ‘Merry’; a brisk lively tempo; used as a direction in
music.
Ambientamento. n. / ˈæm.bɪən.tə.mento / am-bee-en-tah-men-toh. Settling-in; acclimatisation;

adjustment.
Andante. adj., adv. / än.ˈdän-tē / an-dan tey. Moderately slow; used as a direction in music.
Apericena. n. / ap.eʀiˈʧeɪ.næ / ah-per-ree-chay-nah. A neologism to denote the recent trend to meet

friends in order to eat together, combining aperitif with dinner, and replacing the dinner with lighter
food, in a less formal setting and saving time and money.
Arcigola. n. / ˌart.ʃiˈɡola / art-chee-goo-lah. Lit. society of ‘gluttons’ (ARCI is an Italian social

institution, while ‘arch’ can also imply authority; gola means gluttony or appetite); original name for
the Slow Food movement.
Arrangiarsi. v. / a.ranˈʤaːsiː / a-rran-jar-see. The ability to 'make do' or 'get by'.
Bel canto. n. / ˌbɛl ˈkanto / bel kan-toh. ‘Beautiful singing/song’; generally refers to the Italian-
originated vocal style that prevailed throughout most of Europe during the 18th century and early
19th centuries.
Bella figura. phrase / ˈbɛl.lɑ.fiˈgu.ʀɑ / bell-ah fih-goor-ah. Beautiful figure; good impression; fine
appearance; grace, tact, style.
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Benedicaria. n. / bɛ.nɪ.dɪk.tə.kɑːrɪə / beh-ne-dik-ta-kar-ee-uh. ‘Way of Blessing’; a term for various

family-based folk healing and spiritual traditions found throughout Italy (referred to by some as ‘folk
magic’).
Brio. Italian / n. / ˈbriːəʊ / bree-oh. Mettle, fire; life; vivacity, energy, vitality; confidence.
Calando. adj., adv. / käˈlän(ˌ)dō / kah-lan-doh. diminishing in loudness and sometimes tempo; used
as a direction in music.
Cadenza. n. / kaˈdɛnt.sa / cah-dent-suh. An improvised or written-out ornamental passage played or

sung by a soloist or soloists, usually in a free style, allowing virtuosic display.
Certosina. n. /ˌtʃɜr.təˈsi:nə / cher-tuh-see-nuh. An art technique involving using small pieces of

wood, bone, metal, or mother-of-pearl to create inlaid geometric patterns on wood.
Chiaroscuro. n. / kjarosˈkuro / kyar-oss-kour-oh. Contrasts of light and dark/shade (usually pertaining

to art).
Coda. n. / ˈkoːda / coh-dah. ‘Tail’; in music, a passage that brings a piece or a movement to an end.
Dietrologia. n. / ˈdjɛ.troˌdʒi.a / jeh-troh-loh-jee-uh. Lit’ behind-ology’; what lies behind; conspiracy

theory; the idea that there is another (truer) explanation behind the given one.
Disegno. n. / diˈsɛn.yɔ / dee-sen-yo. Lit. drawing or design; fine art drawing; the formal discipline
required for representing the ideal form of an object in the visual arts.
Falsetto. n. / fɔːlˈsɛ.toʊ / fal-set-oh. Diminutive of falso (false); the vocal register occupying the
frequency range just above the modal voice register and overlapping with it by approximately one
octave.
Fiero. n. / ˈfjɛːro / fee-yeah-ro. Pride/satisfaction in one’s achievements (usually with the implication
of this feeling being deserved/warranted).
Figurati. v. / fi.ɡurˈa:ti / fih-goor-ah-tee. Lit. picture that, or imagine that; you’re welcome; don’t
mention it.
Focolare. n. / fo.koˈlaːre / fo-co-lah-reh. Hearth; the fireplace at the physical / emotional centre of a
home.
Gattara. n. / ɡäˈt̪ːäːrä / gah-tah-rah. A ‘cat lady’; a female, often elderly, who devotes time to looking
after stray cats.
Glissando. Italian / n. / glɪs.æn.dəʊ / gliss-and-oh. In music, a glide from one pitch to another.
Larghetto. adj., adv. / lä:ge.tō / lar-get-toh. ‘Rather broadly’; used as a direction in music (as a tempo
that is slower than andante but not as slow as largo).
Larghissimo. adj., adv. / la:gē.səˌmō / lar-gess-eh-moh. In as slow a manner as possible; used as a

direction in music.
Leggiadria. n. / l ̺edd͡ʒäˈd̪ r̺iːä / led-jah-dree-ah. Gracefulness, loveliness, prettiness, elegance.
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Mancando. adj., adv. / mä.kän.dō / man-kan-doh. Fading away; used as a direction in music.
Magari. adv. / maˈɡɑː.ri / ma-gah-ree. Maybe, possibly; hopeful wish, wistful regret; in my dreams, if
only.
Mandi. Friulano / phrase / ˈmæn.diː / man-dee. In God’s hands; a contraction of mano (hand) and
Dio (God); used as a greeting, and as a wish.
Marmotinto. n. / mɑːməʊ.tɪn.təʊ / mar-mo-tin-toh. ‘Sand painting’; the art of creating pictures using
coloured sand or marble dust.
Meriggiare. v. / mɛ.rɪˈdʒeɑː.rɪ / me-rri-jah-rri. To rest at noon (in the shade).
Menefreghismo. n. / mɪ.nɪ friːgiːz.mɔː / mih-nih-frih-geez-mooh. A couldn’t-care-less attitude; the

condition of not giving a hoot.
Pantofolaio. n. / pän.tō.fō’la:jō / pan-toh-foh-lah-yo. ‘Slippers’; someone who prefers a quiet or lazy

life, avoiding activity that disrupts their peace and relaxation
Passaggio. n. / pəˈsäˌjō / pah-sahj-yo. ‘Passage’; a term used in classical singing to describe the
transition area between the vocal registers; an improvised embellishment or flourish found
especially in 16th century music.
Passeggiata. n. / päs.sād.jaːtä / pa-saj-yah-ta. A leisurely stroll/turn/walk.
Pentimento. n. / pɛn.tə-ˈmɛn.tō / pen-tuh-men-toh. Lit. ‘repentance’; a reappearance in a painting

of an original element which had been painted over by the artist.
Pianoforte. n. / pɪˈæ.nəʊ.fɔːteɪ / pee-an-oh-for-tay. Soft and loud; basis for ‘piano.’
Presto. adj., adv. / ˈpre-(ˌ)stō / preh-stow. Suddenly, immediately, instantaneously; at a rapid tempo
(used as a direction in music).
Quadratura. n. / kwad.raˈtu.ra / kwod-rah-toor-ah. Lit. squaring, balancing; an illusionist form of

visual art, involving painting architectural details onto flat surfaces (ceilings, walls) to create the
impression of three-dimensional space.
Qualunquismo. n. / kwa.lunˈkwiz.mo / kwah-luhn-kwiz-moh. An attitude of apathy, indifference or

disgust towads politics.
Riposo. n. / riˈpɔso/ rre-poor-soh. Rest, repose; a nap; cf. siesta.
Ritardando. adj., adv. / ri.tärˈdänˌdō / ri-tar-dan-doh. A gradual slackening in tempo; used as a

direction in music.
Ritornello. n. / ri.torˈnɛ.lo / rih-tor-nello. ‘Little return’; a recurring musical passage.
Saper vivere. n. / sæˈpeə.rə viːveə.rə / sah-pare-eh vee-vare-eh. The ability to handle people and
situations with charm, diplomacy and verve; cf. savior faire (French).
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Scatenarsi. v. / skæ.tɛˈnɑːsiː / skah-teh-nar-see. To run wild; to rampage; to throw off one’s shackles;
to break free.
Sfumato. v., adj. / sfuˈma.to / sfoo-mah-toh. Derived from fumo (to smoke); to soften, or shade into;
to taper, or fade out; as adj. – vague, blurred, mellow; a painting technique in which colours are
subtly shaded into one another.
Sgraffito. n. / zɡrafˈfiːto / zgraf-ee-toh. ‘Scratched away’; a technique of ornamentation in which a

surface layer (e.g., of paint) sctached away to reveal a ground of contrasting colour.
Solfeggio. n. / sɒlˈfɛd.ʒioʊ / sol-fed-jioo. A music education method used to teach aural skills, pitch
and sight-reading of Western music.
Sprezzatura. n. / ˌsprɪt.səˈt(j)ʊə.rə / spritz-uh-toor-uh. Nonchalance; art and effort are concealed

beneath a studied carelessness.
Squillo. n. / skwi.lo / skwi-low. ‘Ring’, ‘blast’; the resonant, trumpet-like sound in the voices of opera
singers.
Staccato. n. / stæˈkæːtəʊ / stah-kah-toh. ‘Detached’; in music, a note of shortened duration,

separated from the note that may follow by silence.
Tempo rubato. n. / ˈtɛm.po ruˈbaːto / tem-poh ru-bar-toh. ‘Stolen time’; a musical term referring to
expressive and rhythmic freedom by a slight speeding up and then slowing down at the discretion of
the soloist or the conductor.
Vibrato. n. / vɪˈbrɑ.toʊ / vi-bra-toh. A musical effect consisting of a regular, pulsating change of

pitch.
Vivace. adj., adv. / vē. vä:ˌchē / vi-var-chey. Vivacious, lively; in a brisk spirited manner; used as a
direction in music.
Vivacissimo. adj., adv. / ˌvē.vəˈchē.səˌmō / veh-vah-chee-see-moh. In a very lively or vivacious

manner; used as a direction in music.
Voler bene. v. / voˈlə ˈbɛːne / voh-luh beh-neh. Lit. to want much; to love; to care for in a deep,
loving way; to be very fond of.
Jamaican Patois
Obeah. n. / əʊ.beɪ.ə / oh-bay-uh. A system of spiritual and healing practices developed among
enslaved West Africans in the West Indies.
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Japanese
Ah-un (阿吽). n. / ɑː. ən / ah-un. A transliteration of Auṃ (ॐ), the sacred Sanskrit syllable; the
beginning and ending of something; unspoken communication between close friends.
Aiki (合気). n. / ɑ.iːkiː / ah-ee-kee. Blending or harmonising opposing forces within oneself; a
dialectical relationship between matched equals; the ability to skilfully manipulate another person.
Amae (甘え). v. / ɑːm.ɑːiː / am-ah-ee. To behave in ways that implicitly request love or indulgence of
one's perceived needs (often used negatively to describe passivity).
Bentō (弁当). n. / bɛn.təʊ / ben-tow. Lit. ‘useful thing; a a single-portion take-out or home-packed
meal common in Japanese cuisine.
Bishōnen (美少年). n. / bɪʃ. ɒn. ɛn / bish-on-en. ‘Beautiful youth’; an aesthetic involving a young man
of androgynous beauty.
Boketto (ぼけっと). adv. / bəʊ.kɛt.təʊ / boh-ket-toh. Idly; doing nothing; vacantly; e.g., gazing
vacantly into the distance (without thought or sense of self).
Bon (盆). n. / bɒn / bon. A Japanese Buddhist tradition involving the honouring of the spirits of
one's ancestors.
Bon-bi (盆火). n. / bɒn.bɪ / bon-bee. Bonfire, large fire; relates to the Japanese tradition of Bon
(honouring of the spirits of one's ancestors).
Bōsōzoku (暴走族). n. / bəʊ.səʊ.zɒ.kuː / bo-so-zoh-koo. ‘Running-out-of-control tribe’; a Japanese

youth subculture associated with customized motorcycles, with a style involving boilersuits similar to
those of manual laborers or leather military jackets with baggy trousers.
Budō (武道). n. / buːdəʊ / boo-doh. Lit. the art or way of war; martial arts.
Bushidō (武士道). n. / buːʃiːdəʊ / boo-shee-doh. ‘The way of warriors’; a collective term for the
codes of honour and ideals that dictated the samurai way of life (loosely analogous to the European
concept of chivalry).
Chadō (茶道). n. / ʧɑːdəʊ / chah-doh. The art or way of tea.
Dashi (だし). n. / dæ.ʃi: / da-shee. A fish stock used in Japanese cuisine, forming the basis for
dishes such as miso soup, to accentuate the umami flavour.
Datsuzoku (脱俗). n. / dæt.suːzəʊ.kuː / dat-soo-zoh-koo. Lit. shedding or removing (datsu)

worldliness or mundanity (zoku); unworldliness, saintliness; freedom from habit, escape from the
routine and conventional.
Dō’ (道). n. / dəʊ / doh. Path or way (e.g., spiritual).
Dogeza (土下座). n. / dəʊ.giːzə / doh-gee-zuh. A kneeling bow; the deepest, most respectful and
formal form of bowing in Japanese culture (among a range of forms).
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Dōjō (道場). n. / dəʊ.ʤəʊ / doh.joh. Lit. place of the way/path; a room/hall in which martial arts are
practised.
Ensō (円相). n. / ɛn.zəʊ / en-zoh. ‘Circle’; in Zen, a circle symbolising concepts such as englightment;
usually hand-drawn in one or two uninhibited brushstrokes, expressing one’s spiritual insight.
Eshaku (会釈). n. / ɛʃ.æk.uː / esh-ah-koo. One form of bowing in Japanese culture (among a range of
forms), involving bending of the upper body at around 15 degrees; fairly formal, used with people
ones knows but are not familiar with.
Fukinsei (不均整). n. / fuˈkɪn.seɪ / foo-kin-say. Natural / spontaneous asymmetry or irregularity.
Furitama (降り魂). n. / fu.rɪ.tɑːmɑː / foo-ree-tah-mah. A Shinto practice of ‘spirit shaking’ in which

people place their hands upin front of their stomach and shake them vigorously up and down.
Fuubutsushi (風物詩). n. / fu.bu.tsu.ʃi / foo-boo-tsoo-shi. Stimuli/phenomena that evoke / remind

one of a particular season.
Gagaku (雅楽). Japanese / n. / gæ.gæ.kuː / gah-gah-koo. ‘Elegant music’; imperial court music and
dances; a type of Japanese classical music that has been performed at the Imperial Court since the
7th century.
Gaman (我慢). n. / gæ.mæɲ / gah-mahn. Patience, fortitude, endurance, self-control/restraint.
Ganbaru (頑張る). v. / ɡã̠mˈbɑːɾ̠ɯᵝ / gam-bar-ou. Lit. 'to stand firm'; to do one’s best.
Genki (元気). adj., n. / ˈgɛŋ.kiː / geng-kee. Lit. the origin (gen) of ki (energy or ‘life force’); being
healthy, energetic, and full of life.
Geisha (芸者). n. / ɡeːɕa / ge-shuh. Artisan, performing artist; women who entertain through
performing the ancient traditions of art, dance and singing.
Go (igo) ( 囲碁). n. / gəʊ / go. Lit. surround game; a board-game originating in ancient China.
Goraikou (御来光). n. / gʊə.aɪ.ɪ.kɔ / gor-aye-ee-cor. Lit. sacred or honorable delivery of light;

sunlight seen from a mountain top; the rising sun.
Giri (義理). n. / gɪ.rɪ / gih-rih. Duty, obligation; a debt of honour.
Haiku (俳句). n. / hɑiːku / hai-koo. A form of Japanese poetry, usually just 17 syllables long (with
lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables), involving the sudden juxtapositions of ideas or images, and often
focused on natural (e.g., seasonal) phenomena.
Hanakotoba (花言葉). n. / hæ.næ.kəʊ.təʊ.bə / ha-na-ko-to-ba. The Japanese form of the

language of flowers (in which flowers symbolically represent qualities, and so can convey
emotion and communicate directly to the recipient or viewer without needing the use of
words).
Heijunka (平準化). n. / heɪ.ʤʌŋ.kə / hay-junk-uh. ‘Production leveling’, ‘production smoothing’; a

technique for reducing the mura (unevenness) which in turn reduces muda (waste); central to ‘lean
62
manufacturing’ (producing intermediate goods at a constant rate so that further processing may also
be carried out at a constant and predictable rate).
Hitsuzendō (筆禅道). n. / hɪt.su:zɛn.dəʊ / hit-soo-zen-doh. ‘Way of the brush’; the art of calligraphy
as a spiritual practice.
Honkadori (本歌取り). n. / hɒŋ.kə.dɔːri: / hon-ku-door-ee. An allusion within a poem to an older

poem which would be generally recognized by its potential readers.
Honne (本音). n. / hõ̞ nːe̞ / honn-uh. Lit. ‘true sound’; one’s true feelings and desires (contrasted with
tatemae, i.e., public-facing feelings).
Iaidō (居合道). n. / iːɑiːdəʊ / ee-aee-doh. The way of mental presence and immediate reaction; a
swodfighting martial art that emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and
responding to a sudden attack.
Ibasho (居場所). n. / ɪ. Bæ.ʃ əʊ / ih-bah-sho. ‘Whereabouts’; a place where one belongs, fits in, can
be oneself.
Ikebana (生け花). n. / ɪkə.bæ.nə / ik-uh-ba-na. ‘Arranging flowers’; ‘making flowers alive’; the
Japanese art of flower arrangement.
Iki (いき). n. / iːkiː / ee-kee. An aesthetic principle characterised by qualities including simplicity,
straightforwardness, sophistication, intelligence, spontaneity, originality and audacity.
Ikigai (生き甲斐). n. / iːkiːɑiː / ee-kee-gaee. Lit. iki (life) gai (result, worth, use, benefit); a ‘reason for
being’; meaning/purpose in life.
Ishin-denshin (以心伝心). phrase / ɪʃ.ɪn.dɛn.ʃɪn / ish-in-den-shin. ‘What the mind thinks, the heart
transmits’; interpersonal communication through unspoken mutual understanding; heart-to-heart
communication; tacit understanding.
Johakyū (序破急). n. / ʒo:hæ.kjuː / jo-ha-kyu. ‘Beginning, break, rapid’; a concept of modulation and
movement applied in a wide variety of traditional Japanese arts, whereby actions or efforts should
begin slowly, speed up, and then end swiftly.
Jūdō (柔道). n. / ʤuːdəʊ / joo-doh. Lit. gentle way; a form of martial art, centred around grappling
with one’s opponent with the aim of pinning them to the floor.
Kabuki (歌舞伎). n. / kæ.buːkiː / ka-boo-kee. ‘The art of singing and dancing’; ‘to be out of the
ordinary’; a classical Japanese dance-drama, known for the stylization of its drama and for the
elaborate Kumadori (make-up) worn by some of its performers.
Kaizen (改善). n. / kaɪ.zɛn / kai-zen. Gradual, incremental (and often continuous) improvement.
Kami (神). n. / kɑːmiː / kah-mee. Spirits (or spiritual phenomena) worshipped in the context of
Shinto; can include aspects or forces of nature, as well as beings, and also the qualities possessed by
such beings.
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Kanso (簡素). n. / ˈkæn.sɒ / kan-soh. Simple, plain; in art, refers to an elegant simplicity, an
attractive absence of clutter.
Karakuri (絡繰り). n. / kæ.ræ.kʊə.riː / ka-ra-koor-ee. ‘Mechanisms’, ‘trick’; any device that evokes a
sense of awe through concealment of its inner workings; traditional Japanese mechanized puppets
or automata.
Karyūkai (花柳界). n. / kæri juː kaɪ / ka-ree-yoo-ky. ‘The Flower and Willow World’; areas in which
geisha and the traditional establishments where they entertain are located.
Kawaakari (かわあかり). n. / kɑːwæ.kɑːɺiː / kar-wah-kar-ree. Lit. river bright; the glow/gleam of the
river at dusk (or in the darkness).
Kawaii (かわいい). n. / ka.ɰai’I / kah-wahy-ee. Lovable, cute, adorable; a culture of cuteness in

Japan; can refer to items, humans and nonhumans that are charming, vulnerable, shy, and childlike.
Kenshō (見性). n. / kɛn.ʃəʊː / ken-shoh. Seeing (ken) one’s nature or essence (shō); perceiving one’s
Buddha nature; sometimes interpreted as an initial or brief awakening.
Keirei (敬礼). n. / keɪ.reɪ / kay-ray. A very formal form of bowing in Japanese culture (among a range
of forms), involving bending of the upper body at around 30 degrees.
Kintsugi (金継ぎ). n. / kɪn.tsʊ.gi / kin-tsu-gi. Lit. 'golden joinery'; the art of repairing broken pottery
using gold; metaphorically meaning to render our flaws and fault-lines beautiful and strong.
Kirigami (切り紙). n. / kɪ.rɪˈgɑːmi / kih-ree-ga-mee. ‘Cutting paper’; a variation of origami that

includes cutting paper (rather than solely folding it).
Kō (候). n. / kəʊ / koh. Micro-season (with year being divided into 72 different kō).
Kōan (公案). n. / ˈkəʊ.ɑn / koh-an. Lit. public record, or official business; principles of reality existing
outside of subjective opinion; an ‘unanswerable’ question or riddle, used in Zen to facilitate
awakening.
Koi no yokan (恋の予感). n. / ˈkɔi.nɒ.jɒˈkæn / cor-ee-nor-yor-can. Preminition or presentiment of

love; the feeling on meeting someone that falling in love will be inevitable.
Koko (考古). n. / kɒ.kɒ / ko-ko. Weathered beauty; austere sublimity.
Kokoro (心). n. / kəʊ.kəʊ.rəʊ / koh-koh-roh. Heart and mind (and even spirit) combined.
Kokusaijin (国際人). n. / kɒ.kuːsɑiːʤiːn / koh-koo-sah-ee-jeen. Lit. an 'international person';

someone who is cosmopolitan, flexible, and open-minded.
Komorebi (木漏れ日). n. / kɒ.mɒˈre.bɪ / ko-mo-reh-bi. Lit. wood is ‘leaking’ sunlight; dappled

sunlight filtering through leaves.
Kyūdō (弓道). n. / kjuːdəʊ / kyoo-doh. ‘Way of the bow’; the art of archery.
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Maki-e (蒔絵). n. / mɑ.kiː iː / ka-kee-ee. ‘Sprinkled picture’; Japanese lacquer sprinkled with gold or
silver powder as a decoration.
Majime (真面目). adj. / mɑːd͡ʑ.mɛ / mah-jee-meh. Reliable, responsible, diligent; seriousness,

formality.
Mingei (民芸). n. / mɪŋ. geɪ / ming-gey. ‘Folk arts’; ‘arts of the people’; a 20th century Japanese arts
movement celebrating everyday ordinary and utilitarian objects created by nameless and unknown
craftsmen.
Misogi (禊). n. / mɪ.səʊ.jiː / mih-soh-yee. A practice of ritural purification found in Shinto, involving
washing the whole body, often in cold natural water.
Miyabi (雅). n. / mɪ.jɑ.biː / me-yah-bee. Elegance, refinement; courtliness; impeccable manners; the
total disavowal of vulgarity or crudity.
Mokusatsu (黙殺). v. / mɒ.kuːsæt.suː / mo-koo-sat-soo. To ignore or keep silent (e.g., when rejecting
a bargaining offer).
Mono no aware (物の哀れ). n. / mɒ.nɒ.nɒ.ɐ.wɐ.ɾeɪ / mo-no-no-a-wah-ray. Pathos of understanding

the transiency of the world and its beauty.
Mottainai (もったいない). n. / mɒt.eɪn.eɪ / moh-tay-nay. ‘What a waste’; an expression of regret at

the full value of something not being put to good use or being discarded needlessly.
Mu (無). n. / muː / mooh. Negative, void, nothingness, non-being; used in Buddhism to imply
'neither yes nor no'.
Muda (無駄). n. / muːdə / moo-duh. Futility; uselessness; wastefulness; a key concept in lean
process thinking (e.g., the Toyota Production System) as one of the three types of deviation from
optimal allocation of resources (muda, mura, and muri).
Mura (斑). n. / muːrə / moor-uh. Unevenness; irregularity; non-uniformity; inequality; a key concept
in lean process thinking (e.g., the Toyota Production System) as one of the three types of deviation
from optimal allocation of resources (muda, mura, and muri).
Muri (無理). n. / muːri : / moor-ee. Unreasonableness; impossible; beyond one's power; too difficult;
by force; perforce; forcibly; compulsorily; excessiveness; immoderation; a key concept in lean
process thinking (e.g., the Toyota Production System) as one of the three types of deviation from
optimal allocation of resources (muda, mura, and muri).
Naikan (内観). n. / naɪ.kæn / ny-kan. Inside-looking; introspection; a structured method of self-

reflection developed by Yoshimoto Ishin.
Nakama (仲間). n. / nɑːkɑːmɑː / nah-kah-mah. Best friend;close buddy; one for whom one feels
deep platonic love.
Natsukashii (懐かしい). adj. / nɑːt.suːkɑː ʃiː / naht-soo-kah-shee. Missed, precious, yearned for,
'dear old ...'.
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Nemawashi (根回し). n. / nɛ.mɑːwɑːʃiː / neh-mah-wah-shee. Lit. revolving or going around the roots
(e.g., preparing a tree for transplant to different soil); laying the foundations for a proposed project
or change; consensus-building.
Noh (能). n. / nɒ / noh. ‘Skill’, ‘talent’; a form of classical Japanese dance-drama that has been
performed since the 14th century.
Nurikabe (塗り壁). Japanese / nu:riːkɑːbiː / noo-ree-kar-bee. ‘Plaster wall’; a yōkai (spirit) from
Japanese folklore, which manifests as an invisible wall that impedes or misdirects travelers walking at
night.
Ohanami (お花見). n. / əʊ.hæ.næ.mi / oh-ha-na-me. Lit. flower (hana) mi (viewing). The culturally
valued activity of gathering to appreciate flowers (and specifically cherry blossoms).
On (恩). n. / ɒn / on. A feeling of moral indebtedness, relating to a favour or blessing given by others.
Omoiyari (思いやり). n. / o.moi.jɑ.ri / oh-moy-yah-rih. Altruistic sensitivity; an intuitive

understanding of others’ desires, feelings and thoughts, and consequent action on the basis of this
understanding.
Omotenashi (おもてなし). n. / o.mo.tɛn.ɑːʃiː / oh-moh-ten-ah-shee. ‘No surface’; a deep form of

mindful and authentic hospitality, providing exceptional service without expectation of reward.
Origami (折り紙). n. / ɒrɪˈgɑːmi / o-ree-ga-mee. ‘Folding paper’; the art of paper folding.
Otsukaresama (お疲れ様). int. / o.tsu.kɑ.rɛ.sa.mɑ / oh-tsoo-kah-reh-sah-mah. ‘Thank you for your

hard work', gratitude and appreciation.
Rangaku (蘭學). n. / ræŋ.gæ.kuː / rang-gah-koo. ‘Dutch learning’; a body of knowledge

developed by Japan through its contacts with the Dutch enclave of Dejima, which helped
keep Japan informed about Western technology and medicine.
Reiki (霊気). n. / ɺ̠e̞ːkiː / ray-kee. Lit. soul, spirit, miraculous, divine (rei) life-force (ki, aka qì); a
system of alternative medicine usually credited to Mikao Usui (circa 1922) involving the ‘laying’ of
hands on the body (to direct the flow of ki).
Reiwa (令和). n. / ɺ̠e̞ːɯɑː / ray-wah. Beautiful, auspicious, and orderly harmony and peace.
Renga (連歌). n. / rɛŋ.gə / reng-uh. A genre of collaborative poetry, written by more than one
author working together, and consisting of at least two ku (stanzas).
Rōnin. n. / rəʊ.nɪn / roh-nin. ‘Drifter’, ‘wanderer’; a samurai without a lord or master during the
feudal period of Japan.
Sabi (寂). n. / sɑːbɪ / sa-be. Lonely, desolate, aged beauty.
Sakura (桜). n. / sæ.kɔːrə / sah-koor-uh. Japanese cherry blossom (aka Prunus serrulata).
Satori (悟り). n. / sɑːtəʊ.riː / sar-toh-ree. Understanding, comprehension; awakening,

enlightenment.
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Seijaku (靜寂). n. / ˌseɪˈdʒɐ.kə / say-ja-ku. Quiet (sei) tranquillity (jaku); silence, calm, serenity
(especially in the midst of activity or chaos).
Saikeirei (最敬礼). n. / saɪ.keɪ.reɪ / sy.kay-ray. A particularly deep, respectful, formal form of bowing
in Japanese culture (among a range of forms), involving bending of the upper body at around 45
degrees.
Senryū (川柳). n. / sɛn.ruː / sen-roo. ‘River willow'; a Japanese form of short poetry, similar to haiku
in construction (but senryū tend to be about human foibles, and are often cynical or darkly
humorous, whereas haiku tend to be about nature and more serious).
Shibumi (渋味). n. / ʃiːbuːmiː / shee-boo-mee. Simple, subtle, unobtrusive and effortless beauty.
Shingyoso (真行草). n. / ʃɪŋ.jəʊ.səʊ / shing-yo-so. The practice/method of dividing phenomena into

degrees of formality (and usually into three categories).
Shinrin-yoku (森林浴). n. / ʃɪn.riː jɒk.ə / shin-ree-yok-uh. Lit. 'bathing' in the forest (literally and/or
metaphorically); appreciating the restorative/rejuvenating power of nature.
Shizen (自然). n. / ʃiːzẽ̞ɴ / shee-zun. Naturalness, absence of pretence, contrivance, or premeditation

(e.g., in art).
Shodō (書道). n. / ɕo̞ ːdəʊ / shoh-doh. ‘Way of writing’; Japanese calligraphy.
Shōganai (しょうがない). phrase / ɕo̞ ːɡa̠na̠I / sho-gan-ay. It can’t be helped; it’s inevitable; what
will be will be.
Shōko (鉦鼓). n. / ɕo̞ːkəʊ / shoh-koh. A small bronze gong, struck with two horn beaters, used in
Japanese gagaku.
Shōmyō (声明). n. / ɕo̞m.yəʊ / shom-yo. A style of Japanese Buddhist chant, used mainly in the
Tendai and Shingon sects, which employs a pentatonic scale with ascending intervals of two, three,
two, two, and three semitones.
Shuhari (しゅはり). n. / ʃuːhɑːriː / shoo-har-ee. ‘Keep, fall, break away’; a reflection on the
stages towards mastery of a skill; first ‘protect’ or ‘obey’ (learning fundamentals and
traditional wisdom), then ‘detach’ or ‘digress’ (breaking with tradition), then ‘leave’ or
‘separate’ (transcending barriers, moves become natural).
Sūkō (崇高). n. / suːkəʊ / soo-koh. Sublimity, nobility, spirituality.
Sunao (素直). adj. / suːnɑ.əʊ / soo-nah-oh. Meek, docile and submissive (in a positive, deferential
way); authentic, and honest with oneself.
Taikomochi (太鼓持). Japanese / n. / taɪ.kəʊ.mɒ.ʧiː / ty-koh-mo-chee. Male versions of geisha in

Japan; a Japanese version of the jester, excelling in arts and conversation.
Tatemae (建前). n. / tæ.tæ.meɪ / tah-tah-mey. Lit. façade, or pretext; feelings or opinions one
presents inpublic (contrasted with honne, i.e., true feelings).
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Tsugite (継手). n. / tsuːgɪt.eɪ / tsoo-git-eh. ‘Joinery’; the Japanese art of joining pieces of wood
without glue, nails or metal supports.
Ukiyo (浮世). n. / ʊk.iːjəʊ / ook-ee-oh. Lit floating/drifting world; appraising the ephemerality of the
world; living within transient moments of fleeting beauty.
Ukiyo-e (浮世絵). n. / ʊk.iːjəʊ iː / ook-ee-oh-ee. ‘Picture[s] of the floating world’; a Japanese art
movement which flourished from the 17th to the 19th centuries, involving woodblock prints and
paintings of such subjects as female beauty, scenes from history and folk tales, travel scenes and
landscapes.
Umami (うま味). n. / uːmɑːmiː / oo-mah-mee. A rich, pleasant, savoury taste.
Utakata (泡沫). n. / uːtɑːkɑːtɑː / oo-tah-kah-tah. Lit. bubbles, foam; ephemerality, transciency.
Utsura-ustura (うつらうつら). v. / uːt.sjʊə.ɾ̠ə uːt.sjʊə.ɾ̠ə / oot-soor-ah oot-soor-ah. To drift between

sleep and wakefulness.
Wabi (侘) n. / ɯɑːbɪ / wa-be. Imperfect, rustic, remote, weathered beauty.
Wabi-sabi (侘寂): n. / ɯɑːbɪ sɑːbɪ / wa-be sa-be. Imperfect and aged beauty; the aesthetics of
impermanence and imperfection; a ‘dark, desolate sublimity’.
Wai-wai (ワイワイ). n. / ɯɑɪ.ɯɑɪ / wa-iy wa-iy. The sound of children playing.
Washi (和紙). n. / ɯɑːʃɪ / wah-shee. ‘Japanese paper'; paper that uses local Japanese fiber and is
made using traditional technqiues.
Yūgen (幽玄). n. / ˈjuː. gɘn / yoo-gn. Obscurity, cloudy impenetrability, unknowability, mystery.
Zanshin (残心). n. / zã̠n. ɕɪn / zan-shin. Lit. ‘remaining/enduring heart-mind’; a state of relaxed
mental alertness (especially in the face of danger or stress).
Zen (禪). n. / zẽ̞ɴ / zun. The Japanese adaptation of dhyāna/jhana.
Javanese
Tjotjog. v. / ʧəʊ.ʧəʊg / choh-chog. ‘To fit', accord and harmony within relationships and/or society.
Jiwarli
Ngali. pronoun / ən.gæ.liː / n-gah-lee. ‘We two including you’; one of four Jiwali words for ‘we,’
including ngaliju (‘we two excluding you’), nganthurru (‘we all including you’), and nganthurraju (‘we
all excluding you’).
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Ngaliju. pronoun / ən.gæ.liːʤuː / n-gah-lee-joo. ‘We two excluding you’; one of four Jiwali words for
‘we,’ including ngali (‘we two including you’), nganthurru (‘we all including you’), and nganthurraju
(‘we all excluding you’).
Nganthurru. pronoun / ən.gæn.θɜːruː / n-gan-thur-oo. ‘We all including you’; one of four Jiwali
words for ‘we,’ including ngali (‘we two including you’), ngaliju (‘we two excluding you’),
and nganthurraju (‘we all excluding you’).
Nganthurraju. pronoun / ən.gæn.θɜːruː / n-gan-thur-oo. ‘We all excluding you’; one of four
Jiwali words for ‘we,’ including ngali (‘we two including you’), ngaliju (‘we two excluding
you’), and nganthurru (‘we all including you’).
Kiluba
Wafwako. interjection / wæf.wæ.kəʊ / waff-wah-koh. A powerful phrase coveying a sincere and

grateful expression of thanks, whose meaning varies greatly according to context.
Kimbundu (Angola)
Kizomba. Kimbundu (Angola) / n. / kɪ.zɒm.bə / kih-zom-buh. ‘Party’; a dance and musical style
originating in Angola, characterised by a slow, romantic, sensuous rhythms.
Semba. Kimbundu (Angola) / n. / sɛm.bə / sem-buh. A dance and musical style originating in Angola;
the name derives from the notion of touching bellies.
Kivila
Mokita. n. / məʊ.kiːtæ / moh-kee-tah. A truth that everone knows but no-one talks about.
Korean
Aegyo (애교). n. / eɪ.ɛgəʊ / ay-ee-go. A cute, coequettish display of affection, often expressed
through babyish voices, expressions, and gestures.
Banchan (반찬). n. / ˈbɑːnˌtʃɑːn / ban-chan. A collective name for small side dishes served along with
cooked rice in Korean cuisine.
Buchaechum (부채춤). n. / bʊ.ʧeɪ.ʧʌm / buh-chay-chum. A traditional form of Korean dance

involving the use of fans.
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Han (한). n. / hæn / han. Sorrow, resentment, regret, possibly with a sense of patiently waiting or
hoping for amelioration.
Jangseung (장승). n. / ʤæŋ.siːəŋ / jang-see-ung. A Korean totem pole, usually made of wood,
traditionally placed at the edges of villages to mark for village boundaries and as village guardians
(e.g., to frighten away demon); also worshipped as village tutelary deities.
͡ ŋ / chung. Deep affection, affinity, connectedness (may or may not be

Jeong/jung (정). n. / tɕʌ̹
romantic).
Kimchi (김치). n. / ˈkɪm.tʃiː / kim-chee. A traditional Korean side dish of salted and fermented
vegetables (such as napa cabbage).
Nunchi (눈치). n. / nən.ʧiː / nuhn-chee. Lit. ‘eye-measure’; the ability to ‘read’ emotions and
situations and to respond skilfully.
Sadae (사대). v. / sɑːdeɪ / sar-day. Dealing with, or serving, the great and/or powerful; can be used
in relation to diplomacy (e.g., in relationships between nations).
Sarang (사랑). n. / sæˈrʌŋ / sah-rung. Strong love.
Kriol
Gemen. part. / ge.mɛn / geh-men. A discourse marker to show that the speaker believes something
is imaginary, illusory, or hard to believe .
Lakota
Canunpa. n. / ʧʌ.nuːn.pɑː / chun-noon-pah. Sacred pipe.
Catkuta. n. / ʧɑːtkuːtɑː / chah-t'koo-tah. Seat or place of honour.
Heyoka. n. / heɪ.jəʊk.ə / hey-ohk-uh. A shamanic figure in Lakota culture; a sacred ‘clown’ (or
contrarian, jester, satirist) who speaks and acts in an opposite fashion to the people around them.
Hmunga. v. / gmuːɛŋɑː / ghmuen-gah. To bewitch; to cause sickness; to effect a mystery that is

dreaded.
Wakinyan. n. / wæk.ɪn.jæn / wah-kin-yan. The Thunderer or the Thunderbird; a powerful sky spirit of
Sioux mythology.
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Latin
A fortiori. phrase / ˌeɪ fɔːrtiˈoʊ.raɪ / ay fort-ee-oor-ay. 'From stronger'; in legal terminology, an

'argument from a stronger reason' (i.e., because one fact is true, a second related and included fact
must also be true).
A posteriori. phrase / ˌeɪ ˌpɒstiːrioʊraɪ / ay post-er-ee-or-ay. 'From later'; in legal terms, an

argument derived from a subsequent event.
A priori. phrase / ˌeɪ praɪ.oʊ.raɪ / ay pry-oor-ee. 'From earlier'; in legal terms, an argument derived
from a previous event.
Ab aeterno. Latin / phrase / ˈæb i(ː)ˈtɜːno / ab ay-ter-np. ‘From eternity’; philosophically and
theologically, indicates that something (e.g., the universe) was created outside of time.
Ad hoc. phrase / ˌæd ˈhɒk / ad hok. ‘For this’; a solution designed for a specific problem or task
(which is usually not intended to be able to be adapted to other purposes).
Ad hominem. phrase / ˌæd ˈhɒ.mɪn.ɛm / ad hom-in-en. ‘At the person’; attacking an opponent's
character rather than answering their argument.
Ad infinitum. phrase / ˌæd ɪn.fɪˈnaɪ.təm / ad in-fin-iy-tum. ‘To infinity’; to continue forever.
Affidavit. n. / ˌæ.fɪˈdeɪ.vɪt / a-fa-day-vit. ‘He has sworn’; in legal terms, a formal statement of fact.
Alma mater. phrase / ɔːlmə mɑːtə / al-ma mar-tuh. ‘Nourishing mother’; term used for the
university one attends or has attended.
Alter ego. phrase / ɔːltə ɛ.ɡɔ / al-ter eh-go. ‘Another I’; a second identity within a person.
Ambitus. n. / æm.bɪt.əs / am-bit-uss. ‘The going round’; the range of a voice, instrument, or piece of
music.
Amor fati. n. / amuʀ fæti / a-moor fah-tee. Lit. ‘love of fate’; a philosophy or attitude which sees
everything that happens as being ultimately good (or at least necessary).
Anima. n. / ˈa.ni.ma / ah-nih-mah. Soul; spirit; breath; mind.
Augur. n. / ˈɔːgə / or-guh. A religious official who foretold events by observing and interpreting
natural signs.
Audeamus. phrase / ɔːdeɪ.mʌs / or-day-mus. ‘Let us dare’.
Auspices. n. / ˈɔ spə sɪz / or-spih-seez. Supernatural signs, especially flights of birds or weather signs;
a divination or prognostication.
Axis mundi. n. / ˈak.səs ˈmu̇n.dē / ax-iss mun-dee. World axis, world pillar, cosmic axis; line through
the earth’s centre, around which it revolves; in mythology, connecting the earth to the heavens and
the underworld.
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Bona fide. phrase / ˈboʊ.nə ˈfaɪd / bo-nuh fiyd. In good faith; sincere good intention regardless of
outcome.
Carpe diem. phrase / ˌkɑːrpeɪ ˈdaɪem / kar-pay dey-em. Make the most of the present moment or
opportunity. Lit. sieze the day.
Caveat. phrase / keɪvɪæt / ca-ve-at. ‘May he beware’; refers to a qualification or warning.
Coitus. n. / ˈkɔɪ.təs / koy-tss. Lit. coming, meeting, uniting together; attraction; magnetic force;
sexual union.
Compos mentis. phrase / kɒm.pɒs mɛn.tɪs / kom-poss men-tiss. In control of the mind’; someone of
sound mind.
Concordia discors. n. / konˈkor.di.a ˈdis.kors / kon-kor-dee-ah diss-kors. Harmony (concordia) from

discord (discors); discordant harmony; the principle that conflicts or oppositions can nevertheless
create harmony.
Coram Deo. phrase / kɔː ræm diːəʊ / kor-am dee-oh. ‘In the presence of God’; a phrase from
Christian theology which summarizes the idea of Christians living in the presence of, under the
authority of, and to the honor and glory of God.
Cornu copiae. n. / kɔːnuː kəʊ.piːə / kor-noo koh-pee-uh. Lit. ‘horn of plenty’; often a horn-shaped
contained filled with produce; a symbol of nourishment and abundance.
Cui bono. phrase / kw iː bəʊ.nəʊ / kwee bo-no. ‘As a benefit to whom?’ Analysing a situation by
identifying who serves to benefit.
Cura personalis. phrase / kjʊ.r pɜːsəˈnæ.lɪs / koor-uh per-son-al-iss. ‘Care for the entire person’;
individualized attention to the holistic needs of the other.
De facto. phrase /deɪ ˈfæk.toʊ / day fact-oh. ‘By fact’, ‘by deed’; refers to what commonly happens
in practice (even if they are not officially recognized by laws).
De jure. Latin / phrase / də ʒʊə / duh zhour. ‘From law’; something that is established in law,
whether or not it is true in general practice.
De novō. Latin / phrase / deɪˈnəʊ.vəʊ / day no-vo. ‘From the new’; anew, afresh; starting again; from
the beginning.
Deus ex machina. n. / ˈdɛ.ʊs ɛks ˈmaːkʰɪna / day-us eks mak-ina. ‘God from the machine’; a plot
device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem in a story is suddenly and abruptly resolved by an
unexpected and unlikely occurrence.
Dixi. v. / dɪk.si / dik-see. ‘I have spoken’; implies ‘I have said all that I had to say, and the argument
is settled.’
E pluribus unum. phrase / iː ˈplɜːrɪ.bəs / ee plur-ib-oos oo-num. ‘Out of many, one’.
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Ecce homo. phrase / ˈɛk.kɛ ˈhɔ.moː / ek-key ho-mo. ‘Behold the man’; words used by Pontius Pilate
(in the Vulgate translation of the Gospel of John) when he presents Jesus Christ to a hostile crowd
shortly before his Crucifixion, as widely represented in art.
Ego. pronoun / ˈɛ.ɡɔ / eh-go. I, we me; used by Freud’s translator to represent the German Ich,
which in Freud’s theory was the term given to one’s self construct, and to the feeling of self.
Emeritus. phrase / i(ː)ˈmɛ.rɪ.təs / eh-mer-rit-us. ‘Out of earning’, ‘out of office’; a retired person who
has been granted the right to retain as an honorary title the rank of the last office held.
Equinoxium. n. / iːk.wɪ.nɒk.sɪəm / eh-kwee-nok-see-um. Equality of night (and day).
Ex cathedra. phrase / ɛks kəˈθiːdrə / ex cath-eed-ruh. ‘From the chair (i.e., authority or position’;
authority derived from one's position.
Ex nihilo. phrase / eks-ˈnē-(h)ə-ˌlō / eks nu-hee-lo. From or out of nothing.Exempli gratia. phrase /
ɪgˈzɛm.pliː grætiːə / ex-em-plee grat-ee-uh. ‘For the sake of example’; abbreviated as ‘e.g.’.
Fiat. inj. / faɪæt / fy-at. ‘Let it be done’; a binding edict issued by a person in command.
Gaudere. v. / gaʊˈdɪə.riː / gau-deer-ee. To rejoice; to take joy in.
Genius. n. / ˈɡɛ.nɪ.ʊs / jee-nee-us. The individual instance of a general divine nature that is present
in every individual person, place, or thing; guardian spirit; innate power of a race or clan.
Genius loci. n. / d͡ʒinjəs ˈloʊkaɪ / jee-nee-us low-ky. ‘Spirit of the place’; in Roman mythology, the
protective deity or spirit of a place; the general atmosphere of a place.
Gravamen. n. / ɡrəˈveɪ.mɛn / gruh-vay-men. ‘Things weighing down’; the basic element or complaint
of a lawsuit.
Habeas corpus. phrase / ˈheɪ.bi.əs ˈkɔːrpəs / hay-bee-us kor-pus. ‘May you have the body’; a writ used
to challenge the legality of detention. Orders the detaining party to "have the (living) body" of the
detained brought before the court where the detention will be investigated.
Id. pronoun / ɪd / id. It or that; used by Freud’s translator to represent the German Es, which in
Freud’s theory was the term given to instinctual drives.
Ignis fatuus. n. / ˌɪɡ.nɪs ˈfat.jʊəs / ig-niss fat-yuss. Lit. ‘foolish fire’; a ghostly atmospheric light seen
by travelers at night, especially over swamps or marshes (usually attributed to the combustion of
gas from decomposed organic matter).
Ignōrāmus. int. / ɪɡ.nəʊˈɹɑːməs / ig-noh-ah-mss. Lit. ‘we do not know’ (e.g., the spirit of scientific
enquiry), or ‘we take no notice of’ (used in legal contexts, e.g., when deemed evidence to be
inadmissible).
Imprimatur. n. / ˌɪmprɪˈmeɪtə / im-pri-mey-tur. ‘Let it be printed’ ; an authorization for a document

to be printed.
Incipit. Latin / phrase / ˈɪn.sɪ.pɪt / in-si-pit. ‘It begins’ ; of a text, the first few words of the text ; of a
musical composition, an initial sequence of notes.
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Inter alia. phrase / ˌɪn.tər ˈeɪ.liə / in-ter ay-lee-uh. ‘Among others’ ; used to indicate an item cited has
been pulled from a larger or more complete list.
Ipso facto. phrase / ˈɪp.soʊ ˈfæk.toʊ / ip-soh fak-toh. ‘By the fact itself’ ; ‘in an of itself’ ; used in the
context that one event is a direct and immediate consequence of another.
Lepos. n. / ˈlɛ.pɒ / leh-poh. Charm, grace, wit, elegance, allure.
Lex. n. / lɛks / leks. A system or body of laws; a particular law.
Libertas. n. / ˈlɪ.bə.tɑs / lih-ber-tass. Liberty, freedom, independence.
Lingua franca. phrase /ˌlɪŋɡ.wə ˈfræŋ.kə / ling-wa frank-uh. ‘Frankish tongue’; a common or bridge
language, spoken by all parties; derives from a common pidgin language used by traders in the
Mediterranean basin dating from the Middle Ages.
Ludibrium. n. / luːdɪ.brɪəm / loo-dih-bree-um. A plaything; an object of fun and/or scorn; a

trivial and/or capricious game.
Ludus. n. / ˈɫuː.dʊs / loo-dss. Game/play; used to denote playful, ‘game-playing’ love.
Mea culpa. phrase / mā-ə-ˈku̇ l-pə / may-uh kal-puh. ‘Through my fault’; an acknowledgement of
having done wrong.
Memento mori. n. / məˌmentəʊ ˈmɔːri / meh-men-toh moor-ee. Lit. remember death; an object or
symbol that reminds or warns you of death/mortality.
Memento vivere. phrase / məˌmentəʊ ˈvi.ve.re / meh-men-toh vee-ver-eh. Remember life;

remember to live (or that you must live).
Mens rea. phrase / ˈmɛns ˈriːə / menz re-uh. ‘Guilty mind’; one of the requirements for a crime to be
committed (the other being actus reus, the guilt act); the basis for the notion that those without
sufficient mental capability cannot be judged guilty of a crime.
Minerva. pronoun / mɪˈnɜːr.və / mih-ner-vuh. Roman goddess of wisdom, warfare, poetry, medicine,
commerce, and the crafts.
Missio Dei. phrase / mɪ.siː əʊ deɪ / miss-ee-oh-day. ‘Mission of God’; ‘sending of God’; a concept
central to missiology (questions around the mandate, message, and mission of the Christian church).
Modus operandi. phrase / ˈmoʊ.dəs ɒpəˈræn.daɪ / mo-dus op-er-an-di. ‘Manner of operation’; a

person's particular way of doing things.
Mōrēs. n. / ˈmoːreːs / mor-ehs. Habit, usage, custom, manner.
Mos maiorum. phrase / ˈmoːs majˈjoːrũː / mos ma-yoor-uh. ‘Ancestral custom’, ‘way of the
ancestors’; the unwritten code from which the ancient Romans derived their social norms.
Musica humana. n. / muːsɪ.kə uːmæ.nə / moo-sih-kuh oo-mah-nuh. Harmony of the person;

concordance and sympathy within the individual.
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Musica instrumentalis. n. / muːsɪ.kə ĩːn.strʊ.mɛnˈtaːlɪs / moo-sih-kuh in-stroo-men-tah-liss.

Instrumental music or harmony; actual, practical music (i.e., produced by an instrument).
Musica mundana. n. / muːsɪ.kə mʌn.dæ.nə / moo-sih-kuh mun-dah-nuh. Harmony of the world,

spheres, universe; concordance and sympathy between heavenly bodies, and within the cosmos
generally.
Mutatis mutandis. phrase / m(j)uːˌtɑːtɪs muːˈtandɪs / moo-ta-tis moo-tan-dis. ‘Having changed [the
things that] needed to be changed’, ‘once the necessary changes have been made’; used to
acknowledge that a comparison being made requires certain obvious alterations, which are left
unstated (i.e., that the listener/reader must adapt the example to change what is needed for it to
apply to the new situation).
Natura naturans. phrase / nəˌtjʊə.rə ˈnat.jʊr.anz / nuh-choor-rah nah-choor-anz. Nature naturing;

nature as a creative force or process; nature as the expression or manifestation of the divine.
Nota bene. phrase / ˈnoʊ.tə ˈbɛ.neɪ / no-tuh ben-ay. ‘Note well’; a term used to direct the reader to
cautionary or qualifying statements for the main text.
Numen. n. / ˈnuːmen / noo-men. Divine power, force, presence, will.
Otium. n. / əʊtɪəm / oh-tee-um. The condition of being in control of one’s own time; leisure, free-
time; ease, peace.
Pace. phrase / ˈpɑːtʃeɪ / pa-chey. ‘With peace’; used to say 'contrary to the opinion of’; a polite way
of marking a speaker's disagreement with someone or some body of thought.
Pietas. n. / ˈpi.e.taːs / pe-eh-tass. Familial affection; loyalty, patriotism; piety.
Pius. adj. / ˈpi.əs / pe-oos. Conscientious, upright, faithful, patriotic/dutiful, respectful, righteous.
Prima facie. phrase / ˈpraɪ.mə ˈfeɪ.ʃii / pry-muh fay-see. ‘At first face’; a matter that appears to be
sufficiently based in the evidence as to be considered true.
Pro bono. phrase / ˈproʊ ˈboʊ.noʊ / pro bo-no. ‘For good’; professional work done for free.
Profanus. adj. / prɔˈfaː.nʊs / proh-far-noos. Lit. before (pro), i.e., outside, the temple (fanus);
secular, non-religious; origin of ‘profane.’
Puer aeternus. n. / pjʊə iˈtɜːnɘs / pur eh-turn-us. ‘Eternal boy’; in mythology, a child-god who is
forever young; in psychology, an older person whose emotional life has remained at an adolescent
level.
Pulchritudo. n. / pul.kʰriˈtuːdo / pool-kree-too-doh. Corporeal beauty and moral excellence.
Robustus. adj. / roːˈbʊs.tʊs / roh-buss-tuss. Lit. as strong as oak; tough, strong, hardy.
Romanitas. n. / rəʊ.mə.niːt.əs / ro-man-ee-tus. ‘Romanness’; the constellation of political and

cultural concepts and practices by which the classical Romans defined themselves.
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Quotīdiānus. adj. / kʷo.tiːdiˈaːnəs / kwo-tee-dee-ah-nus. Occuring daily; mundane, ordinary;

rendered in English (via French) as quotidian.
Quod erat demonstrandum. phrase / kʷod ɪræt ˈdɛm.ən.stræn.dəm / kwod eh-rat dem-on-strand-
um. ‘What was to be shown’ ; thus it has been demonstrated’ ; initialised as Q.E.D.
Sacer. adj. / ˈsaː.t͡ʃer / sar-cher. Sacred, holy, hallowed, consecrated; something ‘set apart’ (which did
not necessarily have to be benign); origin of term ‘sacred.’
Sacrare. v. / sæk.rɑːr / sak-rar. From verb sacrō; to consecrate, anoint, dedicate, make holy, make
sacred.
Saturnalia. n. / sæ.tɚˈneɪl.jə / sah-tur-nayl-yuh. Ancient Roman festivals of Saturn (god of

generation, dissolution, plenty, wealth, agriculture, periodic renewal and liberation).
Sigil. n. / sɪ.dʒɪl / sih-jil. ‘Little seal’; an occult or magical sign, image or symbol.
Sigillum Dei. n. / sɪ.dʒɪl.əm / sih-jil-um dey. ‘Seal of God’; a magical diagram, comprising of two
circles, a pentagram, two heptagons, and one heptagram, signifying God and his angels.
Sine qua non. phrase / ˌsaɪ.ni kweɪ ˈnɒn / si-nee kwa non. ‘Without which [there is] nothing’; an
indispensable and essential action, condition, or ingredient.
Solivagant. n., adj. / səʊˈlɪvəɡənt / so-liv-a-gnt. Noun: A lone wanderer. Adjective: characterised by
lone wandering.
Sōlstitium. n. / sɒl.stɪt.ɪəm / soll-stit-ee-um. Lit. a still or stopped sun, a stoppage or standing still of
the sun; root of the term solstice.
Status quo. phrase / steɪ.təs kwəʊ / stay-tuss kwo. The existing state of affairs.
Superego. new / p. / ˈsʊ.pɛr ˈɛ.ɡɔ / su-per eh-go. Lit over/above-I; used by Freud’s translator to
represent the German Über-Ich, which in Freud’s theory was the term given to internalised societal
norms/values.
Substantia. n. / sʊpˈstan.ti.a / soop-stan-tee-ah. Essence, substance; material, contents; self-

subsistence (i.e., an entity or phenomenon that depends upon nothing else for its existence);
something that stands under or grounds things.
Sui generis. phrase /ˌsuːi ˈdʒɛ.nə.rɪs / soo-ee jen-ur-iss. ‘Of its/his/her/their own kind;’ in a class by
itself; unique.
Tempus fugit. phrase / ˈtɛm.pəs ˈfuːʤɪt / tem-puss foo-jit. Time flies, flees, escapes.
Ultima Thule. n. / ˈul.ti.ma ˈtʰuː.ɫeː / ool-tee-muh thoo-luh. Farthermost Thule (a legendary island,
representing the northernmost region of the world); a distant place beyond the horizon or the
known world.
Vertumnus. p. / vɜːˈtʌm.nəs / ver-tum-nuss. Roman God of change and the seasons (and of gardens
and orchards); shapeshifter; from the verb vertere meaning to turn or change.
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Viriditas. n. / vɪəˈrɪd.ɪt.æs / veer-id-it-ahss. Lit. greenness; viridity; vitality, fecundity; coined by

Hildegard Von Bingen to describe the sacred healing power of nature.
Virtus. n. / ˈwir.tuːs / weer-toos. Valour, manliness, excellence, courage, character, and worth.
Vivax. adj. / ˈviːvaːks / vee-vax. Tenacious; durable; long-lived; vivacious; lively.
Vōx. Latin / n. / vɔks / voks. Voice; word; speech; accent.
Latvian
Divvientulība. n. / dɪ.viːɛn.tjuːlɪ.bə / dih-vee-en-tyoo-lee-bah. Two aloneness; the contented solitude

of a couple.
Lithuanian
Nepakartojama. n. / nɛ.pæ.kə.təʊ.ʤɑːmə / neh-pah-keh-to-jah-mah. ‘Unable to repeat’; a perfect

situation which will never happen again.
Neprieinamas. n. / nɛ. priːnɑːmæs / neh-pree-nah-mas. ‘Unreachable’; someone who is very hard to

seduce or win over.
Pasikaustęs. n. / pæ.sɪ.kɔːstiːz / pah-see-kor-stez. ‘The horse-shoed one’; someone with all the right
talent, skills and luck to be successful.
Malay
Meng-âmuk. v. / mɛŋ amʊʔ / meng amok. ‘To make a furious and desperate charge’; a sudden,
prolongued, and often unforeseen and out-of-character act of violence.
Nagapuri. n. / nʌ.gæ.pɔːriː / nah-gah-poor-ree. Sleeping dragon.
Sayang (‫)سايڠ‬. n., v., int. / sa.jaŋ / sah-yang. Love (not necessarily romantic); tender affection; also, if
used as an interjection, can express regret or pity (e.g., in relation to loss, longing, or unrealised
desire).
Urangutan. n. / əˈɹæŋ.əˌtæŋ / uh-rang-oo-tang. Forest man; possibly bestowed on the ape genus
Pongo by Europeans.
Malagasy
Antsafa. n. / ænt.sæ.fɘ / ant-sah-fuh. Inquiries about things of which one is fully cognizant
beforehand.
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Māori
Aroha. v., n. / æˈrəʊ.hæ / ah-roh-ha. (To feel) love, concern, compassion, empathy for someone;
cognate with the Hawaiian term Aloha.
Haka. n. / ˈhɑːkə / ha-kuh. A ceremonial dance or challenge in Māori culture.
Hāngi. n. / ˈhaːŋi] / hang-ee. A traditional Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried
in an umu (pit oven).
Harikoa. n. / hæɾiˈkɔa / hah-ree-koa. Joyful, euphoric, delighted, exuberant, elated, thrilled, ecstatic,
jubilant.
Kia kaha. inj. / kiːə ˈkɑːhɑ / kee-uh kar-ha. Be strong; stay strong; forever strong.
Mana whenua. n. / ˈmɑnə ˈfɛnʊə / ma-nuh fen-ooa. T: the mana held by people who have
demonstrated moral authority / guardianship over a piece of land / territory.
Manaakitanga. n. / ma.naː kɪ.tʌɳɘ / ma-nah-ki-tung-uh. Hospitality, kindness, generosity, support,

respect, and care for others.
Tūrangawaewae. n. / təˌrʌŋɡəˈwaɪwaɪ / tur-ranga-why-why. Lit. a place to stand; a place where we

feel rooted, empowered, and connected.
Whakakoakoa. v. / wæ.kæ.kɔa.kɔa / wah-kah-koah-koah. To cheer up.
Maasai
Adumu. n. / a.duːmuː / ah-doo-moo. ‘Jumping dance’; a Maasai dance in which people form a circle,
and two at a time enter the centre and jump competitively (with respect to height), without letting
heels touch the ground.
Mi-kmaw
Aptukulit. v. / æpt.kə.lɪt / apt-kuh-lit. To return successfully from hunting.
Mongolian
Hiimor (Хийморь). n. / hiːmɔː / hee-moor. Wind-horse (or air-horse); a magical creature that carries
prayers from earth to heaven (with the speed of the wind and the strength of the horse); a person’s
spiritual or psychological energy or power.
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Tegsh. n. / tɛgʃ / tegsh. The valorized condition of being in balance with the community and the
wider world.
Murrinhpatha
Mampemurruwurlmurruwurl. v. / mɐmpeˈmuɾuwuɭmuɾuwuɭ / mahm-peh-muhru-wil-muhru-wohl.

To make someones’s hair beautiful.
Mwotlap (Vanuata)
Vakasteglok. v. / va.ka.stɛɰ'lɔk / vah-kah-stoow-look. Taking care of one’s parents, ‘in return’ (i.e., in
recognition and gratitude for the care they took of us in the past).
Nahuatl
Nahuālli. n. / naˈwaːlːi / na-hwaa-lee. A religious practitioner in Mesoamerican folk religion; can refer
specifically to a human believed to have the power to shapeshift into an animal form.
Nepantla. n. / nə.pænt.lə / nuh-pahnt-luh. ‘In-between-ness’; skilfully treading a middle line; being

caught between opposing forces; being in a liminal space; being at a crossroads; living in balance and
harmony.
Tonalli. n. / təʊ.næ.li: / toh-na-lee. A day sign; a symbol of the sun's warmth; a source of energy for
growth and development; believed to be located in the hair and the fontanel area of the head.
Navaho
Hózhǫ́. n. / hɔ̃.ʒɔ̃ / hoh-zho. Peace, balance, beauty and harmony.
Ngangiwumirr
Dadirri. n. / dəˈdɪ.ri / dah-dirrr-ee. A deep, spiritual act of reflective and respectful listening.
Ngarluma
Tarruru. n. / tɑːrʊə.ru / tah-roor-ruh. Evening glow; dying down; peace of mind.
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Ngunnawal
Woggabaliri. n. / wɒ.gə.bæ.lɪə.riː / woh-gah-bah-leer-ee. A traditional Indigenous Australian co-

operative kicking volley game (similar to ‘keepie uppie’).
Noongar
Wagyl. n. / wæg.juːl / wahg-yool. ‘Rainbow serpent’; a snake-like creator being, responsible for the
creation of features of the landscape.
Norwegian
Allemannsretten. n. / æl.eɪ.mɑːns.rɛt.ən / ahl-eh-mahns-ret-un. Lit. ‘everyman’s right’; right of

access; freedom to roam.
Avspasere. v. / ɑːvs.pɑːseə.reə / arvs-par-ser-eh. To take a day (or more) off from work (e.g.,
because one has previously worked overtime and has built up credit).
Dugnad. n. / duːg.nɑːd / doog-nard. A collectively pursued/undertaken task; voluntary community

work.
Etterpåklokskap. n. / ˈɛt.ə.pək.lək.skɑːp / eh-tuh-puk-luk-skarp. Lit. ‘after wisdom’; the knowledge

you gain from making a mistake (cf. hindsight).
Forelsket. adj. / fɒˈɛls.ɡ̊ əð / for-elz-kut. Falling or being in love; forelskelse as a noun.
Fjellvant. adj. / fjɛlːvɑːnt / fyell-varnt. Being accustomed to being or walking in the mountains.
Friluftsliv. n. / friːluːftsˈliːv / free-loofts-leev. Lit. ‘free air life’; open-air living; living in tune with
nature.
Gjensynsglede. n. / gjɛn.siːn.glɪl / gyen-seen-glil. Lit. goodbye happiness; the joy of meeting someone
you haven't seen in a long time.
Hedersmann. n. / ˈheə.dəʃ.mʌn / hair-dsh-mun. A man of honour, honesty, integrity.
Hygge. n. / ˈhʊː.ɡə / hhoo-guh. A deep sense of place, warmth, friendship, and contentment. As an
adjective (hyggelig): enjoyable, warm, friendly, pleasant.
Innlevelse. n. / ɪn.lə.vɛl.sə / inn-leh-vel-suh. Empathy; commitment; an actor with the ability to live
and act as their character.
Kos. n. / ˈkɔː.sʰa / kor-sa. Cosiness, warmth, intimacy; kose as a verb; koselig as an adjective.
Peiskos. n. / paɪs.kɔːs / piys-kors. Lit. 'fireplace coziness, sitting in front of a crackling fireplace
enjoying the warmth.
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Romjul. n. / rɒm.juːl / rom-yool. ‘Christmas space’’; the period between Christmas and New Year.
Skogluft. n. / skɔːg.luːft / skorg-looft. Lit. ‘forest air’; a practice and philosophy of bringing nature into
the home (and so channelling the resorative power of forest air).
Snillisme. n. / 'snɪl.ɪz.mɘ / snill-iz-muh. Lit. ‘kind-ism’; a philosophy/approach of being kind to

people; often used in a critical way (implying that someone is too kind/generous).
Tyvsmake. v. / ɕʉːv. smɔːkɛʰ / shoov-smor-keh / aka Tjuvsmaka (Swedish). Lit. sneak, thief (Tyv) taste
(Smake); to taste or eat small pieces of food (e.g., when cooking); cherry-picking the best morsels
(rather than to improve the meal).
Uffda. int. / uːf.tɑ / oof-tah / aka oofta, huffda. An expression covering a range of feelings, including
surprise, astonishment, weariness, dismay, and relief.
Utepils. n. / ˈuːtəˌpɪlz / oo-tuh-pilz. Lit. outdoor lager; a beer that is enjoyed outside (especially in the
sunshine).
Ojibwe
Doodem. n. / duːdəm / doo-duhm. A spirit being, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an emblem
of a group of people; anglicised as ‘totem’.
Old Norse
Dǫkkálfar. n. / dɒk.æl.fɑː / dok-al-far. Dark elves (in Norse mythology); swarthy spirit beings who live
within/under the earth.
Freyja. p. / ˈfreɪ.ə / frey-uh. Lit. lady; goddess associated with war, death, love, sex, beauty, fertility,
gold, and seiðr (sorcery); origin of word ‘Friday’.
Landvættir. n. / ˈlʌnt.vɛt.teə / lunt-veh-teear. Land spirits, wights, sprites (in Norse mythology).
Ljósálfar. n. / ljouːs.æl.fɑː / lyoos-al-far. Light elves (in Norse mythology), who live in Álfheimr (land
of the elves).
Seiðr. n. / sɛdr / sed-r. A form of magic practiced in Norse society during the Late Scandinavian
Iron Age, thought to relate in particular to the telling and shaping of the future.
Sjövættir. n. / ˈsjø.vɛt.teə / shyoor-veh-teear. Sea spirits, wights, sprites (in Norse mythology).
Vættir. n. / vɛt.teə / veh-teear. Nature spirits, wights, sprites (in Norse mythology).
Vatnavættir. n. / vaht.nə.vɛt.teə / vaht-nuh-veh-teear. Water spirits, wights, sprites (in Norse

mythology); guardians of the specific waters
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Pashto
Melmastia (‫)مېلمستیا‬. n. / mɛlˈmæs.tiʌ / mel-mass-tiah. Hospitality, moral obligation to

offer sanctuary and respect to all visitors.
Pashtunwali (‫)پښتونوایل‬. Pashto / n. / pʌʃ.tuːn.wɑːliː / puhsh-toon-wah-lee / aka Pakhtunwali. Lit. the

way of the Pashtuns; the ethical code of the Pashtun people.
Persian
Ahura Mazda (‫)اهورا مزدا‬. p. / əˌhʊ.rəˌmæz.də / uh-hoo-rah-maz-duh. Lit. mighty wisdom, or lord of
wisdom; wise, intelligent spirit; the creator and supreme being of Zoroastrianism.
Asha (‫)اشه‬. n. / ˈʌʃə / ush-uh. A concept associated with Zoroastrianism, with meanings including
truth, order, justice, righteousness, and godliness.
Ātar (‫)آذر‬. n. / ˈətər / uh-tuh. ‘Holy fire’; a Zoroastrian concept, described as ‘burning and unburning
fire’ or ‘visible and invisible fire’, considered to be the visible presence of Ahura Mazda.
Boghz (‫)بغض‬. n. / bɒgz / bogz. A knot in the throat; the physical sensation of distress building in the
throat or chest before crying or ventring negative emotions.
Faravahar (‫)فروهر‬. n. / fæ.ræ.vɑːhɑː / fa-ra-var-har. A symbol associated with Zoroastrianism; has

multiple meanings, including a representation of the human soul and its development, along with a
visual guide of good conduct.
Ghahr Kardan (‫)قهر کردن‬. v. / gɑːr keə.dæn / gahrr kayr-dan. To cease communicating with someone
(because you are upset or angry at them).
Mezze. n. / ˈmɛzeɪ / meh-zay. ‘Taste’, ‘snack’; a selection of small dishes served as appetizers or as
part of multi-course meals in parts of the Middle East, Eastern and Southern Europe, and North
Africa.
Pari (‫)پری‬. n. / pɑː riː / pa-ree. Winged spirits, renowned for their beauty; originally from Persian and
Armenian mythologies, later adopted by other cultures.
Samir (‫)سامر‬. n. / sa.mɪə / sah-meer. One who converses at night, especially by moonlight.
Ta'ârof (‫)تعارف‬. n. / t̪ʰɒːˈɾof / thar-rof. Politeness, social intelligence (e.g., in relation

to receiving/offering hospitality/gifts).
Pintupi
Kanyi(r)ninpa. v. / ˈkæn.jɪnˈɪn.pə / can-yin-in-puh. Lit. 'to hold', connoting an intimate and active
relationship between carer and caree.
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Pirahã
Xibipíío. Pirahã / n. / ɪ.piːˈbɪəʊ / ih-bih-pee-oh. Experiencing liminality; a phenomenon on the

boundaries of perception or experience; going in and out of existence or range.
Pitjantjatjara
Uluṟu. n. / ˌuːləˈruː / uh-luur-oo. A large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the
Northern Territory in central Australia, sarcred to the Pitjantjatjara Anangu (the Aboriginal people of
the area).
Wari. Pitjantjatjara / n. / wæ.ri / wah-ree. ‘Cold’; one of five seasons recognised by the Anangu, from
late May to July, characterised by frost and dew.
Polynesian languages
Mana. n. / ˈmɑnə / ma-nuh. Spiritual energy / power, a sacred, impersonal force.
Polish
Kombinować. v. / kɒmˈbɪn.əʊ.væʧ / kom-bin-oh-vach. To fix, sort out, arrange; working out an

unusual solution to a problem; can sometimes have negative connotations (e.g., scheming or
hustling).
Formacja. n. / fɔrˈmaʦʲ̑ .ja] / for-mahts-yah. A culture or state of mind that is widespread across a
particular generation or period of time.
Lotność umysłu. n. / lɒt.nɒʃt ˈũ.mɨ.sw̥ / lot-nosht oo-mih-see. Lit. buoyant or vivacious (lotność) mind
(umysłu); a state of mind that is simultaneously acute, vivacious, light and sharp.
Merytoryczny. adj. / mɛ.rɪt.ɒr.ɪʤ.nɪ / meh-rih-toh-rij-nee. Essential; substantial; factual; on the basis

of merit.
Milczeć. v. / miːl.ʧɛʧ / meel-chech. To keep quiet; to refrain from speaking.
Ogarniać. v. / ɔˈɡar.ɲatɕ͡ / uh-garh-nyach. To embrace, encompass; to engulf, overwhelm; to grip; to

be able to deal with something; to understand; to see things holistically.
Państwo. n. / ˈpaɲ.stfɔ / pang-stfoh. A country, state; a household, family, married couple.
Pogodnie. adj. / pəʊ.gɒd.niːə / po-god-nee-uh. ‘Weatherly’; good (often specifically referring to

weather)
Poprawiny. n. / pɒ.prɑːviːnɛ / po-pra-vee-neh. A party/reception held the day after a wedding

(usually in the morning).
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Serdeczność. n. / sɜːˈdɛʧ.nɜ / ser-dech-ny. Cordiality, warmheartedness, directness, and sincerity.

Serdeczny as an adj.
Załatwić. v. / zæˈlæt.viːʧ / zalat-veech. To deal with / take care of things, to sort things out, to get a
job done.
Portuguese
Apaixonar. v. / apaj.ʃoˈnar / ah-piy-shon-narr. To fall in love; to become passionate about

someone/something.
Cafuné. n. / ˌka.fu.ˈnɛ / cah-foo-neh. The act/gesture of tenderly running one’s fingers through a
loved one’s hair.
Colo. n. / ˈkɔ.lu / koh-loo. Area of body formed by chest and arms (used to refer to embracing or
cradling).
Desbundar. v. / dʒizbũˈdar / dez-bun-dar. Exceeding one’s limits; shedding one’s inhibitions (e.g., in
having fun).
Desenrascanço. n. / ˌdɨ.zɐ̃j.̃ ʁɐʃ.ˈkɐ̃.sʊ / deh-zen-hass-can-so. Artful disentanglement (e.g.,

from trouble); an improvised solution.
Despejo. n. / dʒisˈpeʒu / jiss-peh-zhu. Pertness and boldness (sometimes in a pejorative sense);

brightness; self-confidence; discomposure; lack of reserve or inhibition.
Esperto/esperta. adj. / es̪ˈpɛr̺to̪ / esh-pear-toh. Skilled, expert; experienced, capable; spirited; quick-
witted.
Ficar. v. / fiˈkar / fih-kar. To be; one of three verbs for being in Portuguese, used to denote a
completed condition and a precise place and time.
Jeito. n. / ˈʒejtu / jay-too. Hack, solution; to find a way by any means (often circumventing rules or
social conventions).
Nefelibata. n. / ne.fe.li.ˈba.tɐ / neh-fih-lee-bah-tah. ‘Clould-walker’; daydreamer; someone who is

independent and unorthodox.
Saudade. n. / sɐwˈðaðɨ / sow-dhadh. Melancholic longing, nostalgia, dreaming wistfulness.
Saudosismo. n. / saw.doˈziz.mu / sow-doo-ziz-moo. A movement that promulgated saudade as a

national spiritual value that could have transformative power.
Saudosista. n. / saw.doˈziz.tə / sow-doo-ziz-tuh. Someone given to nostalgia; a follower of

Saudosismo.
Tesão. n. / teˈzãw / ter-zarw. Heightened sexual or sensual desire; turn-on; intense arousal.
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Quechua
Ayawaska. n. / ˌaɪ(j)əˈwæ.skə / ay-uh-wask-uh. ‘Soul vine’; an entheogenic brew made out of

Banisteriopsis caapi vine and other ingredients ; used as a traditional spiritual medicine in
ceremonies among the indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin (known by a number of different
names, and Hispanicized as Ayahuasca).
Ayni. n., v. / aɪ.niː / ay-nee. The concept and/or practice of reciprocity or mutualism among people of
the Andean mountain communities; a philosophy of the interconnectedness of all life.
Pacha. n. / pæ.ʧæ / pah-chah. Lit. earth or world; a way of dividing realms (spatially and temporally)
in Incan cosmology; the spirit animating earth/nature (cf. Gaia).
Taki onqoy. n. / tæ.ki ɒn.kɔɪ / tah-kee on-koy. Dancing sickness; delirium caused by dancing or
singing.
Yacuruna. n. / jæ.kə.ruːnə / ya-ku-roon-uh. In traditions among indigenous people of the Amazon,

Yacuruna are mythical water people who are believed to live in beautiful underwater cities, often at
the mouths of rivers.
Yupana. n. / ju:pæ.nə / yoo-pa-nuh. A type of abacus developed by the Incas.
Raramuri ra’icha
Iwi. n. / ɪ.wiː / ih-we-har-ruh. The soul or essence of all life.
Iwigara. n. / ɪ.wiːgɑːrə / ih-we-har-ruh. ‘Shared breath’; total interconnectedness and integration of

all life, physical and spiritual.
Romanian
Dor. n. / dɔː / dor. ‘I want you’; intense, bittersweet longing for a person, place or time.
Rukwangali
Hanyauku. v. / hæ.æn.jɒ.kə / ha-ahn-yoh-kuu. To walk on toes across hot sand.
Russian
Avos (авось). particle / ɐˈvosʲ / ah-voss. Maybe/what if; faith/trust/hope in luck, serendipity, destiny
or fate.
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Azart (азарт). n. / æˈzɑːrt / a-zarrt. Heat, excitement, ardour, fervour; to do something with gusto;
may also be associated with recklessness and risk-taking.
Blago (благо). n., adj / ˈblaɡə / blah-guh. good, the good; blessing, happiness. Used as the first part
of the word in many derivatives (e.g., общее благо: the common weal).
Bodryi (бодрый). adj. / ˈbo.drɨj / boor-dree. Cheerful; brisk; hale and hearty; awake; in good spirits,
energetic.
Byt (быт). n. / bɨt / bweet. Everyday life, daily life, quotidian existence, material culture, private life,
domestic life (often used somewhat pejoratively, in contrast to Bytie).
Bytie (бытие). n. / bɨtʲɪˈje / bweet-ee-yee-ah. Being; authentic existence; spiritual existence.
Duša (душа). n. / dʊˈʂa / doo-shah. Soul, spirit, heart.
Glasnost (гла́сность). n. / ˈglazˌnōst / glaz-nost. A process of engaging in open discussion,

relationships and/or governance.
͡
Intelligéncija (интеллигенция). n. / ɪnʲtʲɪlʲɪˈɡʲentsɨjə / in-tee-lee-gyen-sia. Educated intellectuals with
moral and social stance. Anglicised as Intelligentsia.
Istina (истина). n. / ɪs.tiːn.ə / iss-tee-nuh. Absolute, ultimate truth; used also in religious context
about God.
Kaif (кайф). n. / kaɪf / kayf. Euphoric pleasure, and heightened satisfaction, but also often with a
sense of calmness.
Listopad (листопад). n. / ˈlɪst.əʊ.pæd / list-oh-pad. Falling leaves.
Mir (мир). n. / ˈmir / meerr. Peace; world; community.
Odnolyub (однолюб). n. / ɒdˈnɒl. juːd / od-noll-yood. Someone who loves or loved only one woman
in life; a monogamist; someone who commits to one person.
Otkhodchivyi (отходчивый). adj. / ˈæt.hɔːʤuːiː / at-hor-joo-ee. The quality of being quickly

appeased after a surge or outburst of negativity, and/or not bearing grudges.
Nadryv (надрыв). n. / nɐˈdrɨf / nuh-dreef. Lit. a tear, rend, or break; an outburst of emotion or
passion, often uncontrollable and possibly also irrational, when deeply hidden feelings are released.
͡
Pochemuchka (почемучка). n. / pə.tɕɪˈmu.t ͡
ɕkə / puh-chee-mooh-chuh. Someone (often a child) who
asks a lot of questions.
Poshlost (по́ шлость). n. / ˈpʌʃ.ləst / puhsh-luhst. Triviality, banality; philistinism; something devoid of
meaning or beauty; the ‘falsely’ meaningful or beautiful; a misguided belief that happiness can be
found in phenomena that are not conducive to it (e.g., consumerism).
Pravda (пра́вда). n. / ˈprɑːv.dʌ / prrarv-duh. Truth and justice.
Prostor (простор). n. / ˈprɒst.stɔːr / proh-storr. Spaciousness, freedom, absence of constraint.
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Razmakh (размах). n. / ræz.mɑː / raz-mar. Sweep, span; amplitude; scope, range; scale.
Ryvok (Рывок). n. / riːvɔːk / rree-vork. A final dash or acceleration; a fast movement or change (that
is often associated with progress, but can also tear/disrupt things).
Samizdat (самизда́т). n. / ˈsa.mɪz.dat / sah-miz-dat. A contraction of ‘self-publishing’; literature

secretly written, copied, and circulated (in the former Soviet Union and usually critical of the Soviet
government).
Sobytie (Событие). n. / sɒ.bɨtʲɪˈje / soh-bweet-ee-yee-ah. Lit. co-being, being bound together; event;
when many different processes of being converge to create an event.
Sobornost (Собо́ рность). n. / sɐˈbor.nəst / sah-bohr-nust. Cathedrality; being gathered or united

together; spiritual harmony based on collective love; the principle of spiritual unity and religious
community.
Stushevatsya (стушеваться). v. / stuːʃə.vɑːtsjʌ / stoo-shu-varst-yuh. To leave quietly; to drop gently

out of view, or out of existence; to fade into the background; to become less important; coined by
Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Sud’ba (судьба). n. / suːd.bɑ / suud-bah. Fate, destiny, fortune.
Toska (тоска). n. / tʌˈskaː / tuh-skah. Longing (often, though not limited to, one’s homeland; can also
include other times, people, and places), with nostalgia and wistfulness.
Uvlekatsya (увлекаться). v. / ʊvlʲɪˈkat͡sːə / oov-lee-kaht-sah. To be carried away; to become very

keen about; to fall for something; to be absorbed.
Volya (воля). n. / ˈvɔlʲə / voor-leh. Will, volition; power; pleasure; freedom, liberty
Vozdukh (Воздух). n. / ˈvɔz.dux / voorz-dukh. Lit. ‘the stack of spirits’; air, breath; to take the spirit
inside (when breathing in), to take the spirit outside (when breathing out).
Zakuski (закуски). n. / zɐˈkuskʲɪ / za-koos-kyee. ‘Something to bite after’; cold hors d'oeuvres,
entrées and snacks, either as a course as it is, or intended to follow each shot of vodka or another
alcoholic drink.
Zastólʹje (застолье). n. / zɐˈstolʲje / zah-stoy-yeh. A feast; a festive meal; sitting at the table, eating,
drinking and talking with friends.
Zdravstvuite (здравствуйте). Salutation, imperative / ˈzdrastvʊjtʲe / straas-voo-chyeh. Lit. be

healthy; good day, hello; a greeting.
Sama
Magosaha. n. / mæ.gə.sɑ.hɑː / mah-goh-sah-hah. Seeking a livelihood; the necessity of continuously

searching the sea for sustenance; wanderlust conditioned by a lifetime of travel.
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Sanskrit / Pāli
Abhayamudrâ (अभय मुद्रा). n. / ʌb.haɪ.ə.mʊ.dɹɑː / uhb-hy-uh-moo-drah. The gesture (e.g., in Hindu

and Buddhist iconography) of fearlessness, protection, and/or peace; involves the palms facing
outwards, and the fingers extending upwards.
Abhimāna (अभभमान). n. / ʌb.hi:mɑːnɑː / ub-he-mar-nar. A prideful attachment to the ‘I-sense’ or

ego’; the emphatic (mis)identification with one’s body; false prestige.
Adinnā-dānā (अदिन्निाना). v. + n. / 'ʌ.dɪ.nɑ.dɑːnɑː / uh-dih-nah-dah-nah. Taking the not-given (i.e.,

refraining from which is the second of the five precepts in Buddhism).
Adhiṣṭhāna (अधिष्ठान). n. / ə.diː'stɑːnə / uh-dee-star-nuh. A benediction, blessing (in Buddhism); a

rule; standing by, being at hand; a basis, base.
Ádvaita (अद्वैत). n. / ʌd.vaɪ.tʌ / ud-vy-tuh. Non-dual; the notion that there is only one reality.
Ahiṃsā/avihiṃsā (अद स
िं ा). n. / əˈhɪmsɑː / uh-him-sah. Non-harm, love.
Ājīva (आजीव). n. / ɑː. ʤiː.wʌ / ah-jee-wuh. Livelihood, work, mode of life.
Amitābha (अभमताभ). p. / ʌ.miːtɑːbʌ / uh-mee-tar-buh. Celestial Buddha of infinite light and

goodness; creator of the ‘Pure Land’ (Sukhāvatī in Sanskrit).
Ānanda (आनन्ि). n. / ˈɑːnɘn.dɘ / ah-nun-de. Bliss, lasting contentment; spiritual, ‘unconditional’

happiness.
Anātman/ anattā (अनात्मन ्). n. / ˈɑnˈɑːtmən / an-at-mn. Insubstantiality, lack of permanent

self/soul.
Anitya/anicca (अननत्य). n. / æˈniːt.jə / a-neet-yah. Impermanence; the notion that existence is

transient, evanescent, and inconstant.
Anjali (अञ्जली). n. / æn.ʤæ.liː / an-jah-lee. ‘Divine offering’; a greeting in various traditions (e.g.,
Buddhism), involving hands pressed together in salutation.
Antaḥkaraṇa (अन्तःकरण). n. / ʌn.tɘ.kʌ.rʌn.jɘ / un-tuh-ku-run-yuh. ‘Inner cause’; in Hindu teachings,

the totality of two levels of mind, i.e., the buddhi (intellect or higher mind) and the manas (middle
levels of mind which exist as or include the mental body).
Anukampā (अनुकम्पा). n. / ʌ.nuːkʌm.pɑː / uh-noo-kum-pah. Lit. harmonic vibration or resonance;

compassion, empathy.
Aparigraha (अपररग्र ा). n. / ʌp.ʌriːgrʌ.hʌ / uh-puh-ree-gruh-huh. Non-possessiveness, non-grasping,

non-greediness; one of the five yama in Hinduism.
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Apramāda/appamada (अप्रमाि). n. / ʌ.prʌˈmːdʌ / uh-pruh-mah-duh. Earnestness, alertness,

diligence, moral watchfulness.
Apramāṇa/appamaññā (अप्रमाण). n, adj. / æp.ræ.ɱɑːɳɘ / ap-ra-mah-na. Immeasurable, boundless.
Apsara (अप्सरस ्). Sanskrit / n. / æp.sɑːrɑː / ap-sar-ah. ‘Going in the waters’; a female spirit of the
clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist culture.
Arhat/arahant (अ हत ्). n. / ˈɑːhʌt / aar-hut. A worthy or perfected individual; one who has attained
enlightenment.
Āsana (आसन). n. / ʌːsə.nə / uh-suh-nih. Lit. seat / sitting position; postures adopted/undertaken in
Yoga.
Ashtangika / atthangika (अष््ािंधगक). n. / ʌʃ.tʌŋ.gɪ.kʌ / ush-tung-gee-kuh. Eightfold (as in the Noble

Eightfold Path in Buddhism).
Aṣṭamaṅgala (अष््मङ्गल). n. / ʌʃ.tʌŋ.mʌŋ.gʌ.lə / ush-tung-mung-guh-luh. A collection of eight

auspicious or divine objects/symbols, used particularly on ceremonial occasions (in Buddhism,
Hinduism, and Jainism).
Asteya (अस्तेय). v. / ʌ.steɪ.jʌ / uh-stay-uh. Lit. ‘non-stealing’; refraining from taking or appropriating
the ‘not-given’.
Ātman/attā (आत्मन ्). n. / ˈɑːtmən / at-mn. Soul, breath, spirit.
Auṃ or Oṃ (ॐ). particle / əʊmː / aohmm. A sacred syllable/mantra associated with various
traditions; the ‘cosmic sound’ encapsulating all teachings; the beginning (alpha) and end (omega) of
all things.
Avatāra (अवतार). n. / ʌ.vʌ.tɑːʀʌ / uh-vuh-tar-uh. Lit. ‘descent’; the incarnation or embodiment of a

deity in human or animal form.
Bhagavad/t (भगवद्). n. / bʰʌ.gʌ.vud / buh-guh-vudt. Blessed one; someone endowed with blessings
accumulated through great merit; also a general term of endearment.
Bhakti/bhatti (भक्तत). n. / bʰʌʜk.tiː / bhahk-tee. Fondness, attachment, homage, reverence.
Bhāvana (भावन). n. / bʰhɑːwnɑː / bh-hav-nah. Application, development, cultivation, practice,

meditation.
Bīja (बीज). n. / biː.ʤʌ / bee-juh. Seed(s) (as per bīja-niyāma, i.e., the ‘law of seeds,’ namely the
patterns in the realm of organic phenomena).
Bodhi (बोधि). n. / ˈbaʊ.di / boe-dee. Enlightenment, awakening.
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Bodhicitta (बोधिधचत्त). n. / ˈbaʊ.di tʃɪ.ɖæ / boe-dee chi’dta. Enlightened/awakened mind; a mind that
strives towards awakening for the benefit of all beings.
Brahma-charya (ब्रह्मचयह). v. + n. / ˈbrɑːˌmə ʧɑː.jʌ / brah-muh char-yuh. Lit. ‘going after Brahman’ or
beahviours that lead to Brahman; the ‘right’ use of energy; chastity when unmarried, and fidelity
when married; one of the five yama in Hinduism.
Brahman (ब्रह्मन ्). n. / ˈbrɑːˌmən / brah-man. The transcendent and immanent absolute reality; the
supreme spirit that continually brings existence into being.
Brahmavihārās (ब्रह्मवव ारा). n. / ˈbrɑːˌmə vɪˈhɑːrə / brah-muh vi-har-ruh. Lit. abode or dwelling of
Brahma (” (the God of creation in Hindu theology); qualities that practitioners (e.g., in Buddhism) are
encouraged to cultivate.
Buddha (बुद्ि). n. / bʊdːʰə / bd-dha. An awakened/enlightened being.
Cakrá/cakka (चक्र). n. / ʧʌk.ɽʌ / chuk-ruh / aka chakra (English). Lit. wheel, circle, disc; energy points
in the body, identified and harnessed by various spiritual traditions.
Catvāri āryasatyāni / cattāri ariyasaccāni (चत्वारर आयहसत्यानन). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kʌtˈwɑːɹi

ˈɑː.jæ.sætˈjɑːnɪ / cat-wah-ree ah-ya-sat-yah-nee. Lit. ‘truths of the noble ones’; the ‘noble truths.’
Chanchala (चञ्चल). adj. / ʧæn.ʧæ.læ / chan-cha-la. Flickering, inconstant, unsteady; fortune; wind.
Denotes the vacillating nature of the human mind and of the actions which need to be stilled,
neutralized or controlled for gaining right speech and vision.
Citta (धचत्त). n. / tʃɪ.ɖæ / chi’dta. Mind, consciousness, awareness; heart and mind combined.
Ḑākinī (डाककनी). n. / dɑːkiːniː / dar-kee-nee. ‘Sky dancer’; a sacred female spirit in Hinduism
and Vajrayana Buddhism; female tantric deities who protect and serve the Buddhist doctrine.
Dāna (िान). n. / dɑː.nʌ / dah-nuh. Generosity, charity.
Dhárma/dhamma (िमह). n. / ˈd̪ ʱɑːmə or d̪ ʰɐm.mɐ / dhar-ma or dam-ma. Law; what is established;
principles of the universe; guidelines for action; teachings (e.g., of the Buddha).
Dhármacakrá/dhammacakka (िमह चक्र). n. / ˈd̪ ʱɑːmə.ʧʌk.ɽʌ / dhar-ma.chuk-ruh. Wheel of dharma. A

way of conceptualising, representing, and teaching the dharma.
Dhvani (ध्वनन). n. / dʰ.vʌ.nɪ / dh-vuh-nih. Sound, echo; hint, allusion; used in aesthetics and art
appreciation to refer to allusion and implied or hidden meaning.
Dhāraṇā (िारणा). n. / d̪ ʱɑːrʌn.jɑː / dhar-run-yah. Concentration; fixing and holding attention (e.g., on
a meditative object).
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Dhyāna/Jhāna (ध्यान). n. / ˌgn'jɑːˌnæ / gn-yaa-na. Intense, concentrated attention and absorption

(e.g., regarding the nature of an object of meditation); cultivated and valorized states of mind (which
can be arranged in a developmental sequence).
Dṛṣṭi/diṭṭhi (दृक्ष््). n. / dʰrʃ.tʰɪ / dsh-tih. View, gaze, sight (as per samyak-dṛṣṭi, of the Noble Eightfold
Path).
Duḥkha/dukkha (िःु ख). n. / ˈdʊ.kʰɘ / duh-kuh. Dissatisfaction, discomfort, dis-ease; suffering.
Dvāpara Yuga (द्वापर यग ु ). n. / dvɑːpʌ.rʌ juːgʌ / dvah-puh-ruh yoo-gah. The age/era (Yuga) of ‘two
ahead’ (dvāpara), i.e., third place, thought to have lasted 864,000 years; the third of four eras in
Hinduism; further diminishing spirituality of humankind (from the previous eras).
Guru (गुरु). n. / ɡʊɾʊ / goo-roo. A religious /spiritual teacher, guide, master, and/or person of
reverence.
Hatha ( ठ). n., adj. / hʌ.θə / huh-thuh. Lit. force, effort, exertion; a branch of yoga focusing on the
practice of asanas (postures) and vinyasa (dynamic transitions).
Iṣṭadevatā (इष्् िे वता). n. / ɪʃ.tʰʌ.deɪ.wʌ.tɑː / ish-tuh-day-wuh-tar. Reverence (iṣṭa) of divine beings

(devatā); deity meditation.
Īśvarapraṇidhāna (ईश्वरप्रणणिान). n. / ɪʃ.vʌ.rʌ.prʌn.jiː d̪ ʱɑːnʌ / ish-vuh-ruh-prah-nyee-dhar-nuh.

Meditation, desire, prayer; paying attention to (Praṇidhāna) Lord/God/Braham (Īśvara); one of the
five niyama in Hinduism.
Japa (जप). n. / ʤæ.pæ / ja-pa. To utter in a low voice, repeat internally, mutter; the meditative
repetition of a mantra or a divine name.
Jñāna/ñāṇa (ज्ञान). n. / ˌgn'jɑːˌnæ / gn-yaa-na. Knowledge, especially experiential forms of

apprehension (e.g., acquired through meditation); the total experience of an object; clear
awareness.
Kali Yuga (कलियुग). n. / kʌ.liː juːgʌ / kuh-lee yoo-gah. The age/era (Yuga) of the demon, or sin (Kali),
thought to last 432,000 years; the fourth and current of four eras in Hinduism; an age of
degeneration, discord, and fall.
Kalyāṇa-mitratā/mittatā (कल्याण भमत्रता). n. / kælˈjɑːnɘ mɪt.rɘˈtɑː / kal-yah-nuh mit-ruh-tar. Lit.

‘auspicious compassion’; spiritual friendship.
Kama muta (काममूत). v. / kæ.mæ muːtæ / kah-mah moo-tah. Moved by love; warm transitory
affection for a given person, object, or experience.
Kāmesu micchācāra (कामेसभु मच्छाचारा). n. / kɑː.meɪ.sʊ mɪk.hɑːʧɑːrʌ / kar-may-soo mik-har-char-uh.

Misconduct or unwholesome behaviours concerning sexual (or sensual) activity (i.e., refraining from
which is the third of the five precepts in Buddhism).
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Kuṇḍalinī (कुण्डलिनी). n. / kən.dʌ.liːniː / kun-duh-lee-nee. Lit. the ‘coiled one’; a source of form of
subtle or primal energy, thought to be located at the base of the spine, that can be ‘awakened’
through meditative practices.
Kapālabhāti (कपालभानत). n. / kæ.pa:læ.ba:t: / ka-par-la-bar-tee. ‘Skull illuminating’; a yogic

purification practice (e.g., for clearing the sinuses), involving short and strong forceful exhalations.
Karma/kamma (कमह). n. / ˈkɑːmə / kar-ma. Lit. action, work, or deed; a theory/principle of causality,
particularly with respect to ethical behaviour.
Karmānta/kammanta (कमाहन्त). n. / kʌ.mɑːn.tʌ / kuh-marn-tuh. Action, management, administration

(as per samyak-karmānta, of the Noble Eightfold Path).
Karuṇā (करुणा). n. / kæ.rʉˈɳɑː / ka-roo-nar. Empathy, compassion, identifying with the other's
suffering.
Kuśala/Kusala (कुसल). n., adj. / kʊ.ʃʌlʌ / kuh-shull-uh. Virtue, goodness; skilful, ethical.
Lakṣaṇa/lakshana (लक्षण). n. / ˈlʊk.ʃʊn.ə / look-shn-a. symptom, sign, quality, attribute; ‘marks of

conditioned existence’.
Līlā (लीला). n. / liːlæ / lee-lah. Lit. game, play; used in Hinduism to describe reality as being the
outcome of creative play by the divine absolute (Brahman).
Madhyama marga / majjhima magga (मध्यम मागह). n. / ˈmʌdʰ.jʌ.mʌ ˈmʌɹːgʌ / mudh-yuh-muh mur-
guh. The middle way/path.
Mahābhūta (म ाभूत). n. / mʌ.hɑːbʰuːtɘ / muh-har-bhoo-tuh. Great elements/forces; the

dimensions/components that comprise the physical world (i.e., space/ether, air, fire, water and
earth).
Maithuna (मैथुन). n. / meɪ.θuːnə / may-thoo-nuh. A term used in Tantra, often translated as ‘sexual
union’ in a ritual context.
Maitrī/mettā (मैत्री). n. / 'mait̪ɽi or mɛtˈtɑː / mi-tree or met-tar. Loving-kindness; benevolence.
Mandala (मण्डल). n. / ˈmʌn.dʌ.lʌ / mun-duh-luh. Lit. circle; a spiritual symbol (e.g., in Buddhism and
Hinduism), usually geometric in form, representing the cosmos (or aspects of it).
Mañjuśrī (मञ्जश्र
ु ी). pron. / mʌn.ʤʊʃ.riː / man-jush-ree. Lit. gentle glory, radiance; a prominent
Boddhisattva in Buddhism.
Mantra (मन्त्र). n. / mʌn.trʌ / mun-truh. Lit. mind tool; a meaningful word, phrase or sound that is
taken as an object of focus in meditation.
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Maraṇa smṛti/sati (मरण स्मनृ त). n. / mʌ.rʌ.nʌ smrɪˈtiː / muh-ruh-nuh smrih-tee. Meditation on (or
awareness of) death/mortality.
Mārga/magga (मागह). / ˈmʌɹː.gʌ / mur-guh. A spiritual path or way.
Mokṣa/moksha (मोक्ष). n. / ˈmoːk.ʃə / mok-shuh. Emancipation, liberation, release (e.g., from

saṃsāra).
Muditā (मुदिता). n. / mʊ.ɖɪˈtʰɑː / moo-de-tar. Sympathetic/vicarious happiness.
Mudrā/muddā (मुद्रा). n. / mʊ.dɹɑː / moo-drah. Lit. sign, token, seal; physical gestures and postures;
symbolic hand gestures (e.g., in Buddhist iconography).
Musāvādā (मुसावािा). n. / mʊ.sɑː.wɑː.dɑː / moo-sah-vwah-dah. False speech (i.e., refraining from

which is the fourth of the five precepts in Buddhism).
Nāḍī (नाडी). n. / næ.diː / na-dee. ‘Tube’, ‘pipe’; the channels through which energy currents flow (in
traditional Indian medicine and spiritual teachings).
Nirodha (ननरोि). n. / nɪ.rəʊd.hʌ / ni-rode-huh. Cessation; the third noble truth (that duḥkha can be
addressed by ceasing craving).
Nirvāṇa/nibbāna (ननवाहण). n. / nɪəˈwɑːnə / nir-vwah-nuh. Lit. ‘extinguished’ or ‘blown out’ (e.g., as

per a flame); release from saṃsāra; ‘ultimate’ happiness, total liberation from suffering.
Niyama (ननयम). n. / nɪˈjɑː.mʌ / nee-yah-muh. Lit. observances, positive duties; recommended

habits/practices for right living.
Pāṇātipātā (पाणानतपाता). v. + n. / pɑː.nɑː.tɪ.pɑː.tɑː / pah-nah-ti-pah-tah. Harming or killing living

beings (i.e., refraining from which is the first of the five precepts in Buddhism).
Pañcaśīlāni/pañcasīlāni (पञ्चशीलानन). n. / pʌn.ʧʌ ʃiːˈlɑː.nɪ / pun-shuh shee-lah-ni. Five precepts (e.g.,

in Buddhism).
Prāṇa (प्राण). n. / prɑːnɑː / prah-nah. Air, breath; spirit; ‘life force/energy’.
Prāṇayāma (प्राणायाम). n. / prɑːnɑːjːnʌ / prah-nah-yah-muh. Control, regulation of the breath (or

energy or ‘life force’).
Prajña/paññā (प्रज्ञ). N. / prʌn.jɑː / prun-yah. Wisdom and experiential insight.
Pratītya-samutpāda / paṭicca-samuppāda (प्रतीत्यसमुत्पाि). n. / praˈtiːt.ja sa.mʊtˈpɑː.dɑ / prah-teet-

yah sa-muut-pah-dah. Dependent origination; the law of conditionality.
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Pratyahara (प्रत्या ार). n. / prʌt.jʌ.hʌ.rʌ / prut-yuh-huh-ruh. Withdrawal of the senses (from external
stimuli); internalisation of consciousness/awareness (e.g., to focus on an internal reflection of God).
Pasthāna/paṭṭhāna (स्मत्ृ यप
ु स्थान). n. / pʌs.θɑːnʌ / puhs-thah-nuh. Conditions; setting forth, going
forward.
Rāga (राग). n. / rʌ:gɘ / ruh-guh. ‘Coloring’, ‘dyeing’; in Indian classical music, a melodic framework
for improvisation, akin to a melodic mode.
Rasa (रस). n. / rʌ.sɘ / ruh-suh. Lit. 'juice' or 'essence’; the emotional theme of an artwork, and/or the
feeling evoked in the audience.
Ṛddhi/iddhi (ऋद्धि). n. / rɪd. dʰɪ / rid-dhih. Lit. success, accomplishment, increase; used in Buddhism
to denote extraordinary (e.g., ‘psychic’) powers.
Ṛta (ऋतिं). n. / rə.tə / rh-t. Order, rule; truth; that which is properly or excellently joined; the principle
of natural order which regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe.
Rūpa (रूप ). n. / ruːpɘ / roo-puh. Matter, body, material form; in Buddhism, the first skandha (i.e.,
the material body).
Sādhana (सािना). n. / sɑːdʌ.nʌ / sar-duh-nuh. Lit. realization, or ‘means of accomplishing

something’; exertion towards a spiritual goal; advanced meditation practices.
Sādhu (सािु). n. / sɑːduː / sah-doo. Lit. a good man; a holy person; a religious ascestic, renuncient; a
monk.
Sākṣī (साक्षी). Sanskrit / n. / sɑːk.ʃiː / sark-shee. Observer; witness; ‘pure awareness’.
Śakti/satti (शक्तत). n. / ʃək.tiː / shuk-tee / aka shakti, sakthi. Lit. power or empowerment (to be able
to, have the power to); primordial cosmis energy, identified and harnessed by various spiritual
traditions.
Samādhi (समाधि). n. / sʌˈmɑː.ɖʰɪ / suh-mah-dee. Lit. getting hold of (dha) integration/togetherness

(sam); acquisition of integration, wholeness, truth; intense concentration/absorption; one-
pointedness / unification in meditation.
Śamatha/samatha (शमथ). n. / ʃʌ.mʌ.θʌ / shuh-muh-thuh. Lit. pacification, rest, slowing/calming

down; one-pointed meditation (e.g., as a means to calming the mind).
Śambhalaḥ (शम्भि). n. / ʃʌm.bʌ.lʌ / shum-buh-luh / aka Shambhala. A mythical kingdom and various
spiritual traditions (e.g., Hinduism, Buddhism); a spiritual utopia; a pure land.
Saṃgha / saṅgha (सिंघ). n. / 'sʌŋ.gʌ / sung-huh. Lit. assembly; a Buddhist religious/spiritual

community.
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Saṃjñā/sañña (सिंज्ञा). n. / sə̃.ɡnjaː / suh-gnyah. Perception, cognition.
Saṃkalpa/sankappa (सिंकल्प). n. / sũ.kʌl.pʌ / suhm.kul.puh. Resolve, determination; purpose,

intention (as per samyak-saṃkalpa, of the Noble Eightfold Path).
Samprajanya/sampajañña (सिंप्रज़न्ऩा). n. / sʌm.prʌ.ʤʌ.jʌ / sum-pruh-jun-yuh. Clear comprehension;

mindfulness imbued with a sense of spiritual progress.
Saṃsāra (सिंसार). n. / ˌsæmˈsɑː.rə / sam-sah-ruh. Lit. ‘wandering’ or ‘world’; cyclic, circuitous change;
a theory of rebirth; the nature of ‘mundane’ (conventional) existence.
Saṃskāra (सिंस्कार). n. / sə̃.skɑːrʌ / suh-skar-uh. Mental volitional formations, karmic imprints,

‘conditioned things’.
Saṃtoṣa/santosa (सिंतोष). n. / sũ.təʊ.ʃʌ / suhm-toe-shuh. Complete/entire (saṃ)

contentment/satisfaction (toṣa).
Samudaya (समि ु ाय). n. / sʌ.mʊˈdaɪ.jʌ / suh-moo-dye-uh. Origin, cause; the second noble truth (that
duḥkha has a cause, i.e., craving).
Samyak/sammā (सम्यक). n., adj. / sʌm. jʌk / sum-yuk. Right, correct, best.
Santosha (सिंतोष) (n.): contentment arising from personal interaction, and acceptance of self and
other; one of the five niyama in Hindusim/Buddhism.
Satchitananda (सक्च्चतानन्ि). n. / sʌt.tʃɪɖ.ɑ.nɘn.dɘ / sut-chidt-ah-nun-de. Truth, existence (sat),

consciousness (cit), and happiness, bliss (ananda); perception of the ultimate, unchanging reality
(and the liberation that arises as a result).
Shatkarmas (ष्कमह). n. / ʃæt. kɑːmə / shat-kar-muh. ‘Six actions’; a set of six Yogic purifications of
the body.
Sattva (सत्त्व). n. / ˈsʌt.vʌ / sut-vuh. Goodness, purity, balance, wholeness; one of three qualities of
nature in Vedanta; can also refer (e.g., in Buddhism) to a sentient being.
Satya/sacca (सत्य). n. / sʌt.jʌ / sut-yuh. Truth; truthfulness (in speech, thought, and action);
refraining from falsehoods or distortions.
Satya Yuga (सत्य युग). n. / sʌt.jʌ juːgʌ / sut-yuh yoo-guh / aka Sat Yuga, Krta Yuga, Krita Yuga. The
age/era (Yuga) of truth (satya), thought to have lasted 1,728,000 years; the first of four eras in
Hinduism; the golden age, the moral and spiritual highpoint of the ongoing cycle of Yugas.
Shaucha (शौच. n. / sʰaʊ.ʧʌ / shao-chuh. Purity, cleanliness and clearness; purity of mind, speech and
body; one of the five niyamas in Hinduism.
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Shruti (श्रुनत). Sanskrit / n. / ʃru.t̪I / shroo-tee. ‘What is heard’; music and lyrics; the smallest interval
of pitch that the human ear can detect and a singer or musical instrument can produce.
Siddhārtha/siddhattha (भसद्िाथह). n. / sɪd.dɑːr.θʌ / sid-dar-thuh. Derived from siddha (achievement)

and arth (meaning, purpose); one who has successfully achieved an aim or object.
Śīla/sīla (शील). n. / ʃiː.lʌ / shee-luh. Morality, ethics, virtue; custom, practice; conduct, disposition,
nature, tendency.
Skandha(s)/ khanda(s) (स्कन्ि). n. / 'skʌn.dʌs / skun-duss. Aggregate(s) / heap(s) / grouping(s); used

to describe the groupings of five ‘elements’ that constitutes the human being.
Smṛti/sati (स्मनृ त). n. / smrɪˈtiː / smrih-tee. Lit. ‘recollection’ or ‘remembrance’;

mindfulness/awareness of the present moment.
Śrīvatsa (श्रीवत्स). n. / ʃriːvʌt.sʌ / shree-vut-suh. Lit. beloved of Śrī (the goddess); name for the symbol
of the eternal or endless knot; representing teachings such as the interconnected nature of
existence.
Stūpa (स्तूप). n. / stuːpɘ / stoo-puh. ‘Heap’; a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics
that is used as a place of meditation.
Sukha (सुख). n. / sʊˈkʰɘ / suh-kuh. Pleasure; ease; satisfactoriness (the antonym of dukkha).
Sukhāvatī (सखु ावती). n. / suːkɑːvʌ.tiː / soo-kar-vuh-tee. Lit. Land of pure bliss or happiness; a celestial
‘Pure Land’ in certain schools of Buddhism.
Śūnyatā/suññatā (शून्यता). n. / ʃʊn.jʌˈtɑː / shoon-yuh-tah. Emptiness; boundlessness;

boundarylessness; the idea that phenomena come into being dependent upon conditions.
Surāmeraya-majja pamādaṭṭhānā (सुरा-मेरय-मज्ज पमािठ्ठाना). n. / sʊˈrɑː.meɪ.rʌ.jʌ mʌ.ʤʌː

pʌ.mɑː.dʌt.hɑː.nɑː / soo-rah-may-ruh-yuh muh-juh puh-mah-dut-hah-nuh. Intoxicating and/or
unmindful states related to alcohol or drugs (i.e., refraining from which is the fifth of the five
precepts in Buddhism).
Sūtra/sutta (सुट््ा). n. / ˈsu trə / soo-truh. Lit. thread, string; teaching, rule, aphorism.
Svādhyāya (स्वाध्याय). n. / swɑːd̪ ʱjɑːjʌ / swah-dhyar-yuh. Lit. ‘self-study’ or ‘one’s own reading’;
introspection; study of the self, and of religious teachings; one of the five niyama in Hinduism.
Swara (स्वर). n. / swʌ.rə - swuh-ruh. A note in the successive steps of the octave; the classical Indian
concept of the complete dimension of musical pitch.
Tantra/tanta (तन्त्र). n. / ˈtʌn.trə / tun-truh. Lit. weave or loom; any systematic teaching, method or
practice; more recently, used to denote sexual-spiritual practices.
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Tapas (तपस ्). n. / ˈtʌ.pʌs / tuh-puhs. Lit. heat, blaze, pain, suffering (from root ‘tap’); intensive
meditation, perseverance, austerity/asceticism; one of five niyamas in Hinduism.
Tathāgata-garbha (तथागत गभह). n. / tʌtˈhɑːgʌ.tʌ gɑːrb.hɑ / tuh-tar-guh-tuh garr-bha. Lit. ‘one who
has thus gone’; Buddha nature.
Tat Tvam Asi (तत्त्वमभस). phrase / tʌt.twʌm.æsiː / tut-twum-ahsee. Lit. thou are that; a central
expression of Ádvaita philosophy, articulating the oneness of ātman and Brahman.
Treta Yuga (त्रेता यग

ु ). n. / treɪ.tʌ juːgʌ / tray-tuh yoo-guh. The age/era (Yuga) of ‘three things’ (treta),
namely avatars of Vishnu, thought to have lasted 1,296,000 years; the second of four eras in
Hinduism; diminishing power and spirituality of humankind (from the high point of the Satya Yuga).
Tripti (तक्ृ प्त). n. / trɪp.tɪ / trip-tih. Complete satisfaction (e.g., of sensual pleasures).
Trishula (त्रत्रशल
ू ). n. / trɪʃuːlæ / trih-shoo-luh. A version of a trident, used as a symbol in traditions
such as Hinduism; has many meanings, including representing various trinities (e.g., creation,
maintenance, and destruction).
Upāya (उपाय). adj. / ʊˈpaɪ.jʌ / oo-puy-uh. Skilfil, skilful means; expedient; that which is conducive to
flourishin; that which leads to enlightenment.
Upaniṣads (उपननषद्). n. / ʊˈpə.n̪ ɪ.ʂəd̪ / oo-puh-nee-shuud. Lit. ‘sitting down near’; the foundational
texts of what is now referred to as Hinduism; the concluding sections of the four Védas.
Upapaduka (उपपािक
ु ). n. / ʊˈpæ.pæˈdʊ.kʰɘ / oo-pa-pa-du-kuh. Parentless, self-existing, unborn;
a philosophical term describing the nature of the gods or Dhyani-Buddhas.
Upekṣā/upekkhā (उपेक्षा). n. / u.pɛkʰˈsɑː / oo-pek-sah. Equanimity, detachment; calmness, balance.
Utu (उत)ु . n. / ʊtʊ / uu-tuu. Seasons (as per utu-niyāma, i.e., the ‘law of the seasons,’ namely the
regularity of environmental phenomena).
Vācā (वाचा). / n. / wɑːk / vwahk. Speech, voice (as per samyak-vāc, of the Noble Eightfold Path).
Vāhana (वा न). vɑːhʌ.nʌ / var-hu-nu. ‘That which carries’; the being, typically an animal or mythical
entity, a given Hindu deity is said to use as a vehicle or ‘mount’.
Vajrayāna (वज्रयान). n. / ˌvʌ.dʒrəˈjɑːnə / vud-jruh-yah-nuh. Lit. diamond or thunderbolt (vajra) path

or way (yāna); an esoteric branch of Buddhism, involving advanced teachings and practices (often
referred to as Tantric).
Véda (वेि). n. / ˈweɪ.də / vway-duh. Lit. knowledge, wisdom; the Védas are the name of the
foundational texts of what is now referred to as Hinduism.
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Vedanā (वेिना). n. / veɪ.dʌ.nɑː / vey-duh-nar. Feeling tone; fundamental valence of a sensory object
(pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral).
Vedānta (वेिािंत). n. / veɪ.dʌ:n.tʌ / vey-duhn-tuh. The concluding sections of the four Védas (lit.
knowledge, wisdom; the foundational texts of what is now referred to as Hinduism). Lit. end of the
Védas.
Vijñāna/viññāṇa (ववज्ञान). n. / vɪg.njɑːnɘ / vig-yah-nuh. Consciousness, mind, discernment.
Vinyāsa (ववन्यास). n. / vɪnˈjɑːsə / vin-yah-suh. Lit. to place (nyāsa) in a special way (vi); a form of
yoga, centring on dynamic movement between āsanas.
Vipāka (ववपाक). n. / wɪˈpɑː. kʌ / vwih-pah-kuh. Ripening; the result, ripening or maturation of karma.
Vipaśyanā/vipassanā (ववपश्यना). n. / vɪ.pʌʃ.jʌ.nɑː / vih-push-yuh-nah. Insight; clear-seeing; seeing

‘into’; cultivating awareness (e.g., into the nature of reality).
Vīrya/viriya (वीयह). n. / wiːr.jʌ / vweer-yuh. Energy, diligence, enthusiasm, effort.
Vyāyāma/vāyāma (व्यायाम). n. / wjɑː.jɑː.mʌ / vyah-yah-ma. Effort, exercise, training (as per samyak-
vyāyāma, of the Noble Eightfold Path).
Yama (यम). n. / jʌ.mʌ / yuh-muh. Lit. ‘death’ (or the God of Death); self-restraint/control; a set of
proscriptions within Hinduism for right living.
Yantra (यन्त्र). n. / jʌn.trʌ / yun-truh. Machine, contraption; a spiritual diagram, mainly associated
with Tantric traditions, used for the worship of deities and as an aid in meditation.
Yoga (योग). v., n. / jəʊ.gʌ / yoh-guh. Lit. to yoke / add / join / unite / attach (from root yuj); a
psychophysical system of spiritual training and development.
Sardinian
Ingiogatzau. n. / ɪn.ʤɔːgæt.suː / in-joor-gat-soo. Being playfully happy; joyful joking and playfulness.
Scottish
Bonnie. adj. / ˈbɒ.nē / boh-nee. Beautiful, pretty, fair; fine, excellent.
Curglaff. n. / kɜːglæf / kur-glaff. The bracing, shocking and/or invigorating feeling of suddenly
entering (e.g., diving into) cold water.
Dreich. adj. / driːç / dreek. Damp, gloomy, miserable weather; tedious, wearisome.
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Fiere. n. / fiːɜː / fee-urr. Companion, mate, pal, comrade.
Scotch mist. n. / skotʃˈmɪst / skotch mist. Light rain with droplets so fine it is almost a mist (except
that you can tell it's falling, as opposed to dense cloud).
Smeddum. n. / smɛ.dʌm / smeh-dum. A fine powder; the strength or essence of a substance; spirit;
energy.
Serbian
Inat. n. / iːnæt / ee-nat. Proud, defiant stubbornness and self-preservation (sometimes to the
detriment of others and even oneself).
Serbo-Croatian
Sèvdāh. Serbo-Croatian / n. / sěʋ.daːx / sev-dakh. The emotional intensity of passionate love; the
joys and pains of intense love (especially love that may be difficult or unrealisable in some way).
Modimo. Setswana / n. / mɒ.diːməʊ / moh-dee-moh. God in Tswana culture; genderless supreme

being.
Shilluk (Southern Sudan)
Caal. v. / càːl / carrl. To be reflected in (e.g., a father is reflected in his son); cf. ‘resemble’ (except
how subject and object are positioned is reversed).
Shona (Zimbabwe)
Chimurenga. n. / ʧɪ.mə.rɛŋ.gə / chim-uh-reng-uh. Liberation; the struggle for human rights, political
dignity and social justice; a Zimbabwean popular music genre coined and popularized by Thomas
Mapfumo.
Sinhalese
Ayubowan (ආයුබ ෝවන්). int. / aɪ.bəʊ.wæn / iy-boe-an. Lit. 'long life'; salutation, wishing someone
health, happiness and longevity; used as a greeting or parting.
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Slovenian
Hrepenenje. n. / hɜ.rɛ.pə.nɛn.ʤeɪ / heh-rep-uh-nen-jay. Nostalgia for something that hasn’t

happened yet.
Otožno. n. / ɒt.ɒʃz.nəʊ / oht-osh-no. Soft, gentle sadness or melancholy.
Vedriti. Slovenian / v. / veɪd.riːtiː / ved-ree-tee. To clear up (i.e., the weather); to shelter from the
rain.
Somali
Qooto qooto. v. / kuːtuː kuːtuː / koo-too koo-too.To try to get one’s way, even if one lacks the
wherewithal, through whatever means; to live in reliance on others (whether through persuasion,
begging or deception).
Sotho
Mohobelo. n. / məʊ.həʊ.bɛ.ləʊ / mo-ho-bel-o. ‘Striding dance’; a dance associated with the Sotho
cultures, featuring striding, leaping, and sliding along the ground.
Spanish
Aficionado. n. / əfɪsjəˈnɑːdəʊ / a-fis-iun-ad-o. Lit. ‘to inspire affection’ (v.); someone who is
knowledgeable and/or enthusiastic about something; can have connotations of being an amateur (in
a benign sense).
Alharaca. n. / alaˈɾa.kə / al-ah-rahk-ah. An extreme or excessive behavioural demonstration of an

emotion; making a fuss; becoming agitated; clamour, vociferation.
Ansias. n. / ˈæn.siːɘ / an-see-uh. Longing, yearning; worry, anguish; desparate or anxious love (e.g.,
worrying about one’s loved one).
Bonanza. n. / bənˈanzə / b-nan-za. A boon/benefit (that is often unexpected); prosperity.
Botellón (n.): lit. ‘big bottle’; people congregating in public spaces to socialize while drinking alcohol.
Cacharpaya. n. / kæʧ.ɑːˈpaɪ.jæ / cat-char-pye-ah. A send-off; a farewell party for someone who is

going away.
Camarada. n. / kamaˈɾaða / cah-mah-rah-dtha. Lit. ‘chamber-mate’ or room-mate; pal, friend; basis

for the term ‘comrade.’
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Celaje. n. / seɪ.lɑːxeɪ / say-lah-khay. An image or figure (that is often unclear); akin to a mirage or
hallucination, but with a suggestion that it is ‘really’ there (e.g., colours in the sky).
Chipe. Guatamalan / n. / ʧiːpeɪ / chee-pay. Jealously or rivalry, usually related to feeling that a loved
one’s attention is being devoted to someone else (e.g., another family member).
Compadre. n. / kəmˈpɑːdreɪ / kom-pah-drray. Lit. ‘co-fathers’; godfather; a term of respect and

friendship for a man.
Convivencia. n. / kɑ̃ .vɪˈvɛn.siːə / koh-vih-ven-see-uh. Lit. co-habitation, but also implying shared
feelings, meanings and purpose.
Desasosiego. Spanish / n. / dɛ.səˌsəʊ.sɪ.ɑːgəʊ / dess-ass-oss-ee-ah-go. Unrest; unease; anxiety; a

state where one cannot find solace in body and mind; emptiness, unrest, discomfort, longing and
desire all in one.
Desengaño. n. / dɛ.ɛnˈgæn.jəʊ / deh-sen-gan-yo. Disenchantment or disillusionment; can also

connote awakening, seeing through deceit, being liberated from an illusion.
Disfrutar. v. / d̪ is.fɾuˈt̪aɾ / diss-froo-tar. Lit. ‘to receive the fruits of’; to benefit from; to enjoy.
Duende. n. / ˈdwe̞n.d̪ e̞ / de-wen-deh. A heightened state of emotion, spirit and passion (often
associated with art/dance).
Empalagar. v. / ɛm.pæ.læ.gɑː / em-pah-lah-gar. To be too sweet or rich (in taste).
Engentado. v. / ɛn.xɛnˈtɑːdəʊ / en-khen-tah-doh. Lit. dazed or confused; used colloquially to

describe being 'peopled out', to wish for solitude.
Estrenar. v. / ɛs.trɛn.ɑːreɪ / ess-tren-ah-reh. To use or wear something for the first time (and perhaps
imbuing the wearer with a sense of confidence).
Fiesta. n. / fɪˈɛstə / fee-ess-tah. A party, celebration.
Gozar. v. / gəʊˈsɑː / go-sar. To greatly enjoy, take pleasure in; to take (e.g., in a romantic sense); to
delight in; to come (sexually).
Gula. n. / ˈguːlæ / goo-lah. Gluttony, greed; indulgence; eating simply for the taste (i.e., not from
hunger).
Madrugada. n. / ma.ðɾuˈɣa.ða / madh-roo-ga-tha. The early hours of the morning before dawn.
Mentalizar. v. / mɛn.tæ.l:ɪ.zɑː / men-tah-lih-zar. To get into a frame of mind; to make aware.
No pasarán. phrase / nō-ˌpä-sä-ˈrän / no pah-sah-ran. ‘They [the enemy] shall not pass’.
Ofrenda. n. / ɒf.rɛn.də / oh-frrend-uh. Lit. offering; tribute, gift; a collection of objects placed on a
ritual display during the annual and traditionally Mexican Día de Muertos celebration.
Ojalá. v. / oxaˈla / oh-khah-lah. Derivation of In sha' Allah, God willing ('may Allah wish it'); a hopeful
wish.
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Onda. n. / ɒn.dæ / on-dah. Lit. wave; the flow or current of something; an exclamation of joy or
excitement.
Pena ajena. n. / ˈpɛ.næ aˈxe.na / peh-nah ah-khen-nah. Pain (pena) for others (ajena); vicarious
embarrassment/shame; a cringing feeling.
Pundonor. n. / pʌn.dɔ.nɔː / pun-doh-nor. Point of honour; adherence to a code of honour; dignity;

self-respect.
Pura vida. phrase / puːræ viːdæ / poor-ah vee-dah. Lit. pure life, simple life; a motto, philosophy, and
way of being closely associated with Costa Rica.
Qué será será. int. / ke seˈɾa seˈɾa / keh seh-rah seh-rah. Lit. ‘what will be will be’; acceptance of (or
resignation to) fate.
Querencia. n. / kɛˈɹɛnsɪə / keh-ren-sia. A place where one feels secure, from which one draws
strength.
Rasmia. n. / ræz.miːə / razz-mee-uh. Eagerness, strength, activeness, courage, tenacity and

gracefulness.
Te quiero. v. / teˈkje.ro / teh-kyeh-roh. Lit. 'I want you'; perhaps between I like you and I love you,
implying tender affection.
Tertulia. n. / teɾˈtulja / terr-tool-ya. A social gathering or conversation, usually with literary or artistic
overtones.
Salado. adj. / saˈla.ðo / sah-lah-dtho. Lit. ‘salty’; a likeable person who is good company; someone
who can insightfully find the humour in life and make people laugh.
Siesta. n. / sɪˈɛstə / see-est-a. A short nap, usually taken in the early afternoon.
Simpatía. n. / sim.paˈtiːæ / sim-pah-tee-ah. Accord and harmony within relationships and/or society.
Sobremesa. Spanish / n. / so.breˈme.sa / soh-brreh-may-sah. Lit. over/on/above table; sitting around

the table after eating; when the food has finished but the conversation is still flowing.
Soler. v. / səʊˈleər / soh-lair. To usually do; to be in the habit of doing something.
Swahili
Mbuki-mvuki. Swahili / v. / mbuːkiː mvuːkiː / mm-boo-kee mm-voo-kee. Lit. to take of in flight

(mbuki), to dance wildly (mvuki); to shed clothes in order to dance; possible origins of the phrase
‘boogie woogie’.
Pole. Swahili / int. / pɔ.leɪ / poh-lay. Sorry; can also express empathy and understanding.
Tuko pamoja. Swahili / n. / tuːkɘ pæˈməʊ.ʤæ / too-kuh pah-moh-jah. Lit. 'one place'; ‘we are
together’, community togetherness.
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Swedish
Daggfrisk. n., adj. / dæːg.frɪsk / daag-frisk. Lit. ‘dew fresh’; the kind of pure, clean feeling one might
have from waking refreshed in the early morning at sunrise.
Famn. n. / fæm / fam. The area or space within two arms, e.g., 'in my arms'. As a verb, att famna –
‘to embrace’.
Fika. n. / fiːkæ / fee-kah. From kaffe (coffee); a coffee-break.
Flygskam. n. / fluːg.skʌm / floog-skum. ‘Flight shame’; being ashamed or embarrassed to fly because
of its negative impact on the environment.
Gökotta. n. / ʤɜːkuːˈtæʰ / jer-koo-tah. Lit. 'early-morning cuckoo'; waking up early to hear the first
birds sing.
Kulturbärare. n. / kəl.tuːˈbɑːrɑːrə / kul-toor-bar-ah-ruh. Lit. culture-bearer or culture-carrier; a

phenomenon (e.g., person or idea) that upholds a culture and/or moves it forward.
Lagom. n. / ˈlɑːˌɡɔm / laar-gom. Moderation; doing anything to just the right degree.
Livsnjutare. n. / ˈliːf.sɘˌnjuːtɑ.reɪ / leef-suh-nyoo-ta-rey. Bon vivant; someone who loves life and lives
it to the full.
Mångata. n. / ˈmoːŋˌɡɑːta / moo-on-gah-tah. Lit. moon (måne) road/street (gata); the path of
glimmering light that moonlight makes on water.
Mysa. v. / ˈmyːˌsa / mee-sah. To be engaged in a pleasant or comfortable activity; to be content or

comfortable; to get cosy; to snuggle up.
Nja. int. / njɑː / nyah. Combining no (nej) and yes (ja); neither yes or no (or both yes and no);
expressing uncertainty.
Njuta. v. / njʉː.ta / nyoo-ta. To deeply enjoy, to profoundly appreciate.
Orka. v. / ˈɔrˌka / orr-kah. To have the energy for something; being resilient, spirited, and/or
enthused.
Pigg. adj. / pɪg / pig. Alert, awake; refreshed, rested; spirited, energised.
Resfeber. n. / riːsˈfiːbər / reess-fee-burr. Travel fever/bug; the feeling of excitement and nervousness
experienced by a traveller before undertaking a journey.
Sambo. n. / sæm.buː / sam-boo. An unmarried couple that live together.
Smörgåsbord. n. / ˈsmœ̂ r.ɡɔsˌbuːɖ / smoer-gus-boord. ‘Sanswich table’; a type of Scandinavian meal,

originating in Sweden, served buffet-style with multiple hot and cold dishes.
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Smultronställe. n. / smʊl.trɒn'stɛl.ɛ / smool-tron-stel-eh. Lit. a ‘forest berry patch’; a quiet, cultivated

place to which one goes to retreat or relax.
Tjuvsmaka. v. / ɕʉːv. smɔːkɛʰ / shoov-smor-keh / aka Tyvsmake (Norwegian). Lit. sneak, thief (Tjuv)
taste (Smaka); to taste or eat small pieces of food (e.g., when cooking); cherry-picking the best
morsels (rather than to improve the meal).
Trygghet. n. / truːg.hiɜːt / trroog-he-ert. Security, safety, confidence, certainty, trust.
Vemod. n. / ve:mo:d / veer-mood. Tender, wistful sadness; pensive melancholy; the resigned and
nostalgic feeling one has in relation to something positive or significant that has been lost or is over
(e.g., one’s childhood).
Vidunder. n. / viːˈduːdə / vee-doon-duh. Miracle; prodigy; monster; an impressive or threatening

entity which inspires awe.
Tucano
Uakti. p. / ʊɑk.ti: / oo-ak-tee. A mythical musician according to Tucano legend (a creature with holes
in his body that produce sound when he ran or the wind blew through him).
Tagalog
Balikwas. n. / bæ.lɪk.wæs / bah-lik-wass. Suddenly rising or jumping to one’s feet (e.g., due to
surprise or fright); to turn suddenly to the other side.
Bayanihan. n. / bæ.jæ.nɪ.hæn / bah-yah-nih-han. Co-operative endeavour in the service of a shared

goal; a spirit of communal unity.
Daw. part. / ˈdaw / daw. It is said; so I was told.
Gigil. n. / ˈgʰiːˌgɪlː / ghih-gill. The irresistible urge to pinch/squeeze someone because they are loved
or cherished.
Kikay. n. / ˈkiːkʌɪ / kee-kie. A flirtatious girl or woman.
Kilig. n. / kɪˈliːɡ / kih-leeg. Lit. shaking/trembling; feeling of butterflies arising from interacting with
someone one loves or finds attractive; exhilaration/elation (not necessarily related to romance).
Layogenic. adj. / leɪ.əʊ.ʤɛ.nɪk / lay-oh-jen-ik. Someone or something that looks good from a
distance but not close up.
Pala. part. / pæ.læ / pah-lah. An exclamation of surprise; contrary to expectation (i.e., as opposed to
what I assumed).
Umay. n. / ə.meɪ / uh-may. To become weary or tired with something through overuse or satiety.
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Utang na loob. n. / uːtæŋ næ luːb / oo-tang nah loob. A debt of one’s inner self; an unpayable debt
of gratitude; being in receipt of a blessing or favour so great it can’t be returned.
Takuu
Tikotara. v. / ti.ko.ta.ɹa / tee-koh-tah-rah. To carry a lover to several locations inside a house (to
demonstrate physical strength) before having sex.
Tamil
Mannvasanai. n. / mæn.væ.sæ.naɪ / man-vah-sah-niy. Lit. earth smell; the scent of rain on dry earth;
cf. petrichor.
Thai Pongal (தைப் பபொங் கல் ). n. / taɪ pɒŋ.gæl / tai pong-al. A Tamil harvest festival of South
India, observed at the start of the month Tai according to Tamil solar calendar; named after the
ceremonial "Pongal", which means "to boil, overflow" and refers to the traditional dish prepared
from the new harvest of rice boiled in milk with jaggery (raw sugar).
Telegu
Mohamaatam. n. / maʊ.hæ.mɑːəm / moh-har-maar-tum. Complaisance; hestitation, tentativeness;

shyness; willingness to please.
Thai
Aon (อ ้อน). v. / ɒn / on. To plead or try to emotively appeal to another’s affections in order to gain
something one wants (e.g., by crying); generally used in a positive sense (e.g., as per adorable).
Kreng-jai (เกรงใจ). n. / krɛn.ʤaɪ / krren-jiy. Deferential heart; respect and consideration for others’
feelings (ahead of one’s own); the wish to not trouble someone by burdening them.
Nam jai (น้ำใจ). n. / næm.ʤaɪ / nam-jiy. Lit. water from the heart; selfless generosity and kindness.
Sabsung. n. / sɑːb.suːŋ / saab-soong. A feeling of revitalisation through something that livens up or

gives meaning to one’s life; something that brightens one’s day.
Sanuk (สนุ ก). Thai / n. / sæ.nʊk / sah-nook. To have a good time; to have fun, not in a frivolous way,
but rather in a way imbued with satisfaction, pleasure, and value.
่
Tîeow (เทียว). v. / tiːaʊ / tee-ow. To wander or roam around in a carefree way.
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Tibetan
Bardo (བར་དོ་). n. / bɑːdəʊ / bar-doe. Lit. ‘in-between state’ or ‘intermediate state’; a liminal or
transitional state between lives.
Dewachen (བདེ་བ་ཅན་). n. / diːwə.ʧən / dee-wuh-chuhn / aka Sukhāvatī (Sanskrit). Lit. Land of pure bliss
or happiness; a celestial ‘Pure Land’ in certain schools of Buddhism.
Druptap (སྒྲུབ་ཐབས་). n. / drʌp tʰæp / drup-tap / aka sgrub thabs, sādhanā (Sanskrit). Lit. ‘means of
accomplishing something’; exertion towards a spiritual goal; advanced meditation practices.
Lha’i rnal ‘byor (ལྷའི་རྣལ་འབོར). n. / lə.hæiː rə.næl bəjɔː / luh-hah-ee ruh-nall buh-yor. Deity
meditation/yoga; an advanced practice in which one visualises interacting with, or ‘accomplishing’
(i.e., being), a deity.
Mkha' 'gro ma (མཁའ་འགོ་མ་). n. / m’kæp grəʊ mæ / m-ka-gro-ma. ‘Skygoer’; a type of sacred female
spirit in Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism; female tantric deities who protect and serve the
Buddhist doctrine; cf. ḍākinī (Sanskrit).
Ö-pa-me (འོད་དཔག་མེད). p. / əʊ.pɑːmeɪ / oh-par-may / aka Amitābha (Sanskrit). Celestial Buddha of

infinite light and goodness; creator of the ‘Pure Land’ (Sukhāvatī in Sanskrit).
Rlung (རླུང). n. / rə.lʌŋ / r-lung. Wind, breath; has a variety of meanings in the Vajrayana traditions of
Tibetan Buddhism, including as a subtle flow of energy (out of the five elements, most closely
connected with air).
Sprulpa (སྤྲུལ་པ་). n. / sprʌl-pə / sprul-puh. Emanation, manifestation; a psychic ability in which a being
or object which is created through psychospiritual powers.
Thukdham (ཐུགས་དམ). n. / tʰʊk.dʰʌm / tuk-dhum / aka tukdam. A Tibetan Buddhist Tantric practice, in
which advanced meditators are purportedly able, post-death, to meditatively prevent or stall
dissolution and decay of their body.
Tonglen (གཏོང་ལེན). n. / tɒŋ.lɛn / tong-len. Lit. giving and taking, or sending and receiving; a meditation
practice, involving ‘breathing in’ the suffering of others, transmuting it in one’s heart, and ‘breathing
out’ love, happiness, compassion, joy to them.
Trul khor (རྩ་རླུང་འཁྲུལ་འཁོར་). n. / truːl kɔː / trool kor. ‘Magic instrument’, ‘magic circle’; a Vajrayana
discipline which includes breath control and body postures.
Tshiluba
Ilunga. n. / iːluː ŋ.gæ / ee-loong-ah. The capacity of being ready to forgive a first time, tolerate a
second time, but not a third time.
106
Tupi-Guarani
Mbïraki'tã. n. / m.bɪə rɑːki tæk / m-bir-ak-ee-ta. ‘Knot of trees’; generic name for old artefacts of
Amazonian Indian origin, carved in stone or wood, and representing animals or people, and often
used as pendants and in other decorative capacities.
Motirõ. n. / mɒˈtɪə.rɒ / moh-teer-oh. Community work; doing or building something good together;
a productive gathering of people.
Turkish
Estağfurullah. int. / ɛstˈɑːfruːlɑː / est-ah-froo-lah. Lit. 'may God grant me mercy'; used to express
'don't mention it' (e.g., in response to receiving praise).
Gümüş servi. n. / gə.muːʃ seə.vi / guh-moosh ser-vee / aka serv-i sîmîn (original phrasing). Lit. silver
cypress tree; the shining white glimmering of moonlight on water.
Üfürük. n. / ə.fɜːrɜːk / uh-fur-ruk. Exhaled breath.
Tulu (India)
Aradupopini. v. / æ.ræ.duːpɒ.piːniː / ah-rah-du-pop-ee-nee. To walk arm-in-arm or hand-in-

hand.
Ukranian
Кохати. v. / koˈxɑn.nʲɑ / koh-han-khya. To love passionately, intimately, romantically.
Upper Umpqua
Umpqua. n. / ʌmp.kwæ / ump-kwah. ‘Thundering waters’, ‘across the waters’, or possibly ‘satisfied’
or ‘full’; name of the indigenous people of what is now Oregon.
Urdu
Chai pani. n. / tʃaɪ ˈpɑːniː / chiy pah-nee. Lit. 'tea and water'; favours or money given to someone to
get something done (similar to a 'bribe', but without a negative connotation).
Goya (‫)گویا‬. conj. / gɔ.jæ / go-yah. As if; suppose it were; can be used to denote a suspension of
disbelief (e.g., in storytelling).
107
Naz (‫)ناز‬. n. / nʌz / nuz. Assurance, pride, confidence (arising from feeling unconditionally loved).
Vietnamese
Báo ơn. v. / baʊ.æn / bau-an. To return, to repay; to render; to reward; to give respect or thanks for
a favour.
Hết sảy. phrase / hɛt seɪ / het say. Beyond excitement, beyond words; terrific, splendid; a superlative
experience.
Hiếu. n. / hiəw˧˩ / hee-ew. Filial piety; respect, reverence for elders.
Liêm chính. adj. / liːɛm ʧɪn / lee-em chin. Honest; incorruptible; innocent; moral.
Visayan (Phillipines)
Panuku. v. / pʰa.nu.kʰu / fah-noo-khoo. To be hesitant to do something, mainly on account of

propriety; to push one’s partner at arm’s length when dancing.
Welsh
Cwtch. v./n. / kʊtʃ / kutch. As verb: to hug/cuddle (transitive); to get cosy (intransitive). As noun: a
hug/cuddle; a sanctuary; a safe, welcoming place.
Cynefin. n. / ˈkʌnᵻ.vɪn / kun-uh-vin. Haunt, habitat; a place where one feels one ought to live; the
relationship one has to the place where one was born and/or feels at home.
Glas. adj. / glæs / glass, Blue and/or green; also white, sparkling, dazzling, pristine, youthful.
Hiraeth. n. / hira.ɪ̯θ / heerr-ithe. Longing for one’s homeland, with nostalgia and wistfulness.
Hwyl. Welsh / n. / huːɨ̯l / hoo-iil. A stirring feeling of emotional motivation and energy; a melodic,
fervour; ecstatic inspiration; a chanting style of preaching; mood; fun.
Wiradjuri
Guwayu. inj. / gʊ.weɪ.juː / goo-way-oo. In a little while; later; after some time.
Yindyamarra. v. / jɪn.di.mæ.ræ / yin-dee-mah-rah. To show respect; to go slowly; to take care; to

think before acting.
108
Xhosa
Umteyo. n. / ʌm.tiːjəʊ / um-tee-yo. ‘Shaking dance; a dance associated with Xhosa culture, involving
the rapid undulation or shaking of the thorax so that the spine appears to be rippling.
Yaqui
Huya Ania. n. / huːjə əniːjə / hoo-ya ah-nee-uh. The ‘wilderness world’; ‘nurturing life’; wild areas of
nature.
Sea Ania. n. / siː əniːjə / see ah-nee-uh. The ‘flower world’; enchanted world of the mind ‘beneath
the dawn’; all that is good and beautiful in life.
Tenku Ania. n. / tɛn.kuː əniːjə / ten-koo ah-nee-uh. The ‘dream world’; the incomprehensible private
world.
Tuka Ania. n. / tuːkə əniːjə / too-kuh ah-nee-uh. The ‘night world’; the ‘magical world’.
Yo Ania. n. / jəʊ əniːjə / yo ah-nee-uh. The ‘enchanted world’; night world of the shadow (often
associated with caves); can be a source of spiritual power.
Yagán
Mamihlapinatapai. n. / ˈmæ.mi.læ.pɪ.næ.tæˈpai / mah-me-lah-pee-nah-tah-pie. A look between

people that expresses unspoken but mutual desire.
Yiddish
Bashert. n. / bɛˈʃeət / beh-sharyt / aka beshert. Lit. ‘meant to be’; destiny; what is given to you (e.g.,
by God); often used to denote one’s divinely-ordained soulmate, known as one’s basherte (female)
or basherter (male).
Chutzpah. n. / ˈxʊts.pə / khutz-puh. From the Hebrew ḥutspâ (‫)חֻ צְּ ּפָ ה‬, meaning insolence, cheek,
audacity. Nerve, effrontery, guts; sometimes used pejoratively.
Fargin. n. / fɑːgɪn / fah-gin. Ungrudging and overt (expressed) pride and happiness at other's
successes.
Freier. n. / ˈfraiɐ / frhyer. Fool; sucker; one who lets themselves be taken advantage of, or who
doesn’t seize an opportunity to gain an easy, but essentially unfair or unethical, benefit.
Hachnasat orchim. n. / ɦax.na.ʃat ɔːxɪm / hakh-nash-at orh-khim. Welcoming or ‘bringing in guests’;

offering hospitality and respect to strangers.
Kibitz. v. / ˈkɪ.bɪts / kih-bitz. To offer unwanted advice.
109
Kvell. v. / kvɛl / kvell. To feel strong and overt (expressed) pride and joy in someone's successes.
Luftmensch. n. / lʊft.mɛntʃ / looft-mentsh. ‘Air person’; someone more concerned with intellectual
or creative pursuits than practical issues.
Mechaye. n. / mɛ.kʰaɪ.jɛ / meh-khy-eh. Joy, pleasure; something that gives great joy/pleasure.
Mensch. n. / mɛntʃ / mentsh. Derived from the German term for person; used to describe a good
human being in its fullest sense.
Megillah. n. / məˈgɪ.lə / muh-gill-uh. A very detailed (often excessively so) story or discourse.
Naches. n. / ˈnʌ.xəs / nuh-khuz. Joyful pride in someone's successes (e.g., your progeny or student).
Schlemiel (‫)שלומיאל‬. n. / ʃləˈmiːl / shluh-meel. An incompetent, unlucky, clumsy or foolish person.
Schmooze. v. / ˈshmüz / shmooz. To chat in a friendly and persuasive manner, especially so as to gain
favor, business, or connections
Tzedaka. n. / sˤə.ðaːˈqaː / su-tha-khaa. Gnerosity/charity (mandated by justice), required righteous

giving.
Yolngu
Yidaki. n. / ˈjɪ.da.ki / yih-dah-kee. Traditional Australian Aboriginal instrument (widely referred to as

a ‘didgeridoo,’ the name given by settlers).
Yoruba
Ewa inu. n. / ɛwə ɪnuː / ew-uh in-oo. Inner beauty; intrinsic appeal.
Ewa ode. n. / ɛwə əʊdə / ew-uh oh-duh. Outer beauty; external appeal.
Iduni. n. / ɪ.duːniː / ih-doo-nee. Intense, absolute, indescribable joy.
Oju inu. n. / əʊ.ʤuː ɪnuː / oh-joo in-oo. Inner eye; creative perception and insight; understanding of
visual imagery.
Oju ona. n. / əʊ.ʤuː əʊ.nə / oh-joo on-uh. Artistic eye; design awareness and sensibility.
Omoluabi. n. / ɒ.mɒ.luːə.biː / oh-moh-loo-ah-bee. Lit. ‘that which is begotten by the master of

character’; someone of unimpeachable character, combining all virtues; the living embodiment of
societal values.
110
Yup’ik
Ella (aka cella, cilla). n. / ɛl.læ / ell-lah. Awareness; environment, world, universe; weather; mood;
can imply the notion that life as a whole (and all elements within it) possesses awareness.
Nutaan atam. int. / nuːtɑːn ʌt.ʌm / noo-taan ut-um. ‘Now that’s good’; stating that a situation is
good, ready, and/or complete.
Tulukaruq. p. / tuːluːkɑːruːk / too-loo-kɑh-rook / aka Qanglaagix (Aleut). The Raven, mythological

figure of the Inuktitut, Aleut and Yupik peoples; not a creator deity per se, but a figure who guides
the people and shapes their world (although can also feature in stories as a ‘trickster’ figure).
Zulu
Indlamu. n. / ind͡ɮaːmu / in-jla-mu. A traditional dance, characterised by the dancer lifting one foot
over his/her head and bringing it down sharply, landing squarely on the downbeat.
Ubuntu. n. / ʊˈbuːntʊ / uu-boon-tuu. Being kind to others on account of one’s common humanity.
111

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Lomas lexicography Provisional list – by language April 2020

PROVISIONAL LEXICOGRAPHY – BY LANGUAGE

Updated April 2020

English (old / new) ................................................................................................................................ 20

Yiddish ................................................................................................................................................. 109

Dwaal. n. / dwɑːl / dwahl. A dreamy, dazed, or absent-minded state.

Tiamat (𒀭𒋾𒊩𒆳). p. / tiːə.mæt / tee-uh-matt. A primordial goddess in the religion of ancient

Imasuugtua. phrase / ɪm.ɑːˈʃuːk.tuɑː / im-ah-shook-too-ah. I am sad. Lit. I am searching for my imaq

Besa. n. / ˈbeɪ.sæ / bay-sah. An inviolable promise; a word of honour; to keep an oath.

Qanglaagix. p. / kæn.glɑːgʰɪx / kan-glah-ghikh / aka Tulukaruq (Yup'ik). The Raven, mythological

Asabiyyah (‫)عصبية‬. n. / a.saːˈbiː.ja / ah-sah-bee-yah. Solidarity; group feeling; group consciousness.

Baraka (‫)بركة‬. n. / ˈbʌ.rʌ.kʌ / buh-ruh-kuh. Spiritual energy; ‘sanctifying power’.

Furūsiyya (‫)فروسية‬. n. / fɜːruːsiːjæ / fur-oo-see-yuh. Equestrian martial exercise.

Hurufiyya (‫)حروفية‬. Arabic / n. / hɜːruːfi:jʌ / hur-oo-fee-yuh. An aesthetic movement that emerged in

Ishq (‫)عشق‬. n. / ɪʃk / ishk. Fervent, true, all-consuming love.

Muraqaba (‫)مراقبة‬. n. / mʊə.rə.kʌ.bʌ / mooh-reuh-kuh-buh. Watchful attention; vigilance;

Sadaqah (‫)صدقة‬. n. / sˤa.da.qa / suh-duh-kuh. Lit. justice, righteousness; generosity/charity

َ n. / ˈsa.ma / sah-mah. Lit. listening; devout contemplation; worship, particularly in the

Sumud (‫)صمود‬. n. / sɘˈmuːd / suh-mood. Steadfastness; perseverance; a determined struggle to

Taarradhin (‫)تراض‬. n. / ˈtæʜ.ræʜ.diːn / takh-rah-deen. A ‘win-win’; a positive agreement, solution,

Tarab (‫)طرب‬. n. / ˈtɑː.rɘb / tah-rrb. Musically-induced ecstasy or enchantment.

Womba. n. / wɒm.bə / wom-buh. The smile of a sleeping child.

Jatorra. Adj. / xʌˈtɔː.rɑ / khuh-torr-ah. Genuine, nice, trustful, truthful, agreeable.

Karriyolyolmen. v. / ga.ɾi.jol.jol.mɛn / gah-ree-jol-jol-men. ‘Let’s story’; to tell a story, or relate news.

Startijenn. n. / stɑːt.ɪˈʒɛn / start-ih-zjen. A kickstart/boost of energy; also denotes perseverance.

Onsay. v. / ˈʌn.seɪ / uhn-say. To pretend to love.

Enraonar. v. / en.ra.oˈna / en-ra-oh-na. To discuss in a civilised, reasoned manner.

Chinese (Mandarin, unless specified otherwise)

Bēi xî jiāo jí (悲喜交集). n. / beɪ.ɕɪ.ʤiaʊ.ʤi / bay-shee-jeeow-jee. Intermingled feelings of sadness

Chán (禪). n. / tʃ͡ æːn / chan. The Chinese adaptation of dhyāna/jhana.

Guān xì (關係). n. / gwɒn.ɕiː / gwun-shee. Cultivating relationships; reciprocal connections;

Lǐ (禮). n. / liːi / lee-e. Etiquette, decorum, ceremony, custom, propriety.

Qì (氣). n. / tɕʰiː / chee. Lit. air, breath; ‘life force/energy’.

Tai (太). n. / taɪ / ty. Great, greatest, supreme, ultimate.

Xiá (霞). n. / ɕi.a /shee-ah. Rosy clouds at sunrise or sunset.

Xiào (孝). n. / ɕi.aʊ /shee-aow. Filial piety; family reverence.

Xìn (信). n. / ɕɪn / shin. Truth/truthfulness; sincerity; trust/trustworthiness.

Yì (義). n. / jiː / ee. Duty; justice; a moral disposition towards goodness.

Zhì (智). n. / t͡ʂɘɻ / jrr. Wisdom, perspicacity, knowledge.

Bazodee. Trinidad and Tobago / n. / bæ.zəʊ.diː / bah-zoe-dee. Euphoric confusion; dizzy/dazed

Epesní. adj. / ˈɛpɛs.niː / epes-niyee. Great, perfect, exquisite, first-class.

Krasosmutněn. n. /ˈkra.soˌsmut.ɲɛˌɲiː/ krra-soh-smut-niyeh-niyee. Beautiful sadness; joyful blues.

Labůžo. n. / ˈla.buː.ʒo / lah-boo-zhoh. Satisfaction; a favourable situation; enjoying or savouring

Odkoukat. v. / ɒd.kuːkæt / od-koo-kat. To learn by watching.

Pohoda. n. / ˈpo.ɦo.da / poh-hoh-dah. A state of wellbeing, peace, happiness; favourable conditions

Arbejdsglæde. n. / ˈɑː.baɪd̪ ʱsˌglɪl / ar-bides-glil. Lit. work gladness/joy; pleasure/satisfaction derived

Enkelt. n. / ɛn.kɛlt / en-kelt. Beauty through simplicity.

Hyggekrog. n. / ˈhʊːɡə.kʰʁɔwˀ / hhoo-guh/khrow. Lit. hygge-corner; a cozy nook in a room where

Kæk. adj. / kɛk / kek. Spirited, bold, cheeky, cocky.

Lego. n. / lɛ.gəʊ / leh-go. ‘Play well’ (a contraction of ‘leg godt’).

Overskud. n. / ˈɒwɐsgud / oh-wuhs-good. Extra/excess energy; do have sufficient resources to do

Caribberie. n. / kæ.rɪ.biːəri / kah-rih-ber-ee. Aboriginal spiritual ceremonies involving singing and

Binnenpretje. n. / ˈbɪ.nən.prɛt.ʤə / bih-nuhn-preyt-juh. Lit. ‘inside fun’; a private joke; amusement

Borrel. n. / bɔːrəl / bohr-uhl. Party, revelry; reception, meeting; get-together.

Deftig. adj. / dɛf.təʜ / def-tukh. Dignified, ceremonious, formal, genteel.

Eigenwijs. adj,. adv. / ɛi ̯ɣə(n)ˈʋɛi ̯s / ey-gn-viyz. ‘Own-wise’; self-willed; stubborn, headstrong;

Engelengeduld. n. / ˈɛŋ.gɘ.lɘnˈɣɘ.dʊlt / eng-uhl-uhn-kher-dult. Angelic patience (i.e., great patience).