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— Ludwig Wittgenstein, Philosopher

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    Indonesia

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    Discover untranslatable words from Indonesia.

    111 phrases from Indonesia

    • Indonesian

      Jayus

      /JAH-yoos/

      Jayus describes that peculiar moment when a joke is so utterly devoid of humor, so poorly delivered, or so nonsensical that its very ineptitude triggers an involuntary, almost sympathetic burst of laughter. It's not laughter at the joke itself, but rather a reaction to the sheer awkwardness and the unexpected, delightful absurdity of someone failing so spectacularly to be funny. The humor stems from the meta-experience of witnessing a comedic train wreck, transforming discomfort into a shared moment of mirth.

      When someone tells a terrible joke but the awkwardness itself becomes funny.

      • #connection
      • #humor
      Indonesia
      joy
    • Malay

      Ikhlas

      /IKH-lahs/

      Ikhlas embodies a profound, unadulterated sincerity of intention, a spiritual purity that transcends mere honesty. It signifies performing actions, particularly acts of devotion or kindness, not for worldly recognition, reward, or praise from others, but solely for the sake of the act itself or for divine approval. This deep-seated authenticity stems from a clean heart and mind, ensuring that one's purpose is genuine and untainted by ulterior motives, making every endeavor a true offering.

      Lit. Sincerity, Purity, Wholeheartedness

      Used to describe a person's sincerity and pure intention, especially in religious acts or good deeds. It's often invoked to remind oneself or others to perform actions with genuine purpose, free from any ulterior motives or desire for worldly recognition.

      Malaysia
      gratitude
    • Malay

      Meroyan

      /meh-ROY-ahn/

      Meroyan describes a profound and often overwhelming state of emotional distress experienced by new mothers postpartum, extending far beyond the clinical definition of depression. It encompasses a tumultuous mix of anxiety, irritability, sadness, and a disorienting sense of alienation, as if the woman has lost her former self amidst the demands of motherhood. This deeply cultural term acknowledges the vulnerability and immense psychological shifts inherent in childbirth, recognizing a period where a woman's emotional landscape is profoundly altered and often fraught with societal pressures.

      Lit. The literal meaning is not straightforward, but it refers to a state of emotional imbalance or distress.

      Used to describe the emotional and psychological state of a new mother who is experiencing distress, anxiety, and irritability after childbirth.

      Malaysia
      belonging
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