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    5. Thương
    Artistic representation of Thương
    Vietnamese•
    🇻🇳Vietnam

    Thương

    /TUNG (with a slight upward inflection on the 'ung')/

    Meaning

    Thương encompasses a profound and complex spectrum of affection, ranging from deep familial love to compassionate empathy and even a tender, gentle liking. It's more than just 'love' in the romantic sense; it signifies a heartfelt care and concern for another's well-being, often accompanied by a sense of protective tenderness. This feeling can extend to strangers in need, evoking a desire to help and alleviate suffering, highlighting a uniquely Vietnamese emphasis on interconnectedness and mutual support.

    Literal Translation

    love, affection, to love, to miss

    How It's Used

    Used to express deep affection, care, and empathy towards family, friends, loved ones, and even those in need.

    Emotions
    compassion,gratitude,love,warmth
    Contexts
    family,farewell,friendship,greeting
    🇻🇳Vietnam

    by Anya Petrova·Written Mar 10, 2026·Updated Apr 3, 2026

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    Gezellig encapsulates a profound sense of warmth, belonging, and convivial comfort, extending beyond mere coziness to embrace the social and emotional atmosphere. It's the feeling of being truly at ease, surrounded by good company, laughter, and a shared sense of contentment. This untranslatable term describes not just a physical space, but a holistic experience where time seems to slow down, fostering genuine connection and a deep sense of well-being.

    Wabi-sabiJapanese

    Wabi-sabi is the profound appreciation for the ephemeral, the imperfect, and the incomplete aspects of existence. It is about discovering beauty in the subtle textures of age, the unique character of flaws, and the gentle decay that marks the passage of time. This philosophy encourages a quiet acceptance of impermanence and a mindful connection to the natural world, finding elegance in simplicity and authenticity.

    IkigaiJapanese

    Ikigai is more than just a reason to get out of bed; it's a deeply personal and evolving sense of purpose that brings genuine fulfillment and joy to one's life. It represents the sweet spot where your passions, talents, needs of the world, and what you can be paid for beautifully converge. Discovering your ikigai often leads to a life lived with intentionality, resilience, and a profound connection to one's contributions. It's the intrinsic motivation that fuels a meaningful existence, regardless of external circumstances.

    NunchiKorean

    Nunchi is the sophisticated, almost telepathic, ability to instantly grasp the unspoken dynamics of any social situation, anticipating others' thoughts and feelings, and then responding with impeccable grace and timing. It's an acute form of social intuition, allowing one to navigate complex interpersonal landscapes by reading subtle cues like body language, tone, and context. Possessing good nunchi means effortlessly understanding the underlying emotional currents and adjusting one's behavior to maintain harmony and effectiveness, often without a single word exchanged.