From Nordic coziness to Mediterranean leisure
European languages have given us some of the most beloved untranslatable words. From the Danish concept of "hygge" to the Portuguese longing of "saudade," these words reflect a continent shaped by diverse cultures, harsh winters, and centuries of philosophical thought.
1058 phrases from Europe
French
/LESS-ay-ah-LAY/
A state of carelessness, neglect, or lack of restraint; a tendency to let things slide; a kind of relaxed indifference or permissiveness.
Lit. let go, let pass
It can describe a person's attitude (e.g., a 'laisser-aller' attitude towards work) or a general atmosphere where rules are not strictly enforced, leading to a sense of freedom or chaos depending on the context.
French
/ruh-troo-VAY sayz ess-PREE/
To regain one's senses, to come to one's senses, or to recover one's composure after a shock, surprise, or period of confusion.
Lit. to find again one's spirits
This phrase is used when someone has been overwhelmed by an event, emotion, or situation and needs time to regain their mental clarity and stability. It signifies a return to a normal state of mind after being temporarily thrown off balance.
French
/mal doo PAY-ee/
A deep and often overwhelming feeling of homesickness, particularly when one is far from their native land. It goes beyond simple longing and can manifest as sadness, anxiety, and a profound sense of displacement.
Lit. sickness of the country
This phrase is used to describe the intense emotional distress experienced by individuals who are away from their home country or region for an extended period. It is often associated with expatriates, travelers, or immigrants.
French
/ah-vwahr luh kah-fahr/
To feel down, depressed, or have the blues. It describes a state of low spirits, sadness, or melancholy without a specific, identifiable cause. It's a general feeling of gloominess.
Lit. to have the cockroach
This idiom is used to describe a mood or feeling of sadness or despondency that isn't necessarily tied to a particular event. It's often used when someone is feeling generally unhappy or listless. For example, 'Je ne sais pas pourquoi, mais j'ai le cafard aujourd'hui.' (I don't know why, but I have the blues today.)
French
/PEN duh KUR/
A heartache or emotional pain, often associated with love, disappointment, or a significant loss. It implies a deep, sometimes lingering sadness or suffering of the heart.
Lit. pain of heart
This phrase is used to describe the emotional suffering one experiences due to romantic troubles, unrequited love, or the loss of a loved one. It's a common expression in literature, poetry, and everyday conversation when discussing emotional distress.
French
/SHAG-rin/
Distress or embarrassment caused by failure or humiliation.
Lit. Grief, sorrow, vexation (from Old French 'chagrin' meaning 'grief, sorrow, vexation', possibly from a Celtic root related to 'rough skin' or 'worry').
Used to describe a feeling of acute disappointment or vexation, often when one's pride or expectations have been wounded.
French
/KOO duh FOO-druh/
Literally 'strike of lightning,' this phrase describes the experience of falling in love at first sight. It signifies an sudden, intense, and overwhelming feeling of attraction and connection upon meeting someone for the first time.
Lit. strike of lightning
This phrase is used to describe the immediate and powerful onset of romantic love, often implying a sense of destiny or an irresistible force.
French
/ah-MOOR-PROH-pruh/
Amour-propre refers to a sense of self-esteem, pride, or dignity that is derived from how one perceives themselves and how they believe they are perceived by others. It's a complex concept that can encompass vanity, self-respect, and a desire for social recognition.
Lit. self-love
This term is used in philosophical and psychological discussions, as well as in everyday conversation, to describe an individual's sense of worth and their motivation to maintain or enhance it, often in relation to social standing and reputation.
French
/nahs-tal-ZHEE/
A sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past, typically for happy personal associations. It's a feeling of yearning for a time or place that is gone, often idealized.
Lit. The word 'nostalgie' is derived from Greek roots: 'nostos' (return home) and 'algos' (pain or suffering), coined by a Swiss physician in the late 17th century to describe a malady afflicting soldiers who were far from home.
Used in contexts where people reminisce about the past, often accompanied by a sense of sadness that it cannot be recaptured, but also a warmth from the memories themselves. It can be triggered by familiar sights, sounds, smells, or conversations.
French
/mel-an-KOH-lee/
A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause. It is a state of gentle, lingering sorrow, often accompanied by a wistful or reflective mood.
Lit. Melancholy (derived from Greek 'melas' meaning black and 'khole' meaning bile)
Used to describe a mood or atmosphere characterized by thoughtfulness and a degree of sadness, often associated with art, literature, and music. It can be a personal feeling or a pervasive atmosphere.
French
/lahn-GUR/
Langueur refers to a state of gentle weariness, languor, or lassitude, often accompanied by a dreamy or listless mood. It's a kind of pleasant indolence, a state of being pleasantly tired or bored, where one is not motivated to exert oneself but finds a certain comfort or aesthetic in this state of inactivity.
Lit. Languor, weariness
It is used to describe a mood, atmosphere, or a physical state of being. It can be applied to a person's demeanor, the ambiance of a room, or even the feeling evoked by a piece of art or music. It's often associated with moments of quiet reflection, relaxation, or a gentle, unhurried pace of life.
French
/ahn-WEE/
A feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. It's a profound sense of boredom, listlessness, and a general dissatisfaction with life, often tinged with a sense of existential angst.
Lit. from Latin 'inodia' meaning 'indigestion', evolving to mean 'weariness' or 'boredom'
Typically used to describe a state of being bored, listless, or dissatisfied with life, often in a sophisticated or intellectual context. It can be applied to individuals experiencing a lack of stimulation or purpose, or to a general societal mood.