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In the classroom I ask my students not to translate. This is to help them learn English in the context of, well, English. But it’s also because translators don’t understand the nuances of language and can get translations wrong. That being said, sometimes I do let students translate an individual word. For example, if we are having trouble explaining a food to one another, it’s ok to translate that as the translator will probably get it right.
Even with individual words though, there are some that simply don’t translate! These unique English words carry cultural nuances and specific contexts that make them challenging to translate. So you need to use English in order to understand these English words. And why you do, you’ll be one step closer to fluency and cultural comprehension.
Here are 12 untranslatable English words and how to use them correctly.
Untranslatable English Words and Their Usage
Awkward
Meaning: adj. Feeling uneasy or uncomfortable, especially in a social situation.
Example: “I felt awkward since I didn’t know anyone at the party.”
Cringe
Meaning: v. To feel embarrassed on behalf of someone else.
Example: “I cringe every time I watch that old video of myself.”
This is a word which has become more popular in recent years, and as it has the meaning has shifted. You can now use cringe as an adjective to describe a person you find to be weird or uncool.
Example: Wow, I can’t believe she said that, she’s so cringe.
Serendipity
Meaning: n. The occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Example: “Meeting my partner the day after I deleted all of my dating apps was such serendipity.”
Facepalm
Meaning: n. A gesture of placing one’s hand over the face to express disbelief or frustration. Think about this emoji -> 🤦
This is not a phrase that we often use in spoken language, but it is important to know that the gesture has a name.
Gobsmacked
Meaning: adj. Extremely surprised or shocked.
Example: “I was gobsmacked when I won the lottery.”
This words is more common in British English than in American English.
Hustle
Meaning: v. To work energetically and rapidly.
Example: “She had to hustle to finish the project on time.”
This is another word which has become more popular recently, really picking up around 2016. It can now also be used as a noun and is often in the context of a “side hustle”. This is used to describe something that you do to make money outside of your main full time income.
Quaint
Meaning: adj. Sweet, small, old-fashioned, and welcoming.
Example: “They stayed in a quaint cottage during their vacation.”
Flabbergasted
Meaning: adj. Extremely surprised or astonished.
Example: “I was flabbergasted by the news of their engagement.”
This is another word which is more common in British English than in American English.
Banter
Meaning: n. Playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks.
Example: “The banter between the hosts made the show enjoyable.”
Kudos
Meaning: n. Praise and honor received for an achievement.
Example: “Kudos to you for completing the marathon!”
Whimsy
Meaning: n. Playfully fanciful behavior or humor.
Example: “The artist’s work is full of whimsy and imagination.”
Limerence
Meaning: n. The state of being infatuated or obsessed with another person.
Example: “His limerence for her was evident in his constant attention.”
Continuing Your English Studies
Understanding English expressions like these ones can significantly improve your language skills. Now that you have a list of 12, listen out for them, or try to incorporate them when you speak. To come across more unique English words and expressions, increasing your exposure is the most beneficial thing you can do. Here are some ways to do that:
- Contextual Learning: Read books or watch shows where these words are used to grasp their meanings better.
- Practice Usage: Incorporate these terms into your daily conversations to become more comfortable with them.
- One-on-One Lessons: Book personalized lessons with an EFL teacher. You can choose what to focus on.
Mastering these untranslatable English words can be a rewarding challenge. They not only enrich your vocabulary but also provide deeper insights into English-speaking culture. If you’re eager to delve deeper into such terms and enhance your language proficiency, consider enrolling in one-on-one lessons tailored to EFL students like you.
