語言不僅是溝通的工具,它還深刻地反映出文化如何理解與表達人類的複雜情感。每個語言中都藏有一些獨特的詞彙,它們捕捉了無法用其他詞語簡單描述的情緒和感受。
上一篇提及了「情緒顆粒度」——如何更細膩地表達自己情緒的重要性,而今天將分享來自不同語言的20個特別詞彙,希望大家帶著輕鬆有趣的心態,一邊增加自己情緒辭彙!
那些帶點吐槽意味的內心OS
Lyadh
Lyadh 來自孟加拉語,描述的是一種不帶內疚的懶散、「就是不想做事」的狀態。它可以被形容為「飯後小憩」,或者只是懶散地躺在沙發上,沒有任何社交或工作的欲望;也可能是洗澡或準備出門時拖拖拉拉的樣子。簡而言之,這是一種在開始任何工作前,無法抗拒的休息慾望。
Schadenfreude
Schadenfreude 來自德語,描述了從他人的不幸中獲得快感的情緒。這種幸災樂禍的感受可能在某些人遭受報應時浮現,比如當你的同事試圖讓你失去工作,結果他自己被解雇時,你感受到的那一絲快意就是 Schadenfreude。
Pena ajena
Pena ajena 墨西哥西班牙語,指的是當你目睹他人醜態時,間接感受到的尷尬感,直白一點就是「替人感到丟臉」。例如,當你看到朋友酒醉失態,尤其是當他們和你在一起時,你會既為他們尷尬,又因他們感到羞恥。
Engentado
Engentado 西班牙語中的詞彙,用來形容當一個人處於擁擠的環境中,因人群過多而感到焦慮的情緒,簡直一語道出I人的心聲。
心動、甜蜜、期待的溫暖情感還可以這樣說
Gezellig
Gezellig 這個荷蘭語詞彙用來描述與好友共度時光時所感受到的溫暖與愉悅的情感。當你度過了一個特別愉快的夜晚,與你喜歡的人們在一起時,這種感覺會慢慢地瀰漫開來,讓你意識到自己與他人連結在一起,這種感覺帶來安慰與慰藉,這就是 Gezellig。
Hygge
Hygge 丹麥語,形容像窩在燭光下、窩在毛毯中感到的那種溫暖舒適的幸福感。
Kilig
Kilig 菲律賓語,捕捉了戀愛中甜蜜的悸動感,近似中文的「小鹿亂撞」。當你和愛人度過浪漫時光,感到臉紅心跳時,就是 Kilig 在起作用!
Gigil
Gigil 他加祿語,為一種無法抑制的情感衝動,通常表現為看到某些可愛或迷人的事物時,想要捏它或擁抱它的衝動。
Tiam
Tiam 這個波斯語詞彙描繪了兩個人初次見面時,你眼中閃爍的光芒,這是一種瞬間、不言而喻的情感聯繫。
Commuovere
Commuovere 義大利語,描述的是一個人被感動到流淚的瞬間,這種感動往往源於對人性或美好事物的深刻體會,而不是悲傷的眼淚。
Iktsuarpok
Iktsuarpok 因紐特語,捕捉了焦急等待某人到來時,不斷出去查看的行為和那種心情。
Vorfreude
Vorfreude 德語詞彙,描述對未來即將發生的愉快事件所感受到的期待和興奮,這種期待感有時甚至超過了實際經驗的快樂。
超感傷⋯⋯ 分離和失落的空虛感有這些詞語
Razliubit
Razliubit 這個俄語詞彙指的是「愛情消退」的情感,通常是一個緩慢的過程,隨著時間的推移,你不再關心某人。這種情況常被稱為「漸行漸遠」。當你在一段感情的尾聲說「他/她是個很好的人,我只是再也不愛他/她了」時,你所經歷的就是 Razliubit。
Torschlusspanik
Torschlusspanik 德語詞彙,原意為「對門被關上的焦慮」,引申為當人生機會隨著時間流逝時所感到的恐慌,這可能包括錯過職業機會、未能建立家庭等等。
Hiraeth
Hiraeth 威爾斯語詞彙,指的是一種對無法回到過去或家園的深切思念,這種情感帶著濃厚的懷舊與失落感。
Saudade
Saudade 葡萄牙語,捕捉了對失去的人或事物的懷念,這種情感既是痛苦的,也是甜美的,因為它代表了深刻的情感聯繫。
Toska
Toska 俄語詞彙,描述的是一種深沉的、無法言喻的憂鬱感,這種情感融合了對生活中的痛苦和對未來的焦慮。
物の哀れ
日語中物の哀れ(Mono no aware) ,則是一種觸景傷情、對生命無常感到惆悵之細微的感情,提醒著我們生活的短暫和美麗。
Ayurnamat
Ayurnamat 因紐特語詞彙,形容對無法改變的事物不去操心的心態,即「事情已經發生了,我們無法改變它」,表現的是一種對生活釋然的態度。
每個語言都濃縮了人性的精華,捕捉著日常生活中難以言喻的情感瞬間。這些特別的詞彙,就算來自不同文化,你是否卻隱隱能感同身受呢?

Indescribable Complex Emotions? 20 Handpicked, Untranslatable, and Beautiful Emotional Words from Around the World
Language is not only a tool for communication but also a reflection of how cultures perceive and express complex human emotions. Each language carries unique words that capture emotions and experiences that are hard to translate directly into other languages.
In a previous article, we discussed emotional granularity—the importance of expressing our emotions in more nuanced ways. Today, we’ll explore 20 special words from different languages, hoping to expand your emotional vocabulary in a fun and meaningful way!
Words that Reflect Internal Commentary and a Touch of Sarcasm
Lyadh
Lyadh comes from Bengali, describing a state of laziness without guilt—"just not wanting to do anything." It could refer to an after-lunch nap or simply lying around on the sofa with no desire to socialize or work. It can also be the act of procrastinating while getting ready to go out or bathe. In short, it's an irresistible urge to rest before starting any task.
Schadenfreude
Schadenfreude is a German word describing the emotion of deriving pleasure from another’s misfortune. This feeling of glee may surface when karma catches up with someone. For instance, if your co-worker tries to get you fired and ends up losing their own job, the satisfaction you feel is Schadenfreude.
Pena ajena
Pena ajena is a Mexican Spanish term for the embarrassment you feel for someone else in an indirect, almost painful way. For example, if you see someone drunkenly falling over in public, especially if they’re with you, you feel embarrassed both for and because of them.
Engentado
Engentado comes from Spanish and describes the anxiety or discomfort one feels in overcrowded environments, capturing the introvert's dread of social gatherings perfectly.
Words That Describe Heartwarming, Sweet, and Excited Emotions
Gezellig
Gezellig is a Dutch word used to describe the warm, cozy feeling of spending time with good friends. After a particularly enjoyable evening with people you love, this feeling of connection to others is Gezellig.
Hygge
Hygge, from Danish, describes the cozy comfort of being surrounded by soft candlelight, warm blankets, and peaceful moments with loved ones.
Kilig
Kilig is a Tagalog word from the Philippines capturing the fluttery excitement of romantic attraction. When you're with someone special and your heart races or you blush— that's Kilig in action!
Gigil
Gigil is another Tagalog word describing the overwhelming desire to pinch or squeeze something adorable—whether it’s a baby or a puppy, you just can’t resist the urge to show affection.
Tiam
Tiam is a Persian word that captures the sparkle in someone’s eyes when they meet someone for the first time. It’s a brief, wordless connection that signifies an unspoken bond.
Commuovere
Commuovere is an Italian word for being moved to tears by something beautiful or deeply touching, an emotion that’s born from empathy rather than sadness.
Iktsuarpok
Iktsuarpok is an Inuit word describing the impatient feeling of constantly checking to see if someone is arriving. It captures that excitement and anticipation of expecting someone.
Vorfreude
Vorfreude is a German word describing the anticipation and joy before a pleasant event happens—sometimes the excitement leading up to the event is more enjoyable than the event itself!
Words that Describe Separation and Loss
Razliubit
Razliubit is a Russian word that captures the slow process of falling out of love. As time passes, you find yourself caring less and less for someone. This feeling is often described as "growing apart."
Torschlusspanik
Torschlusspanik is another German word that literally means “gate-closing panic.” It refers to the fear of missing out on important opportunities as time slips away—whether it's career goals, finding a partner, or starting a family.
Hiraeth
Hiraeth is a Welsh word that refers to a deep longing for home or the past—often for a home that no longer exists or a time that cannot be recaptured.
Saudade
Saudade is a Portuguese word that captures the profound sense of missing someone or something that has been lost. It is a bittersweet emotion—painful because of the loss, yet sweet because of the memories of what once was.
Toska
Toska is a Russian word that describes deep existential sadness or melancholy. It can be a vague sense of yearning, an aching for something unattainable, or a sorrow without a clear cause.
物の哀れ
Mono no aware is a Japanese phrase meaning "the pathos of things" or "a gentle sadness." It captures the awareness of impermanence and the beauty of fleeting moments, often evoked by nature or seasons changing.
Ayurnamat
Ayurnamat is an Inuit word that conveys the philosophy of not worrying about things beyond one’s control. It suggests a serene acceptance of life’s challenges and a sense of peace with what cannot be changed.
These words each reflect a different facet of human experience, capturing emotions that are often difficult to articulate in other languages. Even though they come from diverse cultures, they tap into universal feelings that we can all relate to in one way or another.
