Wonderful Words

Gokotta

To wake up early in the morning so you can go outside to hear the first birds singing.

Gluggavedur

Weather that looks beautiful while you’re inside, but is much too cold when you step outside.

Koyaanisqatsi

Nature that is out of balance or a way of life that is so crazy it cannot continue long-term.

Kazuri

Small and beautiful.

Jugaad

The ability to get by without lots of resources, and find new and creative ways of solving a problem.

Talaka

The act of working cooperatively, as when assisting someone in their house or field without expecting payment other than a good meal shared at the end of the day.

Hiraeth

Nostalgic longing for a homeland or past.

Nam Jai

A spirit of selfless generosity and kindness; a willingness to make sacrifices for friends and extend hospitality to strangers.

Kawaakari

The gleam of last light on a river’s surface at dusk.

From What a Wonderful Word: A Collection of Untranslatables from Around the World by Nicola Edwards and Luisa Uribe