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| Untranslatable Words in The English Language |
Auto-Tune might be an Untranslatable Word
This doesn’t refer to something automatically tuning up a piece of machinery. Instead, it’s a technology used in recording studios to correct a singer’s imperfect singing. If you’ve noticed an almost robotic-like perfection in the pop songs you hear on the radio, that’s Auto-Tune. It’s such a new thing that there really isn’t a foreign language equivalent.
Pleasant and Cozy
Sometimes it’s possible to find a word, but it just doesn’t accurately convey the sentiment behind the word. You could use the word "cozy" as an English language replacement, but it’s not quite right. These words are used to describe an almost spiritual level of safety, security, and warmth.
Radar in an Untranslatable Word in English Language
Radar stands for radio detecting and ranging. As you can imagine, since these words are completely different in other languages, the word "radar" itself cannot be translated. This isn’t the only scientific word that this applies to. Other words such as "modem" are also impacted.
Googly is an Untranslatable Word
The "googly" is a cricket maneuver performed by a right-armed bowler. It is a powerful move in the game, thus its unique moniker. In other countries, the googly is known simply as "googly". There is no word for it in other languages. If it had to be translated, it would literally be the foreign language version of "cricket maneuver performed by a right-armed bowler who is spinning their legs".
Stair Joke might be an Untranslatable Word
There is no direct translation for this word, but we have all experienced what it describes. Roughly translated as "stairstep wit", this term describes thinking of a clever reply or joke after an exchange or interaction has ended.
Tennis is an Untranslatable Word
Words like "tennis" or "rugby" don’t have equivalent terms in other languages. They are simply known worldwide by their English terms. Of course, this phenomenon isn’t unique to the English language. Pad Thai, burrito, taco, Tae Kwon Do, and wienerschnitzel are foreign words that are used worldwide as well.
Bottom Line
The reason that translating is such an interesting and challenging field is that languages aren’t like LEGO blocks. You can’t simply snap out one word and replace it with another. Sometimes there isn’t a piece that fits. Sometimes the piece doesn’t do the sentiment behind the word justice. The words on this list are examples of this.