My Favorite Foreign Words

Sometimes, a single word in another language can convey a feeling, a moment, or an idea so precisely that it leaves us in awe. In English, we often find ourselves searching for the perfect word to describe a particular emotion or scenario, only to discover that it exists in another language with no direct translation. Here are my 5 (of many) foreign words with no English equivalent:

Gigil (Philippines): I think of this every time I just can't get enough of my doggos. "Gigil" is that intense surge of emotion when you just want to pinch or squeeze the cuteness out of someone. 

Kilig(Philippines): To me, is like having butterflies in your stomach — but in the context of love. 

Pasalubong (Philippines): I was conditioned to always bring back a gift when I've returned from travels, or when I'm visiting friends and family after a long time away. So, really, it's more than *just* a gift.

Tsundoku (Japan): I recently read about this Japanese word and it very much describes me—the habit of acquiring books only to let them pile up without ever reading them!

Wabi-sabi (Japan): This is about finding beauty in imperfection. There's a pottery technique in which you use gold to adhere broken pottery pieces.

What are some words that you love to use in your everyday life or need an English equivalent? Share them in the comments below!