Thematic List A PR 20

Lomas lexicography Provisional list – by theme April 2020
PROVISIONAL LEXICOGRAPHY – BY THEME
Updated April 2020
Contents
Qualia ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Positive feelings .................................................................................................................................. 4
Peace/calm...................................................................................................................................... 4
Contentment/satisfaction ............................................................................................................... 5
Cosiness/homeliness....................................................................................................................... 7
Savouring/appreciation................................................................................................................... 8
Fun/revery....................................................................................................................................... 9
Joy/euphoria ................................................................................................................................... 9
Bliss/nirvana.................................................................................................................................. 11
Ambivalent feelings .......................................................................................................................... 11
Mixed feelings ............................................................................................................................... 12
Hope .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Longing .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Pathos ........................................................................................................................................... 14
Appreciation of imperfection........................................................................................................ 15
Sensitivity to mystery .................................................................................................................... 15
1
Negative feelings........................................................................................................................... 15
Cognition ........................................................................................................................................... 17
Consciousness ............................................................................................................................... 17
Perception ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Thinking ......................................................................................................................................... 19
Modalities ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Altered states ................................................................................................................................ 22
Embodiment...................................................................................................................................... 24
Spirit .............................................................................................................................................. 24
Relaxation ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Cathexis ......................................................................................................................................... 27
Action ............................................................................................................................................ 28
Energy ........................................................................................................................................... 31
Relationships ......................................................................................................................................... 34
Love ................................................................................................................................................... 34
Non-personal ................................................................................................................................ 34
Caring ............................................................................................................................................ 35
Romantic ....................................................................................................................................... 36
Transcendent ................................................................................................................................ 39
Prosociality ........................................................................................................................................ 40
Socialising/congregating ............................................................................................................... 40
Morals/ethics ................................................................................................................................ 41
Compassion/kindness ................................................................................................................... 43
Communication/interaction ......................................................................................................... 45
Communality ................................................................................................................................. 49
Eco-connection ................................................................................................................................. 52
Sacrality ......................................................................................................................................... 52
Appreciation.................................................................................................................................. 54
Bonding ......................................................................................................................................... 57
Aesthetics .......................................................................................................................................... 59
Modality ........................................................................................................................................ 59
Styles ............................................................................................................................................. 60
Dynamics ....................................................................................................................................... 63
Qualities ........................................................................................................................................ 66
Reception ...................................................................................................................................... 68
Stimuli ........................................................................................................................................... 68
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Development......................................................................................................................................... 70
Character........................................................................................................................................... 70
Virtue............................................................................................................................................. 70
Considerateness ............................................................................................................................ 73
Wisdom ......................................................................................................................................... 74
Self-determination ........................................................................................................................ 74
Skill ................................................................................................................................................ 76
Competence ...................................................................................................................................... 77
Qualities ........................................................................................................................................ 77
Arenas ........................................................................................................................................... 80
Development................................................................................................................................. 82
Understanding .................................................................................................................................. 85
Existence ....................................................................................................................................... 85
Forms ............................................................................................................................................ 92
Qualities ........................................................................................................................................ 96
Processes....................................................................................................................................... 99
Spirituality ....................................................................................................................................... 104
The sacred ................................................................................................................................... 104
Meditative practices ................................................................................................................... 109
Transcendence ............................................................................................................................ 111
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Qualia
Positive feelings
Peace/calm
Ataraxia (ἀταραξία). Greek / n. / ætəˈɹæk.siə / atta-rak-sia. Robust and lucid tranquillity; peace of
mind; calmness.
Aylyak (айляк). Bulgarian / n. / aɪ.ljæk / ey-lyak. A carefree, relaxed lifestyle; the art of not rushing
or worrying; living without hurry and concern.
Chrysalism. English (new) / n. / ˈkrɪs.ə.lɪsm / kriss-uh-lissm. The amniotic tranquility of being indoors
during a thunderstorm; coined by John Koenig.
Eiréné (εἰρήνη). Greek / n. / ɪˈreɪ.neɪ / ih-ray-nay. Peace; wholeness, oneness; quiet, rest.
Leháro. Czech / n. / ˈlɛ.ɦaː.ro / leh-haa-rroh. Lit. 'lie-down'. A state of few responsibilities and little
work; living a good and pleasant life in a sweet and comfortable idleness.
Nabocklish. Gaelic (Irish) / expression / neɪ.bɒk.liːʃ / nah-bok-lish. ‘Don’t worry about it.’
Nichtwollen. German / n. / nɪçtˈvɔlə / neekht-voh-ley. Non-willing, non-wishing, non-wanting.
Sàn xīn (散心). v. / sæn.ɕɪn / san-shin. Lit. to loosen the heart; to drive away one's cares; relieve
boredom; ease up; enjoy a diversion; be carefree.
Sati/smṛti (स्मतृ ि). Pāli/ Sanskrit / n. / smrɪˈtiː / smrih-tee. Lit. ‘recollection’ or ‘remembrance’;
mindfulness/awareness of the present moment.
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Seijaku (靜寂). Japanese / n. / ˌseɪˈdʒɐ.kə / say-ja-ku. Quiet (sei) tranquillity (jaku); silence, calm,
serenity (especially in the midst of activity or chaos).
Selah (‫)סֶ לָה‬. Hebrew / n. / siːlɑː / see-lah. A pause for reflection; a musical interlude (e.g., in a
psalm).
Shalev (‫)שלֵו‬.
ָ Hebrew / n. / ʃɔːˈlɑːv / shaw-laarv. Calm, peaceful, quiet, at ease.
Susegad. Konkani / n. / suːsə.gæd / soo-suh-gad. A relaxed, laid-back attitude or way of life; enjoying
life to the fullest.
Tarruru. Ngarluma / n. / tɑːrʊə.ru / tah-roor-ruh. Evening glow; dying down; peace of mind.
Xīn píng qì hé (心平氣和). Chinese / phrase / ɕɪn.pɪŋ.tɕʰiːχɘɻ / shin-ping-chee-hrr. Lit. even heart,
harmonious spirit; tranquil composure.
͡
Xīn rú zhǐ shuǐ (心如止水). Chinese / phrase / ɕɪn.ruː tʂɘɻ.ʃweɪ / shin-roo-jrr-shway. Lit. a mind like
still water; tranquillity; to be at peace with oneself.
Zanshin (残心). Japanese / n. / zã̠n. ɕɪn / zan-shin. Lit. ‘remaining/enduring heart-mind’; a state of
relaxed mental alertness (especially in the face of danger or stress).
Contentment/satisfaction
Arbejdsglæde. Danish / n. / ˈɑː.baɪd̪ ʱsˌglɪl / ar-bides-glil. Lit. work gladness/joy; pleasure/satisfaction

derived from work.
Deliciate. English (old) / v. / də.lɪs.ɪeɪt / duh-liss-ee-ayt. Luxuriating, revelling in intense pleasure.
Disfrutar. Spanish / v. / d̪ is.fɾuˈt̪aɾ / diss-froo-tar. Lit. ‘to receive the fruits of’; to benefit from; to
enjoy.
Erfolgserlebnis. German / n. / ɜːˈfɒlks.ɜːliːb.nɪs / er-folks-er-leeb-niss. Lit. ‘success experience’; a

feeling of success, a sense of achievement.
Fàng xīn. Chinese / v. / fæŋ ɕɪn / fang shin. Lit. to put, place, release, set free (fang) one’s heart (xīn);
to relax; to feel reassured/relieved; to be at ease.
Fargin. Yiddish / n. / fɑːgɪn / fah-gin. Ungrudging and overt (expressed) pride and happiness at
other's successes.
Firgun (‫)פירגון‬. Hebrew / n. / ˈfɪə.guːn / feer-goon. Ungrudging and overt (expressed) pride and
happiness at other's successes.
Feierabend. German / n. / faɪɐʔaːbənt / fire-ar-bent. Lit. ‘evening celebration’; the festive mood that
can arrive at the end of a working day; can also just mean the end of the working day (with no
particular festive connotation).
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Fiero. Italian / n. / ˈfjɛːro / fee-yeah-ro. Pride/satisfaction in one’s achievements (usually with the
implication of this feeling being deserved/warranted).
Gjensynsglede. Norwegian / n. / gjɛn.siːn.glɪl / gyen-seen-glil. Lit. goodbye happiness; the joy of

meeting someone you haven't seen in a long time.
Hygge. Danish/Norwegian / n. / ˈhʊː.ɡə / hhoo-guh. A deep sense of place, warmth, friendship, and
contentment. As an adjective (hyggelig): enjoyable, warm, friendly, pleasant.
Kāi xīn (开心). Chinese / adj. / kaɪ ɕɪn / ky shin. Lit. to open, turn on one’s heart; happy (specifically,
relatively brief or momentary hedonic forms of happiness).
َ
Kayf (‫)ك ْيف‬. Arabic / n. / keɪf / kayf. Pleasure, satisfaction; wellbeing; humour; mood; will.
Kǔ qù gān lái (苦去甘來). Chinese / phrase / kuːtɕʰuːgæn. laɪ / koo-choo-gan-lye. Lit. go from pain,
come towards sweetness; happiness or relief after going through trying times.
Kuài lè (快乐). Chinese / n. / ˌkwaɪˈlɘː / kwy-ler. Lit. fast/quick (kuài) cheer/joy (lè);
pleasure/satisfaction; hedonic happiness.
Liigud. Estonian / n. / liːgʊd / lee-gud. A celebration for completing a purchase.
Lust. German / n. / lʊst / loost. Pleasure, joy; desire, wish; satisfaction.
Makários (μακάριος). Greek / n. / maˈka:ri.u / mah-kah-ree-oo. Blessed, happy.
Morgenfrisk. Danish / adj. / ˈmɔːn.frɪsk / morn-frisk. Lit. ‘morning-freshness’; feeling rested after a
good night's sleep.
Nachat (‫)נחת‬. Hebrew / n. / ˈnʌ.xət / nuh-khut. Joyful pride in someone's successes (e.g., your
progeny or student).
Naches. Yiddish / n. / ˈnʌ.xəs / nuh-khuz. Joyful pride in someone's successes (e.g., your progeny or
student).
Nutaan atam. Yup’ik / int. / nuːtɑːn ʌt.ʌm / noo-taan ut-um. ‘Now that’s good’; stating that a
situation is good, ready, and/or complete.
Osher (‫)אושר‬. Hebrew / n. / ɒʃuʁ / oh-shuh. Joy; contented happiness.
Pau hana. Hawaiian / phrase / paʊˈha.nə / pow hah-nah. Lit. finished working, work done; valued
time after work (e.g., for socializing, relaxation, etc.).
Salām (‫)سالم‬. Arabic / n. / saˈlaːm / sah-lahm. Peace, harmony, wholeness, prosperity, welfare and
tranquillity; used also as a greeting/parting salutation.
ُ َ َ َّ
As-salāmu ʿalaykum (‫)السَلم َعل ْيك ْم‬. Arabic / inj. / asːaˈlaːmu ʕaˈlajkum / ah-sah-lah-mu kha-lay-koom.
Lit. peace be upon you; a standard form of greeting.
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Saṃtoṣa/santosa (संिोष). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sũ.təʊ.ʃʌ / suhm-toe-shuh. Complete/entire (saṃ)

contentment/satisfaction (toṣa).
Suaimhneas croí. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / sɪv.niːæs kɾˠi / siv-nyass kree. Lit. happy, peaceful relaxed
(Suaimhneas) heart, core (croí); happiness, contentment (e.g., in relation to finishing a task).
Sukha (सुख). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʊˈkʰɘ / suh-kuh. Pleasure; ease; satisfactoriness (the antonym of
dukkha).
Cosiness/homeliness
Cwtch. Welsh / v./n. / kʊtʃ / kutch. As verb: to hug/cuddle (transitive); to get cosy (intransitive). As
noun: a hug/cuddle; a sanctuary; a safe, welcoming place.
Focolare. Italian / n. / fo.koˈlaːre / fo-co-lah-reh. Hearth; the fireplace at the physical / emotional
centre of a home.
Geborgenheit. German / n. / ɡəˈbɔʁɡn̩ ˌhaɪ̯t / geh-bor-gen-hite. Feeling protected and safe from
harm.
Gezellig. Dutch / adj. / ɣəˈzɛl.əɣ / khe-zell-ikh. Cosy, warm, intimate, enjoyable; often a shared
experience (with close others).
Gemütlichkeit. German / n. / ɡəˈmyːtlɪçkaɪt / geh-moot-lish-kite. A feeling of comfort, cosiness,

homeliness. As adjective (Gemütlich): cosy, homely, comfortable.
Heimat. German / n. / ˈhaɪ̯.maːt / hi-mat. Home; a place to which one feels on belongs; a homeland.
Heimlich. German / adj. / ˈhaɪ̯m.lɪç / hime-lisch. Pertaining to the home; comfortable, familiar,
known; secretive, clandestine.
Heimelig. German / adj. / ˈhaɪ̯.mɘˌlɪg / hi-m-lig. Cosy, homely, secure.
Hyggekrog. Danish/Norwegian / n. / ˈhʊːɡə.kʰʁɔwˀ / hhoo-guh/khrow. Lit. hygge-corner; a cozy nook

in a room where one can feel hygge.
Kos. Norwegian / n. / ˈkɔː.sʰa / kor-sa. Cosiness, warmth, intimacy; kose as a verb; koselig as an
adjective.
Peiskos. Norwegian / n. / paɪs.kɔːs / piys-kors. Lit. 'fireplace coziness, sitting in front of a crackling
fireplace enjoying the warmth.
Trygghet. Swedish / n. / truːg.hiɜːt / trroog-he-ert. Security, safety, confidence, certainty, trust.
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Savouring/appreciation
Arcigola. Italian / n. / ˌart.ʃiˈɡola / art-chee-goo-lah. Lit. society of ‘gluttons’ (ARCI is an Italian social
institution, while ‘arch’ can also imply authority; gola means gluttony or appetite); original name for
the Slow Food movement.
Bon appétit. French / int. / bɔ̃ apeti / bon app-et-ee. Lit. good appetite; enjoy your meal.
Bon vivant. French / n. / bɔ̃ vivɑ̃ / boh vih-voh. Someone who enjoys and appreciates the good life.
Bon voyage. French / int. / bɔ̃ vwajaʒ / boh vwoy-arje. Lit. good voyage; enjoy your travels; wishing a
safe and enjoyable journey.
Bonanza. Spanish / n. / bənˈanzə / b-nan-za. A boon/benefit (that is often unexpected); prosperity.
Carpe diem. Latin / phrase / ˌkɑːrpeɪ ˈdaɪem / kar-pay dey-em. Make the most of the present
moment or opportunity. Lit. sieze the day.
Dhyāna/Jhāna (ध्यान). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˌgn'jɑːˌnæ / gn-yaa-na. Intense, concentrated attention

and absorption (e.g., regarding the nature of an object of meditation); cultivated and valorized
states of mind (which can be arranged in a developmental sequence).
Epesní. Czech / adj. / ˈɛpɛs.niː / epes-niyee. Great, perfect, exquisite, first-class.
Hugfanginn. Icelandic / adj. / ˈhuː.fʌŋ.gɪn / hoo-fun-gin. Lit. 'mind-captured', to be charmed or

fascinated by someone/something.
Jedna báseň. Czech / phrase /ˈjɛd.na ˈbaː.sɛɲ / yeh-dnah baa-seniy. Lit. 'one poem'. Praise,
admiration for exceptional quality (esp. with regard to food), for something that gives a pleasant
impression, or works exceptionally well.
Labůžo. Czech / n. / ˈla.buː.ʒo / lah-boo-zhoh. Satisfaction; a favourable situation; enjoying or

savouring something; from labužník ('gourmet').
Lekker. Dutch / adj. / ˈlɛ.kər / leh-ker. Tasty (food); relaxed, comfortable; pleasurable; sexy.
Njuta. Swedish / v. / njʉː.ta / nyoo-ta. To deeply enjoy, to profoundly appreciate.
Rochnit. Czech / v. / ˈrox.ɲɪt sɪ / rokh-niyit-sih. Going through things; revelling in something. Refers
to the way a pig rummages through things.
Selcouth. English (old) / adj. / ˈsɛlˌkuːθ / sell-kooth. Rare, strange, marvellous, wondrous.
Tjuvsmaka. Swedish / v. / ɕʉːv. smɔːkɛʰ / shoov-smor-keh / aka Tyvsmake (Norwegian). Lit. sneak,
thief (Tjuv) taste (Smaka); to taste or eat small pieces of food (e.g., when cooking); cherry-picking
the best morsels (rather than to improve the meal).
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Fun/revery
Borrel. Dutch / n. / bɔːrəl / bohr-uhl. Party, revelry; reception, meeting; get-together.
Craic. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / kræk / crack. Fun, revelry, good times; ‘what’s going on’.
Desbundar. Portuguese / v. / dʒizbũˈdar / dez-bun-dar. Exceeding one’s limits; shedding one’s

inhibitions (e.g., in having fun).
Feestvarken. Dutch / n. / feɪst.vɑr.kən / fayst-var-ken. Lit. party pig; someone in whose honour a
party is thrown.
Fiesta. Spanish / n. / fɪˈɛstə / fee-ess-tah. A party, celebration.
Gaupasa. Basque / n. / ɡawˈpas̺a / gao-pasha. Lit. to spend the night, or ‘all-nighter’; e.g., to spend
the night partying and to arrive home at dawn.
Gringagog. Old English / n. / grɪn.ə.gɒg / grin-uh-gog. Someone who is always grinning.
Ingiogatzau. Sardinian / n. / ɪn.ʤɔːgæt.suː / in-joor-gat-soo. Being playfully happy; joyful joking and
playfulness.
Kefi (κέφι). Greek / n. / ˈkeə.fi / keh-fee. Joy, passion, enthusiasm, high spirits, frenzy.
Lego. Danish / n. / lɛ.gəʊ / leh-go. ‘Play well’ (a contraction of ‘leg godt’).
Parea (Παρέα). Greek / n. / pɑːreɪə / pah-ray-uh. Informal party, revelry.
Poprawiny. Polish / n. / pɒ.prɑːviːnɛ / po-pra-vee-neh. A party/reception held the day after a

wedding (usually in the morning).
Poteo. Basque / n. / pəˈteɪ.əʊ / puh-tay-oh. To tour a street’s bars in the evening drinking potes
(small measures of wine or beer).
Rè nào (熱鬧). Chinese / adj. / ɻɘɻ.naʊ / rerr-now. Lively; boisterous; bustling with noise and
excitement.
Salado. Spanish / adj. / saˈla.ðo / sah-lah-dtho. Lit. ‘salty’; a likeable person who is good company;
someone who can insightfully find the humour in life and make people laugh.
Sanuk (สนุ ก). Thai / n. / sæ.nʊk / sah-nook. To have a good time; to have fun, not in a frivolous way,
but rather in a way imbued with satisfaction, pleasure, and value.
Joy/euphoria
Bazodee. Creole (Trinidad and Tobago) / n. / bæ.zəʊ.diː / bah-zoe-dee. Euphoric confusion;

dizzy/dazed happiness.
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Ekstasis (ἔκστασις). Greek / n. / ékˈstaːsis / ek-stah-sis. The state of being or standing outside
oneself; trance, displacement; ecstasy, rapture.
Euphoría (εὐφορία). Greek / n. / eu

͜ .pʰo.rí.a / yoo-for-ria. Lit. being of ‘good bearing’; more recently
used to imply intense excitement or joy.
Freudentaumel. German / n. / ˈfrɔy͜ dn̩ .ta͜uml ̩ / froyd-un-tau-mel. Lit. joy swash; being giddy or
delirious with happiness.
Gaudere. Latin / v. / gaʊˈdɪə.riː / gau-deer-ee. To rejoice; to take joy in.
Harikoa. Māori / n. / hæɾiˈkɔa / hah-ree-koa. Joyful, euphoric, delighted, exuberant, elated, thrilled,
ecstatic, jubilant.
Herrliche Gefühle. German / n. / ˈhɛrlɪç ɡəˈfyːl / hair-leesh guh-foool. Glorious, lovely, gorgeous
(Herrliche) feelings, sentiments (Gefühle); a notion associated with Goethe, who described these as
forces that ‘give us life.’
Hết sảy. Vietnamese / phrase / hɛt seɪ / het say. Beyond excitement, beyond words; terrific,
splendid; a superlative experience.
Iduni. Yorobua / n. / ɪ.duːniː / ih-doo-nee. Intense, absolute, indescribable joy.
Joie de vivre. French / n. / ˌʒwɑː də ˈviːvrə / jwa-de-vee-vruh. Joy of living / for life; exuberance,
ebullience; zest for life, the knack of knowing how to live.
Jouissance. French / n. / ʒˈwi.sɑ̃ s / szh-wee-sonse. Physical or intellectual pleasure, delight, or

ecstasy; an orgasm.
Kaif (кайф). Russian / n. / kaɪf / kayf. Euphoric pleasure, and heightened satisfaction, but also often
with a sense of calmness.
Livsnjutare. Swedish / n. / ˈliːf.sɘˌnjuːtɑ.reɪ / leef-suh-nyoo-ta-rey. Bon vivant; someone who loves

life and lives it to the full.
Mechaye. Yiddish / n. / mɛ.kʰaɪ.jɛ / meh-khy-eh. Joy, pleasure; something that gives great
joy/pleasure.
Onda. Spanish / n. / ɒn.dæ / on-dah. Lit. wave; the flow or current of something; an exclamation of
joy or excitement.
Xīn wèi (欣慰). Chinese / adj. / ɕɪn weɪ / shin way. Lit. happy, joyous (xīn), reassured, comforted
(wèi); delighted; gratified.
Xìng fú (幸福). Chinese / n. / ɕɪŋ. fʊː / shing-fuu. Fortunate (xìng) blessing (fú); contentment; deep
happiness; blessedness.
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Bliss/nirvana
Béatitude. French / n. / beɪˈætɪtjuːd / bay-at-it-ude. Supreme happiness; a state of blessedness.
Charis (χαρις). Greek / n. / kʰá.ris / khah-riss. Grace, kindness, beauty, nobility.
Gozar. Spanish / v. / gəʊˈsɑː / go-sar. To greatly enjoy, take pleasure in; to take (e.g., in a romantic
sense); to delight in; to come (sexually).
Guò yǐn (過癮). Chinese / n./ ku̯ ɔ.jɪəɪn̥ / kwor-yi-in. Satisfaction of a craving; a highly pleasurable and
enjoyable experience.
Ânanda (आनन्द). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑːnɘn.dɘ / ah-nun-de. Bliss, lasting contentment; spiritual,

‘unconditional’ happiness.
Mokṣa/moksha (मोक्ष). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈmoːk.ʃə / mok-shuh. Emancipation, liberation, release

(e.g., from saṃsāra).
Nirvāṇa/nibbāna (तनर्ााण). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / nɪəˈwɑːnə / nir-vwah-nuh. Lit. ‘extinguished’ or ‘blown

out’ (e.g., as per a flame); release from saṃsāra; ‘ultimate’ happiness, total liberation from suffering.
Ambivalent feelings
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Mixed feelings
Bēi xî jiāo jí (悲喜交集). Chinese / n. / beɪ.ɕɪ.ʤiaʊ.ʤi / bay-shee-jeeow-jee. Intermingled feelings of

sadness and joy.
Charmolypi (χαρμολύπη). Greek / n. / sɑːməʊˈlɪ.piː / sar-mo-lih-pee. Sweet or ‘joy-making’ sorrow;

mourning joy; happiness and sadness intermingled.
Krasosmutněn. Czech / n. /ˈkra.soˌsmut.ɲɛˌɲiː/ krra-soh-smut-niyeh-niyee. Beautiful sadness; joyful

blues.
Lè jí sheng bēi (樂極生悲). Chinese / phrase / lɘːʤiːʃɛŋ.beɪ / ler-jee-sheng-bay. Lit. joy’s zenith
generates sadness; intense joy begets sorrow; after a peak of happiness, unhappiness inevitably
follows.
Resfeber. Swedish / n. / riːsˈfiːbər / reess-fee-burr. Travel fever/bug; the feeling of excitement and
nervousness experienced by a traveller before undertaking a journey.
Weemoed. Dutch / n. / veɪ.muːt / vay-moot. Lit. sadness, woe (wee) courage, daring, mood (moed);
soft mood; light melancholy; having the strength to overcome a feeling of sorrow (e.g., arising in
relation to nostalgia).
Wohlweh. German / n. / voːl.veː / vool-vey. Lit. well-pain; pain that is pleasurable (e.g., massaging
aching muscles).
Hope
Avos (авось). Russian / particle / ɐˈvosʲ / ah-voss. Maybe/what if; faith/trust/hope in luck,
serendipity, destiny or fate.
Belum. Indonesian / aux v. / bə.ləm / buh-luhm. Not yet, perhaps, hopeful wish.
Han (한). Korean / n. / hæn / han. Sorrow, resentment, regret, possibly with a sense of patiently
waiting or hoping for amelioration.
Iktsuarpok. Inuktitut / n. / ɪk.ˈt͡suɑː.pɒk / ik-tsua-pok. Anticipation one feels when waiting for
someone, and keeps checking if they're arriving.
ٰ َ َ
In sha' Allah (‫ ِ)إن ش َاء اّلل‬. Arabic / v. / ˌɪnʃˈɑ.lə / in-shall-ah. God willing ('may Allah wish it'), a hopeful
wish.
Magari. Italian / adv. / maˈɡɑːri / ma-gah-ree. Maybe, possibly; hopeful wish, wistful regret; in my
dreams, if only.
Mandi. Italian (Friulano) / phrase / ˈmæn.diː / man-dee. In God’s hands; a contraction of mano
(hand) and Dio (God); used as a greeting, and as a wish.
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Ojalá. Spanish / v. / oxaˈla / oh-khah-lah. Derivation of In sha' Allah, God willing ('may Allah wish it');
a hopeful wish.
Pàn tóu (盼头). Chinese / n. / pæn tuː / pan too. Confident hope; something hoped for that is likely
to happen; something to look forward to; good prospects.
Þetta reddast. Icelandic / phrase / ˈθæ.tæ ˈrɛtːast / tha-ta-reh-dst. ‘It will all work out ok' (used
especially when things don't look optimistic!).
Qarrtsiluni. Inuktitut, Inuktitut / v. / kʌːrʒ.sɪ.luːnɪ / kartz-sih-loo-nih. Sitting together in the darkness,

perhaps expectantly (e.g., waiting for something to happen or to ‘burst forth’); the strange quiet
before a momentous event.
Vorfreude. German / n. / ˈfoːa̯fʀɔɪ̯.də / for-fhroy-duh / aka voorpret (Dutch). Intense, joyful

anticipation derived from imagining future pleasures.
Longing
Dor. Romanian / n. / dɔː / dor. ‘I want you’; intense, bittersweet longing for a person, place or time.
Hiányérzet. Hungarian / n. / hiːæn.jə.zɛt / he-an-yer-zet. The sense that something (often underfined
or unidentified) is lacking or missing.
Hrepenenje. Slovenian / n. / hɜ.rɛ.pə.nɛn.ʤeɪ / heh-rep-uh-nen-jay. Nostalgia for something that

hasn’t happened yet.
Jīng shū (驚輸). Chinese / n. / ʤɪŋ.ʃu / jing-shoo / aka kiasu (Hokkien). Fear of losing or missing out
(FOMO); can denote a selfish, grasping attitude.
Morriña. Galician / n. / moˈriɲa / moh-rreen-yah. Longing; homesickness; notalgia.
Natsukashii (懐かしい). Japanese / adj. / nɑːt.suːkɑː ʃiː / naht-soo-kah-shee. Missed, precious,

yearned for, 'dear old ...'.
Retrouvailles. French / n. / ʀə.tʀu.vɑj / ruh-trroo-vy. Lit. 'rediscovery'; a reunion (e.g., with loved
ones after a long time apart).
Saudade. Portuguese / n. / sɐwˈðaðɨ / sow-dhadh. Melancholic longing, nostalgia, dreaming

wistfulness.
Saudosismo. Portuguese / n. / saw.doˈziz.mu / sow-doo-ziz-moo. A movement that promulgated

saudade as a national spiritual value that could have transformative power.
Saudosista. Portuguese / n. / saw.doˈziz.tə / sow-doo-ziz-tuh. Someone given to nostalgia; a follower

of Saudosismo.
Sehnsucht: German / n. / ˈzeɪnˌzuːxt / zeen-zukht. Life longings, intense desire for alternative paths
and states; lit. an ‘addiction’ (Sucht) to longing/pining (Sehn).
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Sèvdāh. Serbo-Croatian / n. / sěʋ.daːx / sev-dakh. The emotional intensity of passionate love; the
joys and pains of intense love (especially love that may be difficult or unrealisable in some way).
Tabanca. Creole (Trinidad and Tobago) / n. / tæ.bæ.kæ / tah-bah-kah. Love-sickness (e.g., after being
left by a person you’re in love with).
Tizita (ትዝታ). Amharic / n. / tɪ.ziːtə / tih-zee-tuh. A bittersweet remembrance and longing for a time,
person, thing gone by.
Toska (тоска). Russian / n. / tʌˈskaː / tuh-skah. Longing (often, though not limited to, one’s
homeland; can also include other times, people, and places), with nostalgia and wistfulness.
Vemod. Swedish / n. / ve:mo:d / veer-mood. Tender, wistful sadness; pensive melancholy; the
resigned and nostalgic feeling one has in relation to something positive or significant that has been
lost or is over (e.g., one’s childhood).
Wanderlust. German n. / ˈvæn.dɛˈlʊst / van-deh-loost. Lit. desire (Lust) to hike (Wander). A

longing/desire/prediliction for travel and adventure.
Wunschtraum. German / n. / ˈvʊnʃtra͜um / voonsh-trorm. Lit. wish dream; a great dream; a ‘pipe
dream’; an illusion; a defining ambition; a heartfelt wish or longing.
Zielschmerz. English (new) / n. / tsiːl.ʃmɛrts / tseel.shmairts. Based on the German roots Ziel (goal,
destination) and Schmerz (pain, woe); the exhilarating dread of finally pursuing a lifelong dream;
coined by John Koenig.
Pathos
Duende. Spanish / n. / ˈdwe̞n.d̪ e̞ / de-wen-deh. A heightened state of emotion, spirit and passion
(often associated with art/dance).
Mono no aware (物の哀れ). Japanese / n. / mɒ.nɒ.nɒ.ɐ.wɐ.ɾeɪ / mo-no-no-a-wah-ray. Pathos of

understanding the transiency of the world and its beauty.
Páthos (πάθος). Greek / n. / ˈpæ.θɒs / pah-thoss. Suffering; emotion; experience.
Sirva vigad. Hungarian / v. / ʃiːrvɒ vigɒd / sheer-va vig-od. Lit. crying, weeping (sirva), rejoicing,
merrymaking (vigad); taking one's pleasures tearfully; a melancholic intermingling of joy and sorrow.
Weinseelig. German / adj. / vain.zeːliːɡ / viyn-zee-leeg. Lit. wine (Wein) soulfulness or feeling
(Seelig); merriment brought on by intoxication through drinking wine.
Weltschmerz. German / n. / ˈvelt.ʃmeəts / velt-shmerts. World-weariness, world-hurt; causeless

melancholy; existential sadness (e.g., relating to despair at the state of the world).
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Appreciation of imperfection
Kenopsia. English (new) / n. / kɛnˈɒp.siːə / ken-op-see-uh. From the Greek roots kenosis (emptiness)
and opsia (seeing); appraising the lack or absence of something (especially people); the strange
eerieness of empty or abandoned places; coined by John Koenig.
Kintsugi (金継ぎ). Japanese / n. / kɪn.tsʊ.gi / kin-tsu-gi. Lit. 'golden joinery'; the art of repairing
broken pottery using gold; metaphorically meaning to render our flaws and fault-lines beautiful and
strong.
Koko (考古). Japanese / n. / kɒ.kɒ / ko-ko. Weathered beauty; austere sublimity.
Sabi (寂). Japanese / n. / sɑːbɪ / sa-be. Lonely, desolate, aged beauty.
Wabi (侘). Japanese / n. / ɯɑːbɪ / wa-be. Imperfect, rustic, remote, weathered beauty.
Wabi-sabi (侘寂). Japanese / n. / ɯɑːbɪ sɑːbɪ / wa-be sa-be. Imperfect and aged beauty; the
aesthetics of impermanence and imperfection; a ‘dark, desolate sublimity’.
Sensitivity to mystery
Aphaíresis (ἀφαίρεσις). Greek / n. / ɛɪfəˈriːsɪs / eff-uh-ree-sis. Abstractive negation; to withdraw /

take away (thereby revealing the truth, e.g., in mystical theology).
Mu (無). Japanese / n. / muː / mooh. Negative, void, nothingness, non-being; used in Buddhism to
imply 'neither yes nor no'.
Opia. English (new) / n. / ˈəʊ.pɪə / oh-pee-ah. The ambiguous intensity of eye-contact; coined by
John Koenig.
Vidunder. Swedish / n. / viːˈduːdə / vee-doon-duh. Miracle; prodigy; monster; an impressive or

threatening entity which inspires awe.
Xibipíío. Pirahã / n. / ɪ.piːˈbɪəʊ / ih-bih-pee-oh. Experiencing liminality; a phenomenon on the

boundaries of perception or experience; going in and out of existence or range.
Yūgen (幽玄). Japanese / n. / ˈjuː. gɘn / yoo-gn. Obscurity, cloudy impenetrability, unknowability,
mystery.
Negative feelings
Angst. Danish (also German, Dutch) / n. / ɑŋ(k)st / angkst. Some combination of anxiety, alarm fear,
dread and gloom; a prominent emotional state in existentialist philosophy.
Boghz (‫)بغض‬. Persian / n. / bɒgz / bogz. A knot in the throat; the physical sensation of distress
building in the throat or chest before crying or ventring negative emotions.
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Desasosiego. Spanish / n. / dɛ.səˌsəʊ.sɪ.ɑːgəʊ / dess-ass-oss-ee-ah-go. Unrest; unease; anxiety; a

state where one cannot find solace in body and mind; emptiness, unrest, discomfort, longing and
desire all in one.
Dreich. Scottish / adj. / driːç / dreek. Damp, gloomy, miserable weather; tedious, wearisome.
Duḥkha/dukkha (दुःु ख). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈdʊ.kʰɘ / duh-kuh. Dissatisfaction, discomfort, dis-ease;

suffering.
Eilkrankheit. German / n. / eɪlk.rænk.haɪt / ailk-ran-kiyt. ‘Hurry sickness’; a behavior pattern

characterized by continual rushing and anxiousness; an overwhelming and continual sense of
urgency.
Freizeitstress. German / n. / ˈfraɪ.tsait.strɛs / fry-ziyt-stress. Free-time stress; stress related to, or in

the context of, one’s leisure time.
Frühjahrsmüdigkeit. German / n. / ˈfryːjaːɐ̯s.myːdɪçk.a͜it / fru-yars-moo-dih-kiyt. Lit. ‘spring fatigue’; a

state of lowered energy or mood associated with the onset of spring.
Flygskam. Swedish / n. / fluːg.skʌm / floog-skum. ‘Flight shame’; being ashamed or embarrassed to

fly because of its negative impact on the environment.
Hmunga. Lakota / v. / gmuːɛŋɑː / ghmuen-gah. To bewitch; to cause sickness; to effect a mystery

that is dreaded.
Imasuugtua. Alutiiq / phrase / ɪm.ɑːˈʃuːk.tuɑː / im-ah-shook-too-ah. I am sad. Lit. I am searching for

my imaq (sea, ocean; a liquid contained inside; contents).
Lebenskrankheit. German / n. / leːbnsˈkʁaŋkˌhaɪ̯t / lee-buns-krank-hite. Lit. life sickness/disease;

existential anomie; world-weariness; coined by Hermann Hesse.
Meng-âmuk. Malay / v. / mɛŋ amʊʔ / meng amok. ‘To make a furious and desperate charge’; a
sudden, prolongued, and often unforeseen and out-of-character act of violence.
Otožno. Slovenian / n. / ɒt.ɒʃz.nəʊ / oht-osh-no. Soft, gentle sadness or melancholy.
Qualunquismo. Italian / n. / kwa.lunˈkwiz.mo / kwah-luhn-kwiz-moh. An attitude of apathy,

indifference or disgust towads politics.
Schwellenangst. German / n. / ˈʃvɛlə.aŋst / shvell-uhn-ungst. Fear, anxiety relating to crossing a

threshold (literally or metaphorically).
Solastalgia. English (neologisim) / n. / ˌsɒləˈstældʒə / sol-stah-jee-uh. Mental and existential distress

caused by environmental change; coined by Glenn Albrecht.
Vague à l'âme. French / n., adj.. / væg ɑˈlɑːm / vag ah-lahm. Lit. vague soul, spirit; vague melancholy;
soul discomfort; gentle, wistful sadness.
Zugunruhe. German / n. / tsuːk.uːn.ruːə / tsook-oon-roo-uh. Migration, move (Zug) agitation,

anxiety, restlessness (Unruhe): anxious behavior in migratory animals.
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Cognition
Consciousness
Citta (चित्त). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / tʃɪ.ɖæ / chi’dta. Mind, consciousness, awareness; heart and mind
combined.
Iaidō (居合道). Japanese / n. / iːɑiːdəʊ / ee-aee-doh. The way of mental presence and immediate
reaction; a swodfighting martial art that emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the
sword and responding to a sudden attack.
Kokoro (心). Japanese / n. / kəʊ.kəʊ.rəʊ / koh-koh-roh. Heart and mind (and even spirit) combined.
Muraqaba (‫)مراقبة‬. Arabic / n. / mʊə.rə.kʌ.bʌ / mooh-reuh-kuh-buh. Watchful attention; vigilance;

wakefulness; used for a form of Sufi meditation.
Naikan (内観). Japanese / n. / naɪ.kæn / ny-kan. Inside-looking; introspection; a structured method

of self-reflection developed by Yoshimoto Ishin.
Nombrilisme. French / n. / nɔ̃.bʀi.lism / noh-bree-leezm, Lit. ‘bellybuttonism’ or navel-gazing; self-

centredness, self-absorption; egoism.
Pratyahara (प्रत्याहार). Sanskrit / n. / prʌt.jʌ.hʌ.rʌ / prut-yuh-huh-ruh. Withdrawal of the senses (from

external stimuli); internalisation of consciousness/awareness (e.g., to focus on an internal reflection
of God).
Sākṣī (साक्षी). Sanskrit / n. / sɑːk.ʃiː / sark-shee. Observer; witness; ‘pure awareness’.
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Śamatha/samatha (शमथ). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʃʌ.mʌ.θʌ / shuh-muh-thuh. Lit. pacification, rest,

slowing/calming down; one-pointed meditation (e.g., as a means to calming the mind).
Samprajanya/sampajañña (संप्रज़न्ऩा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʌm.prʌ.ʤʌ.jʌ / sum-pruh-jun-yuh. Clear

comprehension; mindfulness imbued with a sense of spiritual progress.
Versenkung. German / n. / fɛrˈsɛn.kʊŋ / ferr-sen-koong. Lit. lowering, sinking; contemplation,

meditation; complete immersion in an activity; total focus upon the task in hand.
Vijñāna/viññāṇa (वर्ज्ञान). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / vɪg.njɑːnɘ / vig-yah-nuh. Consciousness, mind,

discernment.
Wú xin (無心). Chinese / n. / wuː ɕɪn / woo shin. ‘No heart-mind’; a mind not attached to simuli, nor
fixed or occupied by thought or emotion.
Perception
Auṃ or Oṃ (ॐ). Sanskrit / particle / əʊmː / aohmm. A sacred syllable/mantra associated with
various traditions; the ‘cosmic sound’ encapsulating all teachings; the beginning (alpha) and end
(omega) of all things.
Boketto (ぼけっと). Japanese / adv. / bəʊ.kɛt.təʊ / boh-ket-toh. Idly; doing nothing; vacantly; e.g.,
gazing vacantly into the distance (without thought or sense of self).
Celaje. Spanish / n. / seɪ.lɑːxeɪ / say-lah-khay. An image or figure (that is often unclear); akin to a
mirage or hallucination, but with a suggestion that it is ‘really’ there (e.g., colours in the sky).
Drákōn (δρᾰ́κων). Greek / n. / drá.kɔːn / drah-kohrn. Lit. sharp-seeing, or ‘one who sees’; origin of
term ‘dragon.’
Dṛṣṭi/diṭṭhi (दृष्टि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / dʰrʃ.tʰɪ / dsh-tih. View, gaze, sight (as per samyak-dṛṣṭi, of the
Noble Eightfold Path).
Eigengrau. German / n. / ʔaɪ̯gn̩ ˌgʁaʊ̯ / y-gn-graow. ‘Own gray’, authentic grey; the uniform dark gray
background that many people report seeing in the absence of light.
Eikón (εἰκών). Greek / n. / eːˈkɔ᷄ːn / aye-kone. Likeness; image.
Fyrgebraec. Old English / n. / fɪə.gʌ.breɪk / feer-guh-braik. The crackling sound of fire.
Ganzfeld. German / n. / ˈɡanzfɛld / ganz-feld. Lit. ‘whole field’ or ‘complete field’; a total loss of
depth perception (e.g., in a white-out); a technique of controlling or minimising sensory input (e.g.,
used in parapsychology experiments).
Ganzheit. German / n. / ˈgænz.haɪt / ganz-hite. Unity; integrated whole; undivided completeness;

total and complete.
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Oikeiôsis (οἰκείωσις). Greek / n. / əʊ.kaɪˈəʊ.sɪs ‘ oh-kye-oh-siss. The perception of something as

one’s own, as belonging to oneself; appropriation, familiarization, affinity, affiliation, endearment.
َ Arabic / n. / ˈsa.ma / sah-mah. Lit. listening; devout contemplation; worship,

Sama (‫)س َماع‬.
particularly in the Sufi tradition (often involving music, singing, and dance).
Théatron (θέατρον). Greek / n. / θeə.trɒn / thee-uh-tron. A place for viewing; a stand from which to
behold a spectacle.
Zevlovat. Czech / v. /ˈzɛ.vloˌvat / zeh-vloh-vat. To stare idly and curiously; to loiter, hang around;
from older word zevel (a person staring with mouth open wide).
Thinking
Abhimāna (अभिमान). Sanskrit / n. / ʌb.hi:mɑːnɑː / ub-he-mar-nar. A prideful attachment to the ‘I-

sense’ or ego’; the emphatic (mis)identification with one’s body; false prestige.
Alter ego. Latin / phrase / ɔːltə ɛ.ɡɔ / al-ter eh-go. ‘Another I’; a second identity within a person.
Amour de soi. French / n. / amuʀ dɘ swʌ / a-moor-de-swuh. Lit. 'love of oneself'; self-esteem that is
not contingent on others' judgement.
Amour propre. French / n. / amuʀ ˈpʀɔ.pʀ / a-moor-prrop-ruh. Lit. 'self-love'; self-esteem that is
contingent on others' judgement.
Chanchala (िञ्िल). Sanskrit / adj. / ʧæn.ʧæ.læ / chan-cha-la. Flickering, inconstant, unsteady;

fortune; wind. Denotes the vacillating nature of the human mind and of the actions which need to
be stilled, neutralized or controlled for gaining right speech and vision.
Déjà vécu. French / n. / de.ʒa vɛ. kuː / deh-zha veh-koo. ‘Aready living through’; considered as a
pathological form of déjà vu, with behavioral consequences (e.g., withdrawing from current events
or activities, as one believes one has participated in them before).
Déjà vu. French / n. / de.ʒa vy / deh-zha voo. ‘Already seen’; the feeling that one has lived through
the present situation before.
Denkmal. German / n. / ˈdɛŋk.maːl / denk-maal. Lit. think-sign or -mark; monument, memorial.
Desengaño. Spanish / n. / dɛ.ɛnˈgæn.jəʊ / deh-sen-gan-yo. Disenchantment or disillusionment; can

also connote awakening, seeing through deceit, being liberated from an illusion.
Dietrologia. Italian / n. / ˈdjɛ.troˌdʒi.a / jeh-troh-loh-jee-uh. Lit’ behind-ology’; what lies behind;

conspiracy theory; the idea that there is another (truer) explanation behind the given one.
Ego. Latin / p. / ˈɛ.ɡɔ / eh-go. I, we me; used by Freud’s translator to represent the German Ich,
which in Freud’s theory was the term given to one’s self construct, and to the feeling of self.
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Erklärungsnot. German / n. / ɛɐ̯ˈklɛːʁʊŋ.snɒt / ek-ler-ung-snot. ‘Explanation need’; needing to

quickly explain oneself.
Epoché (ἐποχή). Greek / n. / ˈe.pəˌkē / eh-puh-keh. Refraining from drawing a conclusion; the
theoretical moment when judgement about the world, and hence action, is suspended.
Formacja. Polish / n. / fɔrˈmaʦʲ̑ .ja] / for-mahts-yah. A culture or state of mind that is widespread
across a particular generation or period of time.
Freier Einfall. German / n. / ˈfraiɐ ˈeɪn.fʌl / frhyer ain-ful. Free, spontaneous (freier) irruption,
association, invasion, idea (Einfall); the original Freudian term for ‘free association.’
Goya (‫)گویا‬. Urdu / conj. / gɔ.jæ / go-yah. As if; suppose it were; can be used to denote a suspension
of disbelief (e.g., in storytelling).
Idée fixe. French / n. / ide.fiks / ee-day-feex. Lit. fixed idea; a fixation; an idea that dominates or
preoccupies the mind (including despite attempt to modify it).
Ignōrāmus. Latin / int. / ɪɡ.nəʊˈɹɑːməs / ig-noh-ah-mss. Lit. ‘we do not know’ (e.g., the spirit of
scientific enquiry), or ‘we take no notice of’ (used in legal contexts, e.g., when deemed evidence to
be inadmissible).
͡
Intelligéncija (интеллигенция). Russian / n. / ɪnʲtʲɪlʲɪˈɡʲentsɨjə / in-tee-lee-gyen-sia. Educated
intellectuals with moral and social stance; Anglicised as Intelligentsia.
Jamais vu. French / v. / ˈʒæ.meɪ ˈvuː / zha-mey voo. ‘Never seen’; the phenomenon of experiencing a
situation that one recognizes in some fashion, but nonetheless seems very unfamiliar.
Kavanah (‫) ַּכ ָונָה‬. Hebrew / n. / kʌ.vʌ.nʌ / kuh-vuh-nuh / aka Kavana, Kavannah. Intentionality;
sincerity; the ‘direction of the heart’ (e.g., in the context of prayer).
Mentalizar. Spanish / v. / mɛn.tæ.l:ɪ.zɑː / men-tah-lih-zar. To get into a frame of mind; to make

aware.
Mitdenken. German / v. / mɪtˈdɛŋkən / mit-deng-ken. Lit. ‘with thinking’; being able to follow
another person’s thoughts; reaching sound conclusions without having to be told; the ability to think
for oneself; cognitive empathy.
Nefelibata. Portuguese / n. / ne.fe.li.ˈba.tɐ / neh-fih-lee-bah-tah. ‘Clould-walker’; daydreamer;

someone who is independent and unorthodox.
Nodus Tollens. English (new) / n. / ˈnəʊ.dəs ˈtɒl.əns / no-dus toll-uns. From the Latin roots nodus (a
knot) and tollens (to remove or lift up); the feeling that your life doesn't make narrative sense, or fit
into a neat story; coined by John Koenig.
Nous (νοῦν). Greek / n. / nuːs / nooss. Mind, understanding, reason, intellect.Presque vu. French / n.
/ pʁɛsk vy / prek voo. ‘Almost seen’; the feeling of being on the brink of a powerful epiphany or
insight, without actually achieving the revelation.
Sī weí (思维). Chinese / n. / siː weɪ / see way. Line or way of thinking; mental process; perspective.
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Wahnfried. German / n. / ˈvɑːn.friːd / varn-frreed. Peace, freedom (Friede) from illusion, delusion,
madness (Wahn).
Modalities
Affektenlehre. German / n. / əˈfɛkt. ən.leːʀə / af-ect-un-ler-uh. ‘Affect learning’; the doctrine of the
affections (a theory based on the idea that the passions could be represented by their outward
visible or audible signs).
Antaḥkaraṇa (अन्िुःकरण). Sanskrit / n. / ʌn.tɘ.kʌ.rʌn.jɘ / un-tuh-ku-run-yuh. ‘Inner cause’; in Hindu

teachings, the totality of two levels of mind, i.e., the buddhi (intellect or higher mind) and the manas
(middle levels of mind which exist as or include the mental body).
Dhāraṇā (धारणा). Sanskrit / n. / d̪ ʱɑːrʌn.jɑː / dhar-run-yah. Concentration; fixing and holding

attention (e.g., on a meditative object).
Ehrenmal. German / n. / ˈeːrən.maːl / eer-en-maal. Lit. honour-sign or -mark; monument or

memorial (to honour something or someone).
Eunoia (εὔνοια). Greek / n. / juːˈnɔɪ.ɑ / yoo-noi-ya. Good / beautiful thinking; a well mind.
Gedenkstätte. German / n. / ɡəˈdɛŋk. ʃtɛtə / guh-dengk-shtet-uh. Lit. place of remembrance,

memory, reflection; memorial, shrine.
Honne (本音). Japanese / n. / hõ̞ nːe̞ / honn-uh. Lit. ‘true sound’; one’s true feelings and desires
(contrasted with tatemae, i.e., public-facing feelings).
Id. Latin / p. / ɪd / id. It or that; used by Freud’s translator to represent the German Es, which in
Freud’s theory was the term given to instinctual drives.
Jñāna/ñāṇa (ज्ञान). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˌgn'jɑːˌnæ / gn-yaa-na. Knowledge, especially experiential

forms of apprehension (e.g., acquired through meditation); the total experience of an object; clear
awareness.
Klexos. English (new) / n. / ˈklɛks.əʊs / klek-sohss. The art of dwelling on the past; coined by John
Koenig.
Leitwortstil. German / n. / laɪt.wort.stɪl / layt-wort-stil. ‘Leading word style’; the repetition of a

wording, often with a theme, in a narrative to make sure it catches the reader's attention.
Lotność umysłu. Polish / n. / lɒt.nɒʃt ˈũ.mɨ.sw̥ / lot-nosht oo-mih-see. Lit. buoyant or vivacious
(lotność) mind (umysłu); a state of mind that is simultaneously acute, vivacious, light and sharp.
Luchtkasteel. Dutch / n. / ˈlʏxt.kʌ.stɪl / lookht-kuh-still. Lit. ‘air castle’; illusion, dream.
Luftmensch. Yiddish / n. / lʊft.mɛntʃ / looft-mentsh. ‘Air person’; someone more concerned with
intellectual or creative pursuits than practical issues.
21
Mahnmal. German / n. / ˈmaːnˌmaːl / marn-marl. Memorial/monument to past tragedy (serving as a

warning against it being repeated).
Merkwelt. German / n. / mɜːk.velt / murk-velt. ‘Memory world’; ‘way of viewing the world’; the
perceptually-based ability to experience and manipulate one's world.
Memento mori. Latin / n. / məˌmentəʊ ˈmɔːri / meh-men-toh moor-ee. Lit. remember death; an
object or symbol that reminds or warns you of death/mortality.
Memento vivere. Latin / phrase / məˌmentəʊ ˈvi.ve.re / meh-men-toh vee-ver-eh. Remember life;
remember to live (or that you must live).
Parakosmos (παράκοσμος). Greek / n. / pa.rá.kóz.mos / pa-ra-kos-mos. ‘Beside world’; an imaginary

world; realm of the imagination.
Saṃjñā/sañña (संज्ञा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sə̃.ɡnjaː / suh-gnyah. Perception, cognition.
Saṃskāra (संस्कार). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sə̃.skɑːrʌ / suh-skar-uh. Mental volitional formations, karmic

imprints, ‘conditioned things’.
Stimmung. German / n. / ˈʃtɪ.mʊŋ / shtee-moong. Mood, feeling; atmosphere; harmonisation,

imbrication.
Superego. Latin (new) / p. / ˈsʊ.pɛr ˈɛ.ɡɔ / su-per eh-go. Lit over/above-I; used by Freud’s translator
to represent the German Über-Ich, which in Freud’s theory was the term given to internalised
societal norms/values.
Tatemae (建前). Japanese / n. / tæ.tæ.meɪ / tah-tah-mey. Lit. façade, or pretext; feelings or opinions
one presents in public (contrasted with honne, i.e., true feelings).
Tatemae (建前). Japanese / n. / tæ.tæ.meɪ / tah-tah-mey. Lit. façade, or pretext; feelings or opinions
one presents in public (contrasted with honne, i.e., true feelings).
Vedanā (र्ेदना). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / veɪ.dʌ.nɑː / vey-duh-nar. Feeling tone; fundamental valence of a

sensory object (pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral).
Vergangenheitsbewältigung. German / n. / fɛɐ̯ˈɡaŋn̩ haɪtsbəˌvɛltɪɡʊŋ / fer-gang-uhn-hites-buh-vell-

tee-goong. The struggle to overcome the past (in particular its negative aspects); processes that
have become key in the study of post-1945 German literature, society, and culture.
Weltanschauung. German / n. / ˈveltænʃaʊʊŋ / vell-tan-shao-ung. Lit. world (Welt) view

(Anschauung); an overarching/all-encompassing worldview or philosophy of life.
Altered states
Ambedo. English (new) / n. / æmˈbiːdəʊ / am-bee-doh. A melancholic trance involving absorption in

vivid sensory details; coined by John Koenig.
22
Dwaal. Afrikaans / n. / dwɑːl / dwahl. A dreamy, dazed, or absent-minded state.
Engentado. Spanish / v. / ɛn.xɛnˈtɑːdəʊ / en-khen-tah-doh. Lit. dazed or confused; used colloquially

to describe being 'peopled out', to wish for solitude.
Entrückt. German / adj. / ɛntˈrʏkt / ent-rookt. Enraptured and absent; transported into one’s own
universe; lost in thought; absentminded; meditative.
Kekau. Indonesian / n. / kə.kaʊ / kuh-kow. Waking up suddenly from sleep (e.g., if startled);
regaining consciousness and returning to reality after a nightmare.
Kopfkino. German / n. / ˈkɔp͡fˌkiːno / kokf-kee-noh. Lit. ‘head cinema’; the view from your ‘mind’s
eye’; subjective internal images or scenes.
Ngarong. Dayak / n. / ən.gæ.rɔːŋ / nn-gah-rawng. Spirit guide or protector (sometimes but not
always an ancestor); dream helper; a guide who appears in a dream or vision (e.g., providing a
solution to a problem).
Ondinnonk. Iroquoian / n. / ɒn.diːnuːnk / on-dee-noonk. The secret, innermost desires or wishes of

the soul (e.g., as revealed in dreams).
Samādhi (समाचध). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʌˈmɑː.ɖʰɪ / suh-mah-dee. Lit. getting hold of (dha)

integration/togetherness (sam); acquisition of integration, wholeness, truth; intense
concentration/absorption; one-pointedness / unification in meditation.
Surāmeraya-majja pamādaṭṭhānā (सुरा-मेरय-मज्ज पमादठ्ठाना). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʊˈrɑːmeɪ.rʌ.jʌ

mʌ.ʤʌː pʌ.mɑː.dʌt.hɑː.nɑː / soo-rah-may-ruh-yuh muh-juh puh-mah-dut-hah-nuh. Intoxicating
and/or unmindful states related to alcohol or drugs (i.e., refraining from which is the fifth of the five
precepts in Buddhism).
Tonglen (གཏོང་ལེན). Tibetan / n. / tɒŋ.lɛn / tong-len. Lit. giving and taking, or sending and receiving; a
meditation practice, involving ‘breathing in’ the suffering of others, transmuting it in one’s heart,
and ‘breathing out’ love, happiness, compassion, joy to them.
Sprulpa (སྤྲུལ་པ་). Tibetan / n. / sprʌl-pə / sprul-puh. Emanation, manifestation; a psychic ability in which
a being or object which is created through psychospiritual powers.
Unbewusste. German / adj., n. / ʊn.bəˈvʊst / oon-buh-voost. Unconscious; used as a noun in

psychoanalystic theory (Das Unbewusste) to denote aspects of mind not accessible to conscious
inspection.
23
Embodiment
Spirit
Anima. Latin / n. / ˈa.ni.ma / ah-nih-mah. Soul; spirit; breath; mind.
Ātman/attā (आत्मन ्). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑːtmcn / at-mn. Soul, breath, spirit.
َ
Damīr (‫)ضمي‬. Arabic / n. / dæ.mɪə / dah-meer. Conscience; inner self; heart; soul.
Duša (душа). Russian / n. / dʊˈʂa / doo-shah. Soul, spirit, heart.
Fēng shuǐ (風水). Chinese / n. / fɤ́ŋ ʂwèi / fung shoo-ay. Lit. ‘wind-water’; a philosophy of space and
spatial arrangements (e.g., in relation to the flow of qì).
Ib. Egyptian / n. / ɪb / ib. Heart (physical and metaphysical); the seat of emotion, thought, will and
intention; one of five parts of the soul in Egyptian thought.
Ka (kꜣ). Egyptian / n. / kæ / kah. Vital essence; that which separates a living being from a dead one;
one of five parts of the soul in Egyptian thought.
Kapālabhāti (कपालिाति). Sanskrit / n. / kæ.pa:læ.ba:t: / ka-par-la-bar-tee. ‘Skull illuminating’; a yogic

purification practice (e.g., for clearing the sinuses), involving short and strong forceful exhalations.
Pneúma (πνεῦμα). Greek / n. / pnéu

͜ .ma / pnyoo-mah. Wind; breath; spirit.
Pneumatikós (πνευματικῶς). Greek / adj. / pnɛβ.mɑ.tiˈkos / pnev-mah-tee-kose. Spiritual; pertaining

to the spirit; being with/of the spirit of God.
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Prāṇa (प्राण). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / prɑːnɑː / prah-nah. Air, breath; spirit; ‘life force/energy’.
Prāṇayāma (प्राणायाम). Sanskrit / n. / prɑːnɑːjːnʌ / prah-nah-yah-muh. Control, regulation of the

breath (or energy or ‘life force’).
Psykhe (ψυχή). Greek / n. / psiːkʰɛ̌ / psee-keh. Mind; breath; life; spirit; soul.
Qarīn (‫)قرين‬. Arabic / n. / kɑːrɪn / kar-in. ‘Constant companion’; a spiritual double of human, either
part of the human himself or a complementary creature in a parallel dimension.
Qì (氣). Chinese / n. / tɕʰiː / chee. Lit. air, breath; ‘life force/energy’.
Qì gōng (氣功). Chinese / n. / tɕʰiː gɒŋ / chee-gong. Lit. ‘qì/breath work’; a practice of developing
mastery over body and mind; cultivating qi as a way to improve health, and as a way of self-defence.
Reiki (霊気). Japanese / n. / ɺ̠e̞ːkiː / ray-kee. Lit. soul, spirit, miraculous, divine (rei) life-force (ki, aka
qì); a system of alternative medicine usually credited to Mikao Usui (circa 1922) involving the ‘laying’
of hands on the body (to direct the flow of ki).
Ren (rn). Egyptian / n. / rən / rn. Name (given at birth); person believed to live as long as that name
was spoken; one of five parts of the soul in Egyptian thought.
Rlung (རླུང). Tibetan / n. / rə.lʌŋ / r-lung. Wind, breath; has a variety of meanings in the Vajrayana
traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, including as a subtle flow of energy (out of the five elements, most
closely connected with air).
Sawol. English (old) / n. / ˈsɑːwol / sah-wol. Soul; immortal principle; possibly from the Proto-
Germanic saiwala (potentially meaning ‘of the sea’).
Seelisch. German / adj. / ziːlʊʃ / zee-loosh. Pertaining to the soul; spiritual; mental, psychological.
Shuâng (爽). Chinese / adj. / ʃuːʌŋ / shoo-ung. To feel well; bright; pleasurable; crisp; frank;
invigorating; straight-forward.
Sheut (šwt). Egyptian / n. / ʃwɛt / shwet. Shadow, silhouette; the ever-present shadow of death; one
of five parts of the soul in Egyptian thought.
Ta'ala (‫)تعاىل‬. Arabic / v. / tɘˈɑːlə / tuh-ahlla. To transcend; to have divine superiority; to rise above;
to tower above; to disdain; to be far above; also, to ask someone to come over.
Trul khor (རྩ་རླུང་འཁྲུལ་འཁོར་). Tibetan / n. / truːl kɔː / trool kor. ‘Magic instrument’, ‘magic circle’; a
Vajrayana discipline which includes breath control and body postures.
Üfürük. Turkish / n. / ə.fɜːrɜːk / uh-fur-ruk. Exhaled breath.
Vozdukh (Воздух). Russian / n. / ˈvɔz.dux / voorz-dukh. Lit. ‘the stack of spirits’; air, breath; to take
the spirit inside (when breathing in), to take the spirit outside (when breathing out).
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Xíng qì (行氣). Chinese / v. / ɕɪŋ tɕʰiː / sing chee. Volitionally (e.g., mentally) circulating or directing
qi.
Relaxation
Abbiocco. Italian / n. / abˈbjɔkko / a-bee-okk-o. Drowsiness following eating a (large) meal.
Brabbag. Gaelic (Manx) / n. / bræ.væg / brah-vag. The act (and enjoyment) of warming the back of
one’s legs in front of the fire.
Daggfrisk. Swedish / n., adj. / dæːg.frɪsk / daag-frisk. Lit. ‘dew fresh’; the kind of pure, clean feeling
one might have from waking refreshed in the early morning at sunrise.
Fjaka. Croatian / n. / fjâ.ka / fyah-kah. Relaxation of body and mind; sleepiness, drowsiness; the
‘sweetness of doing nothing’.
Hyppytyynytyydytys. Finnish / n. / huːp.ə.tɜːniːtɜːdə.tɪs / hoop-uh-tuer-nee-tuerd-uh-tiss. Bouncy

cushion satisfaction; the relaxing feeling of sitting down in a comfortable chair.
Kalsarikännit. Finnish / n. / ˈkɑl.sɑ.riˌkæ.nːi / kall-sah-ree-kah-nee. Lit. underpants intoxication;

getting drunk at home, often underdressed and/or alone.
Kur. German / n. / kuːɐ̯ / coo-ur. ‘Cure’; a prolonged period of recuperation at a health resort or spa.
Kwadi. Hunsrik / n. / kwa.di / kwah-dee. The laziness one feels after warming oneself in the sun on
cold days.
Meriggiare. Italian / v. / mɛ.rɪˈdʒeɑː.rɪ / me-rri-jah-rri. To rest at noon (in the shade).
Mysa. Swedish / v. / ˈmyːˌsa / mee-sah. To be engaged in a pleasant or comfortable activity; to be

content or comfortable; to get cosy; to snuggle up.
Niksen. Dutch / v. / ˈnɪk.sən / nik-sn. ‘Nothinging’ (verbification of ‘nothing’); to do nothing; being or

doing without purpose; idling, loafing.
Pantofolaio. Italian / n. / pän.tō.fō’la:jō / pan-toh-foh-lah-yo. ‘Slippers’; someone who prefers a

quiet or lazy life, avoiding activity that disrupts their peace and relaxation.
Riposo. Italian / n. / riˈpɔso/ rre-poor-soh. Rest, repose; a nap; cf. siesta.
Shabbat (‫)שבָ ת‬.

ַּ Hebrew / n. / ʃəˈbɑːt / shuh-bart / aka šabbāṯ, Sabbath. From the verb shavat,
meaning to rest or cease; a day each week kept aside for rest, abstinence, and/or worship in various
religious traditions.
Shaucha (शौि. Sanskrit / n. / sʰaʊ.ʧʌ / shao-chuh. Purity, cleanliness and clearness; purity of mind,
speech and body; one of the five niyamas in Hinduism.
26
Shemomechama (შემომეჭამა). Georgian / v. / ʃɛ.mɒ.mɛʤɑːmə / sheh-moh-meh-djah-muh. To eat

past the point of satiety (e.g., due to enjoyment of the food).
Siesta. Spanish / n. / sɪˈɛstə / see-est-a. A short nap, usually taken in the early afternoon.
Siga siga (σιγά σιγά). Greek / adv. / siˈɣa siˈɣa / see-yah see-yah. Slowly, slowly (i.e., being
unhurried).
Uitbuiken. Dutch / v. / ˈəʊt.bɜː.ɣən / oat-ber-ghen. Lit. 'outbellying'; to relax satiated between

courses or after a meal.
Umay. Tagalog / n. / ə.meɪ / uh-may. To become weary or tired with something through overuse or
satiety.
Utsura-ustura (うつらうつら). Japanese (Gitaigo) / v. / uːt.sjʊə.ɾ̠ə uːt.sjʊə.ɾ̠ə / oot-soor-ah oot-soor-

ah. To drift between sleep and wakefulness.
Veget. Czech / n. / ˈvɛ.gɛt / veh-get. A state of idleness; plain living; undisturbed rest; free time.
Womba. Bakweri / n. / wɒm.bə / wom-buh. The smile of a sleeping child.
Uitzieken. Dutch / v. / əʊt.ziːɣən / oat-zee-ghen. ‘Sick it out’; to wait out an illness and fully recover.
Upekṣā/upekkhā (उपेक्षा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / u.pɛkʰˈsɑː / oo-pek-sah. Equanimity, detachment;

calmness, balance.
Cathexis
Ayawaska. Quechua / n. / ˌaɪ(j)əˈwæ.skə / ay-uh-wask-uh. ‘Soul vine’; an entheogenic brew made

out of Banisteriopsis caapi vine and other ingredients ; used as a traditional spiritual medicine in
ceremonies among the indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin (known by a number of different
names, and Hispanicized as Ayahuasca).
Benedicaria. Italian / n. / bɛ.nɪ.dɪk.tə.kɑːrɪə / beh-ne-dik-ta-kar-ee-uh. ‘Way of Blessing’; a term for

various family-based folk healing and spiritual traditions found throughout Italy (referred to by some
as ‘folk magic’).
Bettmümpfeli. German (Swiss) / n. / bɛt.muːm.fʊli / bet-moom-fooli. Bedtime snack.
Cafuné. Portuguese / n. / ˌka.fu.ˈnɛ / cah-foo-neh. The act/gesture of tenderly running one’s fingers
through a loved one’s hair.
Colo. Portuguese / n. / ˈkɔ.lu / koh-loo. Area of body formed by chest and arms (used to refer to
embracing or cradling).
Empalagar. Spanish / v. / ɛm.pæ.læ.gɑː / em-pah-lah-gar. To be too sweet or rich (in taste).
27
Estrenar. Spanish / v. / ɛs.trɛn.ɑːreɪ / ess-tren-ah-reh. To use or wear something for the first time
(and perhaps imbuing the wearer with a sense of confidence).
Epithymía (Ἐπιθυμίᾳ). Greek / n. / e.pi.θyˈmi.a / epi-thy-mia. Desire; sexual passion.
Famn. Swedish / n. / fæm / fam. The area or space within two arms, e.g., 'in my arms'. As a verb, att
famna – ‘to embrace’.
Gula. Spanish / n. / ˈguːlæ / goo-lah. Gluttony, greed; indulgence; eating simply for the taste (i.e., not
from hunger).
Kapsoura (Καψούρα). Greek / n. / kæp.sɔːə ‘ kap-soor-uh. Crush, infatuation; intense passion; the
heady romantic feelings at the start of a relationship.
Manna (‫)מָ ן‬. Hebrew / n. / mæ.næ / mah-nah. Edible food that sustained Israelites in the wilderness;
spiritual food.
Tripti (िष्ृ ति). Sanskrit / n. / trɪp.tɪ / trip-tih. Complete satisfaction (e.g., of sensual pleasures).
Xīn (心). Chinese / ɕɪn / shin. Heart and mind (and even spirit) combined.
Action
Abhayamudrâ (अिय मुद्रा). Sanskrit / n. / ʌb.haɪ.ə.mʊ.dɹɑː / uhb-hy-uh-moo-drah. The gesture (e.g.,

in Hindu and Buddhist iconography) of fearlessness, protection, and/or peace; involves the palms
facing outwards, and the fingers extending upwards.
Adumu. Maasai / n. / a.duːmuː / ah-doo-moo. ‘Jumping dance’; a Maasai dance in which people
form a circle, and two at a time enter the centre and jump competitively (with respect to height),
without letting heels touch the ground.
Arabesque. French / n. / a.ʁa.bɛsk / ah-rah-besk. ‘In Arabic fashion’; in dance (particularly ballet), a
body position in which a dancer stands on one leg, with the other extended, straight, behind the
body.
Aradupopini. Tulu (India) / v. / æ.ræ.duːpɒ.piːniː / ah-rah-du-pop-ee-nee. To walk arm-in-arm or

hand-in-hand.
Āsana (आसन). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʌːsə.nə / uh-suh-nih. Lit. seat / sitting position; postures
adopted/undertaken in Yoga.
Berlenggang. Indonesian / v. / bɜːlɛŋ.gæŋ / ber-leng-gang. To walk gracefully by swinging your hands

or hips.
Blüttle. German (Swiss) / v. / bluːtl / blootl. To walk around naked; to enjoy being naked.
28
Buchaechum (부채춤). Korean / n. / bʊ.ʧeɪ.ʧʌm / buh-chay-chum. A traditional form of Korean

dance involving the use of fans.
Budō (武道). Japanese / n. / buːdəʊ / boo-doh. Lit. the art or way of war; martial arts.
Dogeza (土下座). Japanese / n. / dəʊ.giːzə / doh-gee-zuh. A kneeling bow; the deepest, most
respectful and formal form of bowing in Japanese culture (among a range of forms).
Dōjō (道場). Japanese / n. / dəʊ.ʤəʊ / doh.joh. Lit. place of the way/path; a room/hall in which
martial arts are practised.
Dos-à-dos. French / n. / do.za.do / doh-za-doh. ‘Back to back’; a move in which two dancers face
each other, then step forward and left until they have right shoulders adjacent, then move to a
position where they are back to back, then move to have left shoulders adjacent, then return to
facing each other.
En pointe. French / n. / ɑ̃ pwɛ̃t / ah pwah. Supporting one's body weight on the tips of the toes.
Eshaku (会釈). Japanese / n. / ɛʃ.æk.uː / esh-ah-koo. One form of bowing in Japanese culture (among
a range of forms), involving bending of the upper body at around 15 degrees; fairly formal, used with
people ones knows but are not familiar with.
Furitama (降り魂). Japanese / n. / fu.rɪ.tɑːmɑː / foo-ree-tah-mah. A Shinto practice of ‘spirit shaking’

in which people place their hands upin front of their stomach and shake them vigorously up and
down.
Haka. Māori / n. / ˈhɑːkə / ha-kuh. A ceremonial dance or challenge in Māori culture.
Hamsterkäufe. German / n. / hæm.stə.kaʊ̯ f / ham-stuh-kawf. ‘Hamster buying’; panic-buying and

hoarding of supplies.
Hanyauku. Rukwangali / v. / hæ.æn.jɒ.kə / ha-ahn-yoh-kuu. To walk on toes across hot sand.
Hatha (हठ). Sanskrit / n., adj. / hʌ.θə / huh-thuh. Lit. force, effort, exertion; a branch of yoga
focusing on the practice of asanas (postures) and vinyasa (dynamic transitions).
Indlamu. Zulu / n. / ind͡ɮaːmu / in-jla-mu. A traditional dance, characterised by the dancer lifting one
foot over his/her head and bringing it down sharply, landing squarely on the downbeat.
Jūdō (柔道). Japanese / n. / ʤuːdəʊ / joo-doh. Lit. gentle way; a form of martial art, centred around
grappling with one’s opponent with the aim of pinning them to the floor.
Keirei (敬礼). Japanese / n. / keɪ.reɪ / kay-ray. A very formal form of bowing in Japanese culture
(among a range of forms), involving bending of the upper body at around 30 degrees.
Kwassa kwassa. English (new) / n. / kwæs.sæ kwæs.sæ / kwass-ah kwass-ah. A dance style from the
DRC (where the hips move back and forth while the hands move to follow the hips); possibly derived
from the French quoi ça? (“what is it?”).
29
Mampemurruwurlmurruwurl. Murrinhpatha / v. / mɐmpeˈmuɾuwuɭmuɾuwuɭ / mahm-peh-muhru-

wil-muhru-wohl. To make someones’s hair beautiful.
Misogi (禊). Japanese / n. / mɪ.səʊ.jiː / mih-soh-yee. A practice of ritural purification found in Shinto,
involving washing the whole body, often in cold natural water.
Mohobelo. Sotho / n. / məʊ.həʊ.bɛ.ləʊ / mo-ho-bel-o. ‘Striding dance’; a dance associated with the
Sotho cultures, featuring striding, leaping, and sliding along the ground.
Pirouette. French / n. / pi.ʁ.wɛt / pih-ru-wet. ‘Whirl’; a non-traveling turn on one leg, of one or more
rotations.
Plié. French / n. / pli.je / plee-ay. ‘Bent’; a smooth and continuous bending of the knees outward
with the upper body held upright.
Pretoogjes. Dutch / n. / prɛtˈoːx.jiːs / pret-oh-yeess. Lit. 'fun eyes'; the twinkling eyes of someone
engaging in benign mischief or fun.
Putuwa. Gadigal / n. / pə.tuːə / puh-too-uh. Warming one’s hands by the fire while gently squeezing
someone else’s hands.
Revoltade. French / n. / ʁə.vɔl.tad / ru-vol-taad. A bravura jump in which one lands on the leg from
which one pushes off after that leg travels around the other leg lifted to 90 degrees.
Saikeirei (最敬礼). Japanese / n. / saɪ.keɪ.reɪ / sy.kay-ray. A particularly deep, respectful, formal form
of bowing in Japanese culture (among a range of forms), involving bending of the upper body at
around 45 degrees.
Se déhancher. French / v. / sə deɑ̃ ʃe / suh de-hon-shay. To sway or wiggle one's hips (e.g., while
dancing).
Shaka. Hawaiian / n. / ʃæ.kæ / sha-ka. A Hawaiian hand gesture, also more broadly associated with
surfing; ‘hang loose,’ ‘chill out’; ‘be well’, ‘take care’; ‘well done.’
Sissonne. French / n. / si.sɔn / sih-son. A jump done from two feet to one foot (named after the
originator of the step).
Taki onqoy. Quechua / n. / tæ.ki ɒn.kɔɪ / tah-kee on-koy. Dancing sickness; delirium caused by
dancing or singing.
Tembetá. Guaraní / n. / tɛm.bɛ.tə / tem-be-tuh. ‘Lip stone’; a metal or stone rod placed in lower lip
piercings by members of some indigenous peoples in South America.
Umteyo. Xhosa / ʌm.tiːjəʊ / um-tee-yo. ‘Shaking dance; a dance associated with Xhose culture,
involving the rapid undulation or shaking of the thorax so that the spine appears to be rippling.
Yoga (योग). Sanskrit / v., n. / jəʊ.gʌ / yoh-guh. Lit. to yoke / add / join / unite / attach (from root yuj);
a psychophysical system of spiritual training and development.
Vískat. Czech / v. /ˈviːs.kat/ vees-kat. To play with somebody’s hair; originally, to look for lice.
30
Woggabaliri. Ngunnawal / n. / wɒ.gə.bæ.lɪə.riː / woh-gah-bah-leer-ee. A traditional Indigenous

Australian co-operative kicking volley game (similar to ‘keepie uppie’).
Energy
Alharaca. Spanish / n. / alaˈɾa.kə / al-ah-rahk-ah. An extreme or excessive behavioural

demonstration of an emotion; making a fuss; becoming agitated; clamour, vociferation.
Að nenna. Icelandic / v. / aːð ˈnɛnːa / arth nen-nah. The capacity or state of being bothered to do
something; the ability or willingness to persevere through tasks (especially that are hard or boring).
Azart (азарт). Russian / n. / æˈzɑːrt / a-zarrt. Heat, excitement, ardour, fervour; to do something
with gusto; may also be associated with recklessness and risk-taking.
Balikwas. Tagalog / n. / bæ.lɪk.wæs / bah-lik-wass. Suddenly rising or jumping to one’s feet (e.g., due
to surprise or fright); to turn suddenly to the other side.
Bodryi (бодрый). Russian / adj. / ˈbo.drɨj / boor-dree. Cheerful; brisk; hale and hearty; awake; in
good spirits, energetic.
Brahma-charya (ब्रह्मिया). Sanskrit/Pāli / v. + n. / ˈbrɑːˌmə ʧɑː.jʌ / brah-muh char-yuh. Lit. ‘going

after Brahman’ or beahviours that lead to Brahman; the ‘right’ use of energy; chastity when
unmarried, and fidelity when married; one of the five yama in Hinduism.
Brio. Italian / n. / ˈbriːəʊ / bree-oh. Mettle, fire; life; vivacity, energy, vitality; confidence.
Cakrá/cakka (िक्र). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʧʌk.ɽʌ / chuk-ruh / aka chakra (English). Lit. wheel, circle, disc;
energy points in the body, identified and harnessed by various spiritual traditions.
Curglaff. Scottish / n. / kɜːglæf / kur-glaff. The bracing, shocking and/or invigorating feeling of
suddenly entering (e.g., diving into) cold water.
Dān tián (丹田). Chinese / n. / dæn.tiːɛn / dan tee-en. Lit. energy centre; places in the body that are
believed to be significant in the flow of qi; focal points for meditative exercises.
Dòu zhì (斗志). Chinese / n. / dəʊ t͡ʂɘɻ / doh jrr. Fighting spirit; the will and motivation to fight; a
battle of wits.
Fā qì (发氣). Chinese / v. / fæ tɕʰiː / fah chee. Projecting qi to the exterior/outside of the body; can
also mean expressing anger.
Frisson. French / n. / fʀisɔ̃ / frree-soh. A sudden feeling of thrill, combining fear and excitement.
Genki (元気). Japanese / adj., n. / ˈgɛŋ.kiː / geng-kee. Lit. the origin (gen) of ki (energy or ‘life force’);
being healthy, energetic, and full of life.
31
Herzklopfen. German / n. / hɛrts.klɔp.fən / hairts-klop-uhn. Lit. ‘heart-knock’; the thumping of the

heart in anticipation of something good (or bad) happening.
Hwyl. Welsh / n. / huːɨ̯l / hoo-iil. A stirring feeling of emotional motivation and energy; a melodic,
fervour; ecstatic inspiration; a chanting style of preaching; mood; fun.
Jaksaa. Finnish / v. / ˈjɑkˌsɑː / yak-sah. To have energy, enthusiasm, and spirit (e.g., for a task).
Jī qíng (激情). Chinese / n. / ʤiː ʧɪŋ / jee ching. Passion, heat, ardour (often in a specifically romantic
or sexual sense).
Kæk. Danish / adj. / kɛk / kek. Spirited, bold, cheeky, cocky.
Kia kaha. Māori / inj. / kiːə ˈkɑːhɑ / kee-uh kar-ha. Be strong; stay strong; forever strong.
Kizomba. Kimbundu / n. / kɪ.zɒm.bə / kih-zom-buh. ‘Party’; a dance and musical style originating in
Angola, characterised by a slow, romantic, sensuous rhythms.
Kuṇḍalinī (कुण्डलिनी). Sanskrit / n. / kən.dʌ.liːniː / kun-duh-lee-nee. Lit. the ‘coiled one’; a source of
form of subtle or primal energy, thought to be located at the base of the spine, that can be
‘awakened’ through meditative practices.
Lus. Afrikaans / n. / lʊs / looss. Desire, craving; greed; fancy, cupidity; inclination, tendency.
Mana. Polynesian languages / n. / ˈmɑnə / ma-nuh. Spiritual energy / power, a sacred, impersonal
force.
Mbuki-mvuki. Swahili / v. / mbuːkiː mvuːkiː / mm-boo-kee mm-voo-kee. Lit. to take of in flight

(mbuki), to dance wildly (mvuki); to shed clothes in order to dance; possible origins of the phrase
‘boogie woogie’.
Mojo. Creole (Gullah) / n. / məʊ.ʤəʊ / mow-joe. Lit. witchcraft; a magic charm or spell; sex
drive/appeal; personal magnetism or charm.
Nāḍī (नाडी). Sanskrit / n. / næ.diː / na-dee. ‘Tube’, ‘pipe’; the channels through which energy
currents flow (in traditional Indian medicine and spiritual teachings).
Nadryv (надрыв). Russian / n. / nɐˈdrɨf / nuh-dreef. Lit. a tear, rend, or break; an outburst of
emotion or passion, often uncontrollable and possibly also irrational, when deeply hidden feelings
are released.
Orgasmós (οργασμός). Greek / n. / ɔɾ.ɣa.ˈzmɔs / or-yaz-mos. Orgasm; climax; swelling, burgeoning;

excitement.
Orka. Swedish / v. / ˈɔrˌka / orr-kah. To have the energy for something; being resilient, spirited,
and/or enthused.
Overskud. Danish / n. / ˈɒwɐsgud / oh-wuhs-good. Extra/excess energy; do have sufficient resources

to do something; profit (in an economic context).
32
Pigg. Swedish / adj. / pɪg / pig. Alert, awake; refreshed, rested; spirited, energised.
Qì chang (氣場). Chinese / n. / tɕʰiː ʧæŋ / chee chang. Energy field (e.g., between/surrounding
multiple people).
Raaskia. Finnish / v. / ˈrɑːskiɑ / rah-skee-ah. To have the heart, courage to do something.
Rasmia. Spanish / n. / ræz.miːə / razz-mee-uh. Eagerness, strength, activeness, courage, tenacity and
gracefulness.
Sabsung. Thai / n. / sɑːb.suːŋ / saab-soong. A feeling of revitalisation through something that livens
up or gives meaning to one’s life; something that brightens one’s day.
Schwärmerei. German / n. / ʃvɛr.məˈrai / shver-mer-ay. Excessive or extreme enthusiasm or

sentimentality.
Semba. Kimbundu / n. / sɛm.bə / sem-buh. A dance and musical style originating in Angola; the
name derives from the notion of touching bellies.
Skandha(s)/ khanda(s) (स्कन्ध). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / 'skʌn.dʌs / skun-duss. Aggregate(s) / heap(s) /

grouping(s); used to describe the groupings of five ‘elements’ that constitutes the human being.
Smeddum. Scottish / n. / smɛ.dʌm / smeh-dum. A fine powder; the strength or essence of a

substance; spirit; energy.
Startijenn. Breton / n. / stɑːt.ɪˈʒɛn / start-ih-zjen. A kickstart/boost of energy; also denotes

perseverance.
Tài jí [Tai chi] (太極). Chinese / n. / taɪ tɕʰiː / ty-chee. Lit. supreme/ultimate force/energy; a form of
martial art involving slow, deliberative movements.
Tonalli. Nahuatl / n. / təʊ.næ.li: / toh-na-lee. A day sign; a symbol of the sun's warmth; a source of
energy for growth and development; believed to be located in the hair and the fontanel area of the
head.
Uitwaaien. Dutch / v. / ˈəʊt.vaɪ.ɛn / oat-vye-en. Lit out-windy; to walk in the wind; to go out into
nature (perhaps to clear one's head).
Vīrya/viriya (र्ीया). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / wiːr.jʌ / vweer-yuh. Energy, diligence, enthusiasm, effort.
Vivax. Latin / adj. / ˈviːvaːks / vee-vax. Tenacious; durable; long-lived; vivacious; lively.
Wài jiā (外家). Chinese / n. / waɪ.ʤi.a / wy-jee-ah. ‘External family’; externally-directed forms of
martial arts, characterized by fast and explosive movements and a focus on physical strength and
agility.
33
Relationships
Love
Non-personal
Amateur. French / n. / a.ma.tœʀ / ah-mah-toer. Lit. lover or ‘one who loves’; amateur, hobbyist.
Érōs (ἔρως). Greek / n. / ˈe.rɔːs / eh-ross. Desire; passionate love; in Greek mythology, the God of
desire (or love); known as Cupid in Roman mythology.
Chōros (χῶρος). Greek / n. / ˈkʰɔː.rɒs / khor-ross. A place/locale (usually denoting the quality of the
place – often somewhere that one feels affection towards).
Gattara. Italian / n. / ɡäˈt̪ːäːrä / gah-tah-rah. A ‘cat lady’; a female, often elderly, who devotes time
to looking after stray cats.
Habseligkeiten. German / n. / ˈhaːpzeːlɪçkaitn / hab-zee-lish-ky-ten. Lit. belongings; can imply one’s

most precious, treasured possessions (especially if one has few possessions).
Kama muta (काममूि). Sanskrit / v. / kæ.mæ muːtæ / kah-mah moo-tah. Moved by love; warm
transitory affection for a given person, object, or experience.
Meraki (μεράκι). Greek / n. / mɛˈræk.iː / meh-rrack-ee. Ardour (in relation to one’s own actions and
creations).
34
Rè ài (热爱). Chinese / v. / riː aɪ / ree ay. To love ardently and passionately, usually in a non-romantic
way (e.g., being passionate about one’s work); to adore.
Caring
Amae (甘え). Japanese / v. / ɑːm.ɑːiː / am-ah-ee. To behave in ways that implicitly request love or
indulgence of one's perceived needs (often used negatively to describe passivity).
Anam cara. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / æn.æm kæ.rə / ah-nam cah-ra. Soul friend; a deep, heartfelt
friendship (often with a spiritual dimension).
Ansias. Spanish / n. / ˈæn.siːɘ / an-see-uh. Longing, yearning; worry, anguish; desparate or anxious
love (e.g., worrying about one’s loved one).
Camarada. Spanish / n. / kamaˈɾaða / cah-mah-rah-dtha. Lit. ‘chamber-mate’ or room-mate; pal,

friend; basis for the term ‘comrade.’
Compadre. Spanish / n. / kəmˈpɑːdreɪ / kom-pah-drray. Lit. ‘co-fathers’; godfather; a term of respect

and friendship for a man.
Fiere. Scottish / n. / fiːɜː / fee-urr. Companion, mate, pal, comrade.
Gemas. Indonesian / n. / ɡəˈmæs / guh-mass. A feeling of love or affection; the urge to squeeze
someone because they are so cute.
Hiếu. Vietnamese / n. / hiəw˧˩ / hee-ew. Filial piety; respect, reverence for elders.
Innig. German / adj., adv. / ˈɪn.ɪç / in-eekh. Heartfelt, tender; devoted, intimate; dear.
͡ ŋ / chung. Deep affection, affinity, connectedness (may or may not

Jeong/jung (정). Korean / n. / tɕʌ̹
be romantic).
Kanyi(r)ninpa. Pintupi / v. / ˈkæn.jɪnˈɪn.pə / can-yin-in-puh. Lit. 'to hold', connoting an intimate and
active relationship between carer and caree.
Lǎo tóng (老同). Chinese / n. / laʊ tɒŋ / laow-tong. ‘Old sames'; friends for life; an everlasting
kindred bond between two people (often two girls).
Machatunim. Hebrew / n. / mæ.xæh.tu:nʌm / mah-cha-tuh-num. ‘Co-in-laws’; the parents of the

spouse of your child.
Nakama (仲間). Japanese / n. / nɑːkɑːmɑː / nah-kah-mah. Best friend;close buddy; one for whom
one feels deep platonic love.
Parea (παρέα). Greek / n. / pæ.riːə / pah-rr-uh. A group of friends; company; informal party; revelry.
Pertu. Hungarian / n. / ˈpeə.ty / pear-too. Lit. by/for you; a drinking or bonding ritual (signifying the
establishment or maintenance of friendship).
35
Philotimo (φιλότιμο). Greek / n. / ɸɪlˈɔːtɪ.mɔ / fill-oh-tee-moh. ‘Love of honour;' the importance

of respecting and honouring friends/family.
Philautia (ϕιλαυτία). Greek / n. / ɸᵻˈlɔːtɪə/ fi-law-tia. Self-love (encompassing, in its benevolent

forms, self-respect, self-compassion, etc.).
Philia (φιλία). Greek / n. / ɸiˈli.a / fi-lee-ya. Friendship, platonic love (e.g., based on familiarity or
shared interests).
Pietas. Latin / n. / ˈpi.e.taːs / pe-eh-tass. Familial affection; loyalty, patriotism; piety.
Sayang (‫)سايڠ‬. Malay, Indonesian, Tagalog / n., v., int. / sa.jaŋ / sah-yang. Love (not necessarily
romantic); tender affection; also, if used as an interjection, can express regret or pity (e.g., in
relation to loss, longing, or unrealised desire).
Storgē (στοργή). Greek / n. / stoɹˈɣə / store-geh. Filial love; care and affection (e.g., between family
members).
Téng (疼). Chinese / n. / tɤ́ŋ / tung. To love dearly and intensely; love intermingled with worry and
hurt; often refers specifically to bonds between parents and children.
Vakasteglok. Mwotlap / v. / va.ka.stɛɰ'lɔk / vah-kah-stoow-look. Taking care of one’s parents, ‘in

return’ (i.e., in recognition and gratitude for the care they took of us in the past).
Voler bene. Italian / v. / voˈlə ˈbɛːne / voh-luh beh-neh. Lit. to want much; to love; to care for in a
deep, loving way; to be very fond of.
Xiào (孝). Chinese / n. / ɕi.aʊ /shee-aow. Filial piety; family reverence.
Romantic
A chuisle. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / ə'hɪʃ.l ̠ʲə / uh-hoosh-luh. Lit. my pulse; my beloved, my darling. Someone
who is so close and loved they are like your pulse. A chuisle is used when speaking directly to them;
mo chuisle is used when referring to them.
Abhisar (অভিসার). Bengali / n. / ɒb.hiːʃɑː / ob-hih-shaar. Lit. 'going towards'; a meeting (often
secret) between lovers / partners.
Aegyo (애교). Korean / n. / eɪ.ɛgəʊ / ay-ee-go. A cute, coequettish display of affection, often
expressed through babyish voices, expressions, and gestures.
Amour fou. French / n. / amuʀ fu / a-moor-foo. Mad/crazy/foolish love.
Anánkē (ἀνάγκη). Greek / n. / əˈnæŋ.kiː / uh-nang-kee. Necessity, compulsion, inevitability, fate.
Apaixonar. Portuguese / v. / apaj.ʃoˈnar / ah-piy-shon-narr. To fall in love; to become passionate

about someone/something.
36
S'apprivoiser. French / v. / sˈapʀiˈvwaze / s-a-prre-vwa-zay. Lit, 'to tame'; in the context of a

relationship can describe a mutual process of each side learning to trust/accept the other.
Bashert. Yiddish / n. / bɛˈʃeət / beh-sharyt / aka beshert. Lit. ‘meant to be’; destiny; what is given to
you (e.g., by God); often used to denote one’s divinely-ordained soulmate, known as one’s basherte
(female) or basherter (male).
Cathexis (κάθεξις). Greek / v., n. / kəˈθɛk.sɪs / kuh-thek-sis. Holding, retention; chosen by by James
Strachey to render the German term Besetzung (interest, occupation) in his translation of Freud,
referring to the process of investment of mental or emotional energy in a person, object, or idea.
Chipe. Spanish (Guatamalan) / n. / ʧiːpeɪ / chee-pay. Jealously or rivalry, usually related to feeling
that a loved one’s attention is being devoted to someone else (e.g., another family member).
Coitus. Latin / n. / ˈkɔɪ.təs / koy-tss. Lit. coming, meeting, uniting together; attraction; magnetic
force; sexual union.
Coup de cœur. French / n. / ku də ˈ kœʁ / coo de coo-er. Lit. a bolt of the heart; a crush, infatuation;
to fall in love; to fall for something; to make a deep connection (not necessarily romantic).
Coup de foudre. French / n. / ku də ˈfudrə / coo-de-foo-druh. Lit, a 'lightning bolt', sudden and
powerful love at first sight.
Divvientulība. Latvian / n. / dɪ.viːɛn.tjuːlɪ.bə / dih-vee-en-tyoo-lee-bah. Two aloneness; the

contented solitude of a couple.
Forelsket. Norwegian / adj. / fɒˈɛls.ɡ̊ əð / for-elz-kut. Falling or being in love; forelskelse as a noun.
Ishq (‫)عشق‬. Arabic / n. / ɪʃk / ishk. Fervent, true, all-consuming love.
Janid mernem (ջանիդ մեռնեմ). Armenian / phrase / dza.nit mɛr.nɛm / jah-nit mer-nem. Lit. ‘let me
die for/on your body’; I love you profoundly; I care for you intensely.
Kāmesu micchācāra (कामेसभु मच्छािारा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kɑː.meɪ.sʊ mɪk.hɑːʧɑːrʌ / kar-may-soo

mik-har-char-uh. Misconduct or unwholesome behaviours concerning sexual (or sensual) activity
(i.e., refraining from which is the third of the five precepts in Buddhism).
Kapsoura (Καψούρα). Greek / n. / kæp.sɔːə ‘ kap-soor-uh. Crush, infatuation; intense passion; the
heady romantic feelings at the start of a relationship.
Kikay. Tagalog / n. / ˈkiːkʌɪ / kee-kie. A flirtatious girl or woman.
Kilig. Tagalog / n. / kɪˈliːɡ / kih-leeg. Lit. shaking/trembling; feeling of butterflies arising from
interacting with someone one loves or finds attractive; exhilaration/elation (not necessarily related
to romance).
Koi no yokan (恋の予感). Japanese / n. / ˈkɔi.nɒ.jɒˈkæn / cor-ee-nor-yor-can. Preminition or

presentiment of love; the feeling on meeting someone that falling in love will be inevitable.
Кохати. Ukranian / v. / koˈxɑn.nʲɑ / koh-han-khya. To love passionately, intimately, romantically.
37
Ludibrium. Latin / n. / luːdɪ.brɪəm / loo-dih-bree-um. A plaything; an object of fun and/or scorn; a

trivial and/or capricious game.
Ludus. Latin / n. / ˈɫuːdʊs / loo-dss. Game/play; used to denote playful, ‘game-playing’ love.
Maithuna (मैथुन). Sanskrit / n. / meɪ.θuːnə / may-thoo-nuh. A term used in Tantra, often translated
as ‘sexual union’ in a ritual context.
Mamihlapinatapai. Yagán / n. / ˈmæ.mi.læ.pɪ.næ.tæˈpai / mah-me-lah-pee-nah-tah-pie. A look

between people that expresses unspoken but mutual desire.
Mania (μανία). Greek / n. / ma.nía / mah-nee-ah. Madness, frenzy, possession.
Miliskovat. Czech / v. / ˈmɪ.lɪsˌko.vat sɛ / me-lis-koh-vat-seh. To kiss, hug, fondle; related to the Slavic
god of love, Milek.
Naz (‫)ناز‬. Urdu / n. / nʌz / nuz. Assurance, pride, confidence (arising from feeling unconditionally
loved).
Neprieinamas. Lithuanian / n. / nɛ. priːnɑːmæs / neh-pree-nah-mas. ‘Unreachable’; someone who is

very hard to seduce or win over.
Odnolyub (однолюб). Russian / n. / ɒdˈnɒl. juːd / od-noll-yood. Someone who loves or loved only
one woman in life; a monogamist; someone who commits to one person.
Onsay. Boro / v. / ˈʌn.seɪ / uhn-say. To pretend to love.
Onsra. Boro / v. / ˈʌns.rɑː / uhns-rah. To love for the last time; the feeling that love won’t last.
Oplodňovák. Czech / n. / ˈoplod.ɲoˌvaːk / oplod-niyoh-vaak. A slow, erotic dance; the word itself
relates to impregnation.
Paixnidi/pachnidi (Παιχνίδι). Greek / n. / pɛkʰˈniː.di / pekh-nee-dee. Game/play; used to denote

playful, ‘game-playing’ love.
Prâgma (πρᾶγμα). Greek / n. / ˈpɾaɣ.ma / prag-mah. A deed, action, or ‘thing done’; used to denote
rational, ‘sensible’ love.
Sambo. Swedish / n. / sæm.buː / sam-boo. An unmarried couple that live together.
Sarang (사랑). Korean / n. / sæˈrʌŋ / sah-rung. Strong love.
Te quiero. Spanish / v. / teˈkje.ro / teh-kyeh-roh. Lit. 'I want you'; perhaps between I like you and I
love you, implying tender affection.
Tesão. Portuguese / n. / teˈzãw / ter-zarw. Heightened sexual or sensual desire; turn-on; intense
arousal.
Tikotara. Takuu / v. / ti.ko.ta.ɹa / tee-koh-tah-rah. To carry a lover to several locations inside a house
(to demonstrate physical strength) before having sex.
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Uns. English (old) / pron. / ʌnz / unz. A grammatical term expressing first person plural, but which
only applies to two people, and only to people who have an intense connection.
Uňuhňat. Czech / phrase /ˈuɲu.ɦɲat / uniyuh-hniyat. To (want to) smother or crush by cuddling or
fondling; to shower somebody with boundless love.
Yuán fèn (緣分). Chinese / n. / juɛnˈfɛn / yoo-en-fen. A relationship ordained by fate/destiny; natural
affinity or chemistry.
͡
Zweisamkeit. German / n. / tsvaɪ̯. zaːm.kaɪt / tsvy-sam-kiyt. Lit. two-lonliness or two-solitude; a
cocoon of intimacy between two people (often romantic) that excludes others; the self-imposed
isolation of a couple in love.
Transcendent
Agápē (ἀγάπη). Greek / n. / ˌæˈgɑː.piː / ag-ah'-pee. Selfless, unconditional, devotional love.
Ahiṃsā/avihiṃsā (अहहंसा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / əˈhɪmsɑː / uh-him-sah. Non-harm, love.
Avodah (‫)עֲבֹודָ ה‬. Hebrew / n. / æ.vəʊˈdæʰ / ah-voh-dah. Service, in the sense of both work and
worship (thus work and worship being one act).
Bhagavad/t (िगर्द्). Sanskrit / n. / bʰʌ.gʌ.vud / buh-guh-vudt. Blessed one; someone endowed with
blessings accumulated through great merit; also a general term of endearment.
Bhakti/bhatti (िष्ति). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / bʰʌʜk.tiː / bhahk-tee. Fondness, attachment, homage,

reverence.
Bon (盆). Japanese / n. / bɒn / bon. A Japanese Buddhist tradition involving the honouring of the
spirits of one's ancestors.
Bon-bi (盆火). Japanese / n. / bɒn.bɪ / bon-bee. Bonfire, large fire; relates to the Japanese tradition
of Bon (honouring of the spirits of one's ancestors).
Koinōnía (κοινωνία). Greek / n. / kɔɪˈnəʊ.nɪə / coy-non-ee-uh. Fellowship, communion, joint

participation, connection, intimacy.
Sébomai (σέβομαι). Greek / v. / ˈsɛb.ɔm.ɑiː / seb-ohm-aaee. To revere, to honour, to be in awe of.
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Prosociality
Socialising/congregating
Apericena. Italian / n. / ap.eʀiˈʧeɪ.næ / ah-per-ree-chay-nah. A neologism to denote the recent trend

to meet friends in order to eat together, combining aperitif with dinner, and replacing the dinner
with lighter food, in a less formal setting and saving time and money.
Apéritif. French / n. / ap.eʀ.it.if / ah-per-ree-teef. A drink taken before dinner (and the social
occasion involving this).
Botellón. Spanish / n. / bɒ.teɪˈjɒnː / boh-tay-yon. Lit. ‘big bottle’; people congregating in public
spaces to socialize while drinking alcohol.
Cacharpaya. Spanish / n. / kæʧ.ɑːˈpaɪ.jæ / cat-char-pye-ah. A send-off; a farewell party for someone

who is going away.
Lá an Dreoilín. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / læ æn drəʊ.liːn / lah an droe-leen. ‘Wren Day’; a tradition

celebrated on Stephen's Day (26th December) in a number of countries across Europe, involving the
‘hunting’ of a fake wren and putting it on top of a decorated pole.
Eid Mubarak (‫)يد مبارك‬. Arabic / inj. / iːd. muːbæ.rək / eed-mu-bah-rak. Blessed Eid (celebration);
'happy holidays'.
Purim (‫)ּפורים‬.
ִ Hebrew / n. / ˈpʊərɪm / poor-rim. An annual celebration in Judaism (commemorating
the saving of the Jewish people from a figure named Haman).
Ramé. Balinese / n. / ɹɑːˈmeɪ / rah-may. A lively and/or boisterous social occasion; an event that is
both chaotic and joyful.
40
Seder (‫)סֵ דֶ ר‬. Hebrew / n. / ˈse.deʁ / seh-der. ‘Order, arrangement'; a ritual feast that marks the
beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover.
Sobremesa. Spanish / n. / so.breˈme.sa / soh-brreh-may-sah. Lit. over/on/above table; sitting around

the table after eating; when the food has finished but the conversation is still flowing.
Soirée. French / n. / swa.ʀe / swah-rray. A relatively cultured evening party, often centred around
music or conversation.
Thai Pongal (தைப் பபொங் கல் ). Tamil / n. / taɪ pɒŋ.gæl / tai pong-al. A Tamil harvest festival of
South India, observed at the start of the month Tai according to Tamil solar calendar; named after
the ceremonial "Pongal", which means "to boil, overflow" and refers to the traditional dish prepared
from the new harvest of rice boiled in milk with jaggery (raw sugar).
Morals/ethics
Adinnā-dānā (अहदन्नदाना). Sanskrit/Pāli / v. + n. / 'ʌ.dɪ.nɑː.dɑː.nɑː / uh-dih-nah-dah-nah. Taking the

not-given (i.e., refraining from which is the second of the five precepts in Buddhism).
Aparigraha (अपररग्रहा). Sanskrit / n. / ʌp.ʌriːgrʌ.hʌ / uh-puh-ree-gruh-huh. Non-possessiveness, non-

grasping, non-greediness; one of the five yama in Hinduism.
Aseret ha-Dibrot (‫)עשרת הדיברות‬. Hebrew / n. / æˈseət hæ.diːˈbrəʊt / ah-sairt hah-dee-broht / aka
Aseret ha-d'varîm. Lit. ten words, statements, sayings; the Ten Commandments, aka the Decalogue.
Ashtangika / atthangika (अटिांचगक). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʌʃ.tʌŋ.gɪ.kʌ / ush-tung-gee-kuh. Eightfold (as

in the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism).
Asteya (अस्िेय). Sanskrit/Pāli / v. / ʌ.steɪ.jʌ / uh-stay-uh. Lit. ‘non-stealing’; refraining from taking or
appropriating the ‘not-given’.
Besa. Albanian / n. / ˈbeɪ.sæ / bay-sah. An inviolable promise; a word of honour; to keep an oath.
Bushidō (武士道). Japanese / n. / buːʃiːdəʊ / boo-shee-doh. ‘The way of warriors’; a collective term
for the codes of honour and ideals that dictated the samurai way of life (loosely analogous to the
European concept of chivalry).
Chimurenga. Shona / n. / ʧɪ.mə.rɛŋ.gə / chim-uh-reng-uh. Liberation; the struggle for human rights,
political dignity and social justice; a Zimbabwean popular music genre coined and popularized by
Thomas Mapfumo.
Dikaiosuné (δικαιοσύνη). Greek / n. / ði.ke.owˈsju.ne̞ / thee-kay-oh-syoo-nay. Justice, righteousness,

justice.
Ēn (恩). Chinese / n. / ɜːn / uhn. Moral indebtedness; duty, obligation; repayment of a favour.
41
‫ر‬
Eshra (‫)عشة‬. Arabic / n. / ɛʃ.ræ / esh-rah. Connectedness and obligations arising from people having
known each other a long time and/or from shared experiences.
Gedogen. Dutch / v. / ɣəˈdoːɣən / kheh-doh-khen. To tolerate, permit, condone; to not enforce

certain laws.
Giri (義理). Japanese / n. / gɪ.rɪ / gih-rih. Duty, obligation; a debt of honour.
Karma/kamma (कमा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈkɑːmə / kar-ma. Lit. action, work, or deed; a

theory/principle of causality, particularly with respect to ethical behaviour.
Halal (‫)حالل‬. Arabic / n. / həˈlɑːl / huh-lahl. Allowed, permissible; in accordance with Islamic law
(especially relating to food).
Inuktitut. Inuktitut / n. / i-ˈnük-tə-ˌtüt / ih-nook-tuh-toot. ‘In the way of an Inuk' (a person of Inuit
descent); refers to both language and their culture, so an Inuk can behave in Inuktitut, as well as
speak in Inuktitut.
Kashrut (‫)כ ְַּׁשרות‬. Hebrew / n. / kaʃˈruːt / kash-root. Proper, legal, permissible; in accordance with
Jewish law (especially relating to food).
Lex. Latin / n. / lɛks / leks. A system or body of laws; a particular law.
Mitzvah (‫)מצְׁ וָה‬.

ִ Hebrew / n. / ˈmɪts.və / mitz-vah. A commandment; a good deed (e.g., performed
out of religious duty).
Mōrēs. Latin / n. / ˈmoːreːs / mor-ehs. Habit, usage, custom, manner.
Mos maiorum. Latin / phrase / ˈmoːs majˈjoːrũː / mos ma-yoor-uh. ‘Ancestral custom’, ‘way of the
ancestors’; the unwritten code from which the ancient Romans derived their social norms.
Niyama (ननयम). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / nɪˈjɑː.mʌ / nee-yah-muh. Lit. observances, positive duties;

recommended habits/practices for right living.
On (恩). Japanese / n. / ɒn / on. A feeling of moral indebtedness, relating to a favour or blessing

given by others.
Pāṇātipātā (पाणातिपािा). Sanskrit/Pāli / v. + n. / pɑː.nɑː.tɪ.pɑː.tɑː / pah-nah-ti-pah-tah. Harming or

killing living beings (i.e., refraining from which is the first of the five precepts in Buddhism).
Pañcaśīlāni/pañcasīlāni (पञ्िशीलातन). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / pʌn.ʧʌ ʃiːˈlɑː.nɪ / pun-shuh shee-lah-ni. Five

precepts in Buddhism).
Pundonor. Spanish / n. / pʌn.dɔ.nɔː / pun-doh-nor. Point of honour; adherence to a code of honour;

dignity; self-respect.
Sadaqah (‫)صدقة‬. Arabic / n. / sˤa.da.qa / suh-duh-kuh. Lit. justice, righteousness; generosity/charity

(mandated by justice); required righteous giving.
42
Śīla/sīla (शील). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʃiːlʌ / shee-luh. Morality, ethics, virtue; custom, practice; conduct,
disposition, nature, tendency.
Sollen. German / v. / ˈzɔlən / zo-len. To be supposed to; to ought to.
Tzedaka (‫)צדקה‬. Hebrew / n. / sˤə.ðaːˈqaː / su-tha-khaa. Lit. justice, righteousness; generosity/charity

(mandated by justice); required righteous giving.
Utang na loob. Tagalog / n. / uːtæŋ næ luːb / oo-tang nah loob. A debt of one’s inner self; an
unpayable debt of gratitude; being in receipt of a blessing or favour so great it can’t be returned.
Vipāka (वर्पाक). Sanskrit/vipāka / n. / wɪˈpɑː. kʌ / vwih-pah-kuh. Ripening; the result, ripening or

maturation of karma.
Yama (यम). Sanskrit / n. / jʌ.mʌ / yuh-muh. Lit. ‘death’ (or the God of Death); self-restraint/control;
a set of proscriptions within Hinduism for right living.
Compassion/kindness
Anukampā (अनुकम्पा). Sanskrit / n. / ʌ.nuːkʌm.pɑː / uh-noo-kum-pah. Lit. harmonic vibration or

resonance; compassion, empathy.
Aroha. Māori, v., n. / æˈrəʊ.hæ / ah-roh-ha. (To feel) love, concern, compassion, empathy for
someone; cognate with the Hawaiian term Aloha.
Fremdschämen. German / n. / ˈfʀɛmtˌʃɛːmən / fremt-shay-mn. To be embarrassed/ashamed

(schämen) for someone else (Fremd); vicarious embarrassment; shame on behalf of another person;
a cringing feeling.
Gemilut hasadim (‫)חֲ סָ ִדים גְׁ ִמילות‬. Hebrew / n. / gɛ.miˈluːt ʜæ.sæˈdiːm / geh-mee-loot hah-sah-deem.
Acts of loving-kindness.
Hachnasat orchim )‫(הכנסת אורחים‬. Hebrew / n. / ɦax.na.ʃat ɔːxɪm / hakh-nash-at orh-khim.

Welcoming or ‘bringing in guests’; offering hospitality and respect to strangers.
Hésed/chésed/khésed (‫)חסֶ ד‬.

ֶ ֶ֫ n. / ˈʜɛ.sɛd / khe-sed. Loving-kindness, loyalty, mercy, faithfulness,
goodness, salvation; the fourth sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting the love of creation.
Karuṇā (करुणा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kæ.rʉˈɳɑː / ka-roo-nar. Empathy, compassion, identifying with

the other's suffering.
Kerasmata (Κεράσματα). Greek / n. / keər.æs.mæ.tæ / kayr-as-mah-tah. Treats or gifts kept on hand

at home in case of visitors.
Koev halev (‫)כואב לי הלב‬. Hebrew / v. / xəʊv xæ.lɛv / khoh-ev hah-lev. Lit. the heart aches; empathy,
compassion, identifying with the other's suffering.
43
Manaakitanga. Māori / n. / ma.naː kɪ.tʌɳɘ / ma-nah-ki-tung-uh. Hospitality, kindness, generosity,

support, respect, and care for others.
Melmastia (‫)مېلمستیا‬. Pashto / n. / mɛlˈmæs.tiʌ / mel-mass-tiah. Hospitality, moral obligation to

offer sanctuary and respect to all visitors.
Muditā (महु दिा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʊ.ɖɪˈtʰɑː / moo-de-tar. Sympathetic/vicarious happiness.
Myötähäpeä. Finnish / n. / muːɜːtə.hæ.peɪ.ə / moo-er-tuh-hah-pay-uh. Vicarious embarrassment,

shame; a cringing feeling.
Nam jai (น้ำใจ). Thai / n. / næm.ʤaɪ / nam-jiy. Lit. water from the heart; selfless generosity and
kindness.
Omoiyari (思いやり). Japanese / n. / o.moi.jɑ.ri / oh-moy-yah-rih. Altruistic sensitivity; an intuitive

understanding of others’ desires, feelings and thoughts, and consequent action on the basis of this
understanding.
Omotenashi (おもてなし). Japanese / n. / o.mo.tɛn.ɑːʃiː / oh-moh-ten-ah-shee. ‘No surface’; a deep

form of mindful and authentic hospitality, providing exceptional service without expectation of
reward.
Pena ajena. Spanish / n. / ˈpɛ.næ aˈxe.na / peh-nah ah-khen-nah. Pain (pena) for others (ajena);
vicarious embarrassment/shame; a cringing feeling.
Philoxenia (Φιλοξενία). Greek / n. / ɸɪlˈɔːx.sen.ía / fill-oh-kh-sen-ia. Love of strangers, guests; a

hospitable act of welcome.
Pittiarniq. Inuktitut / n. / pɪt.ɪɑːniːk / pih-tee-ah-neek. Loving-kindness; being kind and good.
Pole. Swahili / int. / pɔ.leɪ / poh-lay. Sorry; can also express empathy and understanding.
Snillisme. Norwegian / n. / 'snɪl.ɪz.mɘ / snill-iz-muh. Lit. ‘kind-ism’; a philosophy/approach of being

kind to people; often used in a critical way (implying that someone is too kind/generous).
Socha. English (new) / n. / səʊ.ʜɑː / soe-khah. The hidden vulnerability of others; the illusion of
others’ invulnerability arising from their distance from ourselves; coined by John Koenig.
Sonder. English (new) / n. / ˈsɒndə / son-duh. Possibly from the French verb sonder (to probe)
and/or the German adjective Sonder (special); the realization that everyone has a life as vivid and
complex as your own, which proceed despite one’s own lack of awareness of these); coined by John
Koenig.
Tsavd danem (Ցավդ տանեմ). Armenian / int. / tsæv danɛm / tsav dah-nem. Lit. ‘let me take away
your pain’; used in various ways to position the speaker as interested in / caring about the other.
Ubuntu. Zulu (& Xhosa) / n. / ʊˈbuːntʊ / uu-boon-tuu. Being kind to others on account of one’s
common humanity.
44
Xenia (ξενία). Greek / n. / x.sen.ía / kh-sen-ia. Guest-friendship; the importance of offering

hospitality and respect to strangers.
Communication/interaction
Ah-un (阿吽). Japanese / n. / ɑː. ən / ah-un. a transliteration of Auṃ (ॐ), the sacred Sanskrit
syllable; the beginning and ending of something; unspoken communication between close friends.
Aloha. Hawaiian / int. / æˈləʊ.hæ / ah-loh-ha. Lit. the ‘breath of presence’; hello and goodbye, with
love and compassion; cognate with the Māori term Aroha.
Aon (อ ้อน). Thai / v. / ɒn / on. To plead or try to emotively appeal to another’s affections in order to
gain something one wants (e.g., by crying); generally used in a positive sense (e.g., as per adorable).
Apres (ապրես). Armenian / int. / ap.rɛs / ahp-rez. Lit. ‘live long’; an expression of thanks.
Ayubowan (ආයුබ ෝවන්). Sinhalese / int. / aɪ.bəʊ.wæn / iy-boe-an. Lit. 'long life'; salutation,
wishing someone health, happiness and longevity; used as a greeting or parting.
Beau geste. French / n. / bo ʒɛst / boh zhjest. A graceful, noble or beautiful gesture (especially if it is
futile or meaningless).
Béaláiste. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / beɪ.æl.æʃ.tə / bay-al-ash-tuh. A drink or toast to seal or celebrate a

deal.
Begadang. Indonesian / v. / bɛ.gə.dæŋ / beh-gah-dang. To stay awake all night talking.
Binnenpretje. Dutch / n. / ˈbɪ.nən.prɛt.ʤə / bih-nuhn-preyt-juh. Lit. ‘inside fun’; a private joke;

amusement that is secret, or enjoyed by you alone.
Bon hiver. French / int. / bɔn‿ivɛːʁ / bohn-ee-verr. ‘Good winter’; often used as a greeting at the
first snowfall of winter.
Chai pani (िाय पानी). Hindi, Urdu / n. / tʃaɪ ˈpɑːniː / chiy pah-nee. Lit. 'tea and water'; favours or
money given to someone to get something done (similar to a 'bribe', but without a negative
connotation).
Dadirri. Ngangiwumirr / n. / dəˈdɪ.ri / dah-dirrr-ee. A deep, spiritual act of reflective and respectful
listening.
Daw. Tagalog / part. / ˈdaw / daw. It is said; so I was told.
Dixi. Latin / v. / dɪk.si / dik-see. ‘I have spoken’; implies ‘I have said all that I had to say, and the
argument is settled.’
Doch. German / particle / dɔx / dokhh. But, nevertheless, all the same, though, after all.
45
Elmosolyodni. Hungarian / n. / ɛlməsɒljɒdniː / el-mu-sol-yod-nee. A micro-smile; the beginning of a

full smile.
Enraonar. Catalan / v. / en.ra.oˈna / en-ra-oh-na. To discuss in a civilised, reasoned manner.
S’entendre. French / v. / sɑ̃.tɑ̃ .dʀ / soh-toh-drruh. Lit. to hear one another or oneself; to agree; to
understand; to get on.
L’esprit de l’escalier. French / phrase / lɛsˈpʀi də lɛsˈkal.je / less-prree-duh-less-kal-ee-ay. Lit.

staircase wit (cf. Treppenwitz); a witty and/or incisive rejoinder that comes to mind just after an
interaction.
Estağfurullah. Turkish / int. / ɛstˈɑːfruːlɑː / est-ah-froo-lah. Lit. 'may God grant me mercy'; used to
express 'don't mention it' (e.g., in response to receiving praise).
Figurati. Italian / v. / fi.ɡurˈa:ti / fih-goor-ah-tee. Lit. picture that, or imagine that; you’re welcome;
don’t mention it.
Fika. Swedish / n. / fiːkæ / fee-kah. From kaffe (coffee); a coffee-break.
Gemen. Kriol / part. / ge.mɛn / geh-men. A discourse marker to show that the speaker believes
something is imaginary, illusory, or hard to believe.
Ghahr Kardan (‫)قهر کردن‬. Persian / v. / gɑːr keə.dæn / gahrr kayr-dan. To cease communicating with
someone (because you are upset or angry at them).
Glasnost (гла́сность). Russian / n. / ˈglazˌnōst / glaz-nost. A process of engaging in open

discussion, relationships and/or governance.
Guān xì (關係). Chinese / n. / gwɒn.ɕiː / gwun-shee. Cultivating relationships; reciprocal connections;

networking; social karma.
Hej. Czech / adv., interjection / ˈɦɛj / hey. Well, pleasantly, good; similar to English ‘Hey’.
Hoʻoponopono. Hawaiian / v. / hɒ | ˈɒ.pɒ.nɒ. pɒ.nɒ / hoh oh-poh-noh-poh-noh. A practice or

interaction of mutual forgiveness and restitution.
Hwæt. English (old) / int. / hwæt / hwat. Hark; listen; hear me.
Jayus. Indonesian / n. / gæ.juːs / gah-yoose. A joke that is so unfunny (or told so badly) that you just
have to laugh.
Je ne sais quoi. French / phrase / ˌʒə nə seɪ ˈkwɑ / zhe ne say kwar. Lit. ‘I don’t know what’; a
positive quality that is indefinable, ineffable, or hard to express.
Jiā yóu (加油). Chinese / phrase / ʤi.a juː / jee-ah yoo. Lit. to refuel, to add fuel; an expression of
encouragement and perseverance (i.e., ‘keep going, you can do it’).
Kaffeeklatsch. German / n. / kafeːˌklatʃ / ka-fee-klatch. ‘Coffee chat’; a meet-up (usually in the

afternoon) where people chat and gossip while drinking coffee or tea and having cake.
46
Karriyolyolmen. Bininj Kunwok / v. / ga.ɾi.jol.jol.mɛn / gah-ree-jol-jol-men. ‘Let’s story’; to tell a story,

or relate news.
Kibitz. Yiddish / v. / ˈkɪ.bɪts / kih-bitz. To offer unwanted advice.
Lingua franca. Latin / phrase /ˌlɪŋɡ.wə ˈfræŋ.kə / ling-wa frank-uh. ‘Frankish tongue’; a common or
bridge language, spoken by all parties; derives from a common pidgin language used by traders in
the Mediterranean basin dating from the Middle Ages.
Machtwort. German / n. / ˈmaxt.wort / mahkt-v/wort. Power word; a word that encompasses or

condenses many meanings.
Mahalo. Hawaiian / n., v. / maˈha.lo / ma-ha-lor. Thanks, gratitude, admiration, praise, respect.
Mazal tov (‫)מזל טוב‬. Hebrew / inj. / ˈmɑːzɘl tɒf / mah-zul-toff. Lit. 'good fortune'; a blessing of health
and happiness.
Me yia (με γεια). Greek / int. / miː jeə / mee yee-uh. A congratulation / blessing for others.
Megillah. Yiddish / n. / məˈgɪ.lə / muh-gill-uh. A very detailed (often excessively so) story or
discourse.
Mentegetőzik. Hungarian / v. / mɛn.tə.gɛ.təʊ.zɪk / men-the-geh-toh-zeek. Making an apologetic

explanation or excuse.
Milczeć. Polish / v. / miːl.ʧɛʧ / meel-chech. To keep quiet; to refrain from speaking.
Mokita. Kivila / n. / məʊ.kiːtæ / moh-kee-tah. A truth that everone knows but no-one talks about.
Mokusatsu (黙殺). Japanese / v. / mɒ.kuːsæt.suː / mo-koo-sat-soo. To ignore or keep silent (e.g.,

when rejecting a bargaining offer).
Mot juste. French / n. / mo ʒyst / moh szhoost. Lit. just or fair word; the exactly right word or
phrasing.
Musāvādā (मस ु ार्ादा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʊ.sɑːwɑːdɑː / moo-sah-vwah-dah. False speech (i.e.,

refraining from which is the fourth of the five precepts in Buddhism).
Nja. Swedish / int. / njɑː / nyah. Combining no (nej) and yes (ja); neither yes or no (or both yes and
no); expressing uncertainty.
Pala. Tagalog / part. / pæ.læ / pah-lah. An exclamation of surprise; contrary to expectation (i.e., as
opposed to what I assumed).
Parole. French / n. / pa.ʀɔl / pah-rrol. Word, speech, promise, oath.
Plámás. Gaelic (Irish) / n., v. / ’plɔ:mɔ:s / plaw-mawse. Flattery, ingratiation, sweet-nothings; can
have the implication of being hollow or insincere.
47
Risqué. French / adj. / rɪˈskeɪ / risk-ay. Daring, edgy; suggestive; verging on indecent; often applies
particularly to humour.
Salon. French / n. / salɔ̃ / sall-ohh. Lit. lounge or sitting room; cultural events or groupings, usually
devoted to literature and art, and often run by a female host.
Samar (‫)سمر‬. Arabic / v. / ˈsa.mar / sah-mahrr. To sit together in conversation at sunset/ in the
evening.
Samir (‫)سامر‬. Persian / n. / sa.mɪə / sah-meer. One who converses at night, especially by moonlight.
Satya/sacca (सत्य). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʌt.jʌ / sut-yuh. Truth; truthfulness (in speech, thought, and
action); refraining from falsehoods or distortions.
Semaphorism. English (new) / n. / sɛmˈæ.fə.rɪz.əm / sem-ah-fur-ism. An enigmatic, conversational

hint that you have something personal to say on a subject; coined by John Koenig.
Shalom (‫)שלֹום‬.
ָ Hebrew / n. / ʃɔːˈləʊm / shor-lome. Peace, harmony, wholeness, prosperity, welfare
and tranquillity; used also as a greeting/parting salutation.
Symposion (συμπόσιον). Greek / n. / sɪmˈpoʊ.si.ən / sim-poe-see-un. From sympinein, meaning to

drink together; a banquet and/or drinking party, accompanied by music, dancing, recitals, or
discussion.
Ta'ârof (‫)تعارف‬. Persian / n. / t̪ʰɒːˈɾof / thar-rof. Politeness, social intelligence (e.g., in relation
to receiving/offering hospitality/gifts).
Taikomochi (太鼓持). Japanese / n. / taɪ.kəʊ.mɒ.ʧiː / ty-koh-mo-chee. Male versions of geisha in

Japan; a Japanese version of the jester, excelling in arts and conversation.
Talanoa. Fijian / v. / tələnoːə / tuh-luh-nor-uh. To tell stories; to chat or gossip (in ways that can
serve as a ‘social adhesive’).
Tithadesh (‫)תתחדש‬. Hebrew / int. / tɪt.xaˈdɛʃ / tit-kha-desh. Lit. 'get new'; salutation given to
someone who has acquired a new possession or positive change in circumstances.
Treppenwitz. German / n. / ˈtrɛ.pənˌvɪts / treh-pn-vitz. Lit. staircase wit (a calque of L’esprit de

l’escalier); a witty rejoinder that comes to mind just after an interaction.
Uffda. Norwegian / int. / uːf.tɑ / oof-tah / aka oofta, huffda. An expression covering a range of
feelings, including surprise, astonishment, weariness, dismay, and relief.
Vācā (र्ािा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / wɑːk / vwahk. Speech, voice (as per samyak-vāc, of the Noble
Eightfold Path).
Wafwako. Kiluba / interjection / wæf.wæ.kəʊ / waff-wah-koh. A powerful phrase coveying a sincere

and grateful expression of thanks, whose meaning varies greatly according to context.
Wassail. English (old) / int., n. / ˈwɒ.seɪl / wah-sayl. Salutation meaning ‘be well’ or ‘be healthy’
(from Old Norse ves heill).
48
Whakakoakoa. Māori / v. / wæ.kæ.kɔa.kɔa / wah-kah-koah-koah. To cheer up.
Zdravstvuite (здравствуйте). Russian / salutation, imperative / ˈzdrastvʊjtʲe / straas-voo-chyeh. Lit.

be healthy; good day, hello; a greeting.
Communality
Asabiyyah (‫)عصبية‬. Arabic / n. / a.saːˈbiː.ja / ah-sah-bee-yah. Solidarity; group feeling; group

consciousness.
Bayanihan. Tagalog / n. / bæ.jæ.nɪ.hæn / bah-yah-nih-han. Co-operative endeavour in the service of

a shared goal; a spirit of communal unity.
Das man. German / n. / das man / dass man. Lit. they-self; ‘the they’; people, anyone; one.
Dēmokratíā (δημοκρατία). Greek / n. / ði.mo.kraˈti.a / dthi-moh-kra-tee-ah. Force or power (krátos)

of citizens / the people (dêmos).
Dugnad. Norwegian / n. / duːg.nɑːd / doog-nard. A collectively pursued/undertaken task; voluntary

community work.
E pluribus unum. Latin / phrase / iː ˈplɜːrɪ.bəs / ee plur-ib-oos oo-num. ‘Out of many, one’.
Fianna. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / ˈfʲiə.n̪ ˠə / fee-en-ya. Small, semi-independent warrior bands in Irish
mythology.
Folkelig. Danish / adj. / fɒlˈkɪ.liː / foll-ki-lee. Folkish; belonging to the people; democratic national
spirit/sentiment; having broad popular appeal.
Gadugi. Cherokee / n. / gæˈduːgiː / gah-doo-gee. Cooperative labour; working together for the
common good.
Gemeinschaftsgefühl. German / n. / ɡəˈmaɪ̯n.ʃaftsˌɡəˈfyːl / guh-miyn-shafts-guh-fuhl. Community

feeling; social interest.
Gōng hé (工合). Chinese / v. / gɒŋ.χɜː / gong-hur. Lit. work together; the basis for the anglicised term
gung-ho.
Inuuqatigiittiarniq. Inuktitut / n. / ɪnuːkæt.ɪg.iːt ɪɑːnɪk / ih-noo-kat-ig-eet-ee-ah-nik. Being respectful

of all people; healthy communities; neighbourliness; living in peace and harmony with others.
Janteloven. Danish/Norwegian / n. / ˈjand̥ əˌloʋˀən / yan-deh-low-ven. Lit. The ‘Laws of Jante’ (a

fictional community in a novel by Aksel Sandemose); a set of rules which discourages individualism
in communities.
Leitourgia (λειτουργία). Greek / n. / liːtʊərˈgiːə / lee-toor-gee-yuh. Lit. public service; a charitable

act; the work of the people; worship.
Mir (мир). Russian / n. / ˈmir / meerr. Peace; world; community.
49
Mishloach manot (‫)משלוח מנות‬. Hebrew / n. / miʃˈlo.aχ maˈnot / mish-loah ma-not. Lit. ‘sending of
portions’; exchanging gifts of food and drink.
Mishpacha (‫)משפחה‬. Hebrew / n. / mə̇ shˈpäḵə / mush-pah-ke. Family; clan; tribe; kin; social group.
Mitsein. German / v. / mɪt.zain / mit-zine. Lit. ‘being with’; coined by Heidegger to capture the way
that, ontologically, humans are always already with others of their kind.
Motirõ. Tupi-Guarini family / n. / mɒˈtɪə.rɒ / moh-teer-oh. Community work; doing or building

something good together; a productive gathering of people.
Ngali. Jiwali / p. / ən.gæ.liː / n-gah-lee. ‘We two including you’; one of four Jiwali words for ‘we,’
including ngaliju (‘we two excluding you’), nganthurru (‘we all including you’), and nganthurru (‘we
all excluding you’).
Ngaliju. Jiwali / p. / ən.gæ.liːʤuː / n-gah-lee-joo. ‘We two excluding you’; one of four Jiwali words for
‘we,’ including ngali (‘we two including you’), nganthurru (‘we all including you’), and nganthurraju
(‘we all excluding you’).
Nganthurru. Jiwali / p. / ən.gæn.θɜːruː / n-gan-thur-oo. ‘We all including you’; one of four Jiwali
words for ‘we,’ including ngali (‘we two including you’), ngaliju (‘we two excluding you’), and
nganthurraju (‘we all excluding you’).
Nganthurraju. Jiwali / p. / ən.gæn.θɜːruː / n-gan-thur-oo. ‘We all excluding you’; one of four Jiwali
words for ‘we,’ including ngali (‘we two including you’), ngaliju (‘we two excluding you’), and
nganthurru (‘we all including you’).
Państwo. Polish / n. / ˈpaɲ.stfɔ / pang-stfoh. A country, state; a household, family, married couple.
Poldermodel. Dutch / n. / ˈpɔl.dər.mɔ.dɛl / pol-duh-moh-del. From polder (a piece of land);

consensus-based decision making. As a verb (polderen): to solve problems using dialogue.
Polis (πόλις). Greek / n. / pó.lis / poh-liss. City-state; a body of citizens.
Politeia (πολιτεία) (Greek, n.): the ways and reasons of a people to live together; the whole order of
social and political relationships in a polis.
Potlatch. Chinook / n. / pɒtˌlætʃ / pot-lach. Lit. to give, or gift; a ceremonial feast in which
possessions are given away (e.g., to enhance one's prestige).
Romanitas. Latin / n. / rəʊ.mə.niːt.əs / ro-man-ee-tus. ‘Romanness’; the constellation of political and

cultural concepts and practices by which the classical Romans defined themselves.
Saṃgha / saṅgha (संघ). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / 'sʌŋ.gʌ / sung-huh. Lit. assembly; a Buddhist

religious/spiritual community.
Shiv'ah (‫)שבעה‬. Hebrew / n. / ʃɪˈvʌʰ / shee-vuh. Lit. seven; the week-long period of mourning
prescribed in Judaism.
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Simpatía. Spanish / n. / sim.paˈtiːæ / sim-pah-tee-ah. Accord and harmony within relationships

and/or society.
Sobornost (Собо́ рность). Russian / n. / sɐˈbor.nəst / sah-bohr-nust. Cathedrality; being gathered or

united together; spiritual harmony based on collective love; the principle of spiritual unity and
religious community.
Stammtisch. German / n. / ˈʃtam.tɪʃ / stam-tish. Regulars’ table; an informal meeting held on a

regular basis; a friendly get-together.
Tegsh. Mongolian / n. / tɛgʃ / tegsh. The valorized condition of being in balance with the community
and the wider world.
Taarradhin (‫)تراض‬. Arabic / n. / ˈtæʜ.ræʜ.diːn / takh-rah-deen. A ‘win-win’; a positive agreement,

solution, compromise.
Talkoot. Finnish / n. / ˈtal.koːt / tahl-koort / aka talko (Swedish). A collectively pursued or

undertaken task; voluntary community work.
Tjotjog. Javanese / v. / ʧəʊ.ʧəʊg / choh-chog. ‘To fit', accord and harmony within relationships
and/or society.
Tuko pamoja. Swahili / n. / tuːkɘ pæˈməʊ.ʤæ / too-kuh pah-moh-jah. Lit. 'one place'; ‘we are
together’, community togetherness.
Vōx. Latin / n. / vɔks / voks. Voice; word; speech; accent.
Vybafnout. Czech / v. / vɪˈbæf.naʊt / vih-baf-nowt. To jump out and surprise someone by saying
‘boo’.
Yaourter. French / n. / ja.uʁ.te / yao-or-ter. ‘Yoghurt-er’; an ttempt to speak or sing in a foreign

language, usually English, and incorporating many mondegreens.
Zastólʹje (застолье). Russian / n. / zɐˈstolʲje / zah-stoy-yeh. A feast; a festive meal; sitting at the
table, eating, drinking and talking with friends.
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Eco-connection
Sacrality
Apsara (अतसरस ्). Sanskrit / n. / æp.sɑːrɑː / ap-sar-ah. ‘Going in the waters’; a female spirit of the
clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist culture.
Apsû (𒍪 𒀊). Akkadian / n. / æp.suː / ap-soo. ‘Deep water’; fresh water from underground aquifers
which was given a religious fertilising quality in Sumerian and Akkadian mythology.
Dēmētēr (Δημήτηρ). Greek / p. / dᵻˈmiːtər / deh-mee-tuh. In Greek mythology, the Goddess of grain
(also the harvest, agriculture, fertility); known as Ceres in Roman mythology.
Dinnseanchas. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / diːn.ʃæ.nə / din-shan-uh. Lore or story of places (e.g., origins of
place names); local legends and mythology; often involves acts of mythic/legendary figures.
Dǫkkálfar. Old Norse / n. / dɒk.æl.fɑː / dok-al-far. Dark elves (in Norse mythology); swarthy spirit
beings who live within/under the earth.
Dryad (Δρυάδες). Greek / n. / ˈdraɪ.æd / dry-ahd. A nymph of the forest in Greek mythology.
Gaia (Γαῖα). Greek / n. / ˈɣɛ.a / kheh-a. Earth; the earth; in Greek mythology, the primordial Mother
Earth.
Genius loci. Latin / n. / d͡ʒinjəs ˈloʊkaɪ / jee-nee-us low-ky. ‘Spirit of the place’; in Roman mythology,
the protective deity or spirit of a place; the general atmosphere of a place.
Glaucus (Γλαῦκος). Greek / adj. / ˈɡlɔːkəs / glaow-kuhs. Blueish-grey; glimmering; a Greek prophetic
sea-god, born mortal and turned immortal upon eating a magical herb.
Goraikou (御来光). Japanese / n. / gʊə.aɪ.ɪ.kɔ / gor-aye-ee-cor. Lit. sacred or honorable delivery of

light; sunlight seen from a mountain top; the rising sun.
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Landvættir. Old Norse / n. / ˈlʌnt.vɛt.teə / lunt-veh-teear. Land spirits, wights, sprites (in Norse
mythology).
Lintukoto. Finnish / n. / lɪn.tu:ko.to / lin-too-koh-toh. ‘Home of the birds’; isle of bliss; a paradise-like
place where birds migrate every winter.
Ljósálfar. Old Norse / n. / ljouːs.æl.fɑː / lyoos-al-far. Light elves (in Norse mythology), who live in
Álfheimr (land of the elves).
Nagapuri. Malay / n. / nʌ.gæ.pɔːriː / nah-gah-poor-ree. Sleeping dragon.
Naiás (Ναϊάς). Greek / n. / na͜a.i.ás / naia-ahs. A female spirit, in Greek Mythology, who presides over
a fountain, spring, well, brooks, and other bodies of fresh water.
Natura naturans. Latin / phrase / nəˌtjʊə.rə ˈnat.jʊr.anz / nuh-choor-rah nah-choor-anz. Nature

naturing; nature as a creative force or process; nature as the expression or manifestation of the
divine.
Oread (Ὀρειάς). Greek / n. / ɔːri.əd/ or-ee-uhd. A mountain nymph in Greek mythology.
Poseidôn (Ποσειδῶν). Greek / p. / po.see͜ .dɔ́ɔ͜ n / por-seh-dorn. In Greek mythology, God of the ocean
(and also earthquakes, storms, horses); known as Neptune in Roman mythology.
Salsabil (‫)سلسبيل‬. Arabic / n. / sæl.sə.biːl / sal-suh-beel. Fresh, cool, pure water; a spring or fountain
in paradise.
Samhain. Gaelic (Irish, Scottish) / n. / ˈsɑːwɪn / sow-win. A Gaelic festival with Celtic Pagan origins
marking the end of harvest and the beginning of winter, halfway between the autumn equinox and
winter solstice.
Sjövættir. Old Norse / n. / ˈsjø.vɛt.teə / shyoor-veh-teear. Sea spirits, wights, sprites (in Norse
mythology).
Témenos (τέμενος). Greek / n. / té.me.nos / teh-meh-noss. A sacred enclosure; a piece of ground cut
or marked off.
Ultima Thule. Latin / n. / ˈul.ti.ma ˈtʰuː.ɫeː / ool-tee-muh thoo-luh. Farthermost Thule (a legendary
island, representing the northernmost region of the world); a distant place beyond the horizon or
the known world.
Uluṟu. Pitjantjatjara / n. / ˌuːləˈruː / uh-luur-oo. A large sandstone rock formation in the southern
part of the Northern Territory in central Australia, sarcred to the Pitjantjatjara Anangu (the
Aboriginal people of the area).
Vættir. Old Norse / n. / vɛt.teə / veh-teear. Nature spirits, wights, sprites (in Norse mythology).
Vatnavættir. Old Norse / n. / vaht.nə.vɛt.teə / vaht-nuh-veh-teear. Water spirits, wights, sprites (in
Norse mythology); guardians of the specific waters.
Vertumnus. Latin / p. / vɜːˈtʌm.nəs / ver-tum-nuss. Roman God of change and the seasons (and of
gardens and orchards); shapeshifter; from the verb vertere meaning to turn or change.
53
Viriditas. Latin / n. / vɪəˈrɪd.ɪt.æs / veer-id-it-ahss. Lit. greenness; viridity; vitality, fecundity; coined
by Hildegard Von Bingen to describe the sacred healing power of nature.
Wagyl. Noongar / n. / wæg.juːl / wahg-yool. ‘Rainbow serpent’; a snake-like creator being,

responsible for the creation of features of the landscape.
Yacuruna. Quechua / n. / jæ.kə.ruːnə / ya-ku-roon-uh. In traditions among indigenous people of the

Amazon, Yacuruna are mythical water people who are believed to live in beautiful underwater cities,
often at the mouths of rivers.
Yillal. Guugu Yimithirr / n. / jɪl.æl / yill-al. ‘Songline’; a path across the land (or sky) which marks the
route followed by creator-beings, and which is recorded in traditional songs, stories, dance, and
painting.
Yindyamarra. Wiradjuri / v. / jɪn.di.mæ.ræ / yin-dee-mah-rah. To show respect; to go slowly; to take

care; to think before acting.
Appreciation
Aqilokoq. Inuktitut / n. / æ.kiːləʊ.kɒk / ah-kee-loh-kok. Gently falling snow.
Bái lù (白露). Chinese / n. / baɪ luː / by loo. ‘White dew’; 15th solar term in the Chinese lunisolar
calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 8th September.
Blueschtfaehrtli. German (Swiss) / n. / bluːʃt.feət.liː / bloosht-fairt-lee. Lit. little blossom drive; going
for a leisurely jaunt in the car to admire the spring blossoms.
Lá bealtaine. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / bɛl.tə.nə / bell-tuh-n. The Gaelic May Day festival; the beginning of
summer, halfway between the Spring equinox and the Summer solstice.
Chǔ shǔ (處暑). Chinese / n. / ʧu: ʃuː / choo shoo. Heat withdraws; 14th solar term in the Chinese
lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 23rd August.
Chūn fēn (春分). Chinese / n. / ʧʊn fɤ́n / choon fn. Spring centre; vernal equinox; 4th solar term in
the Chinese lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 21st March.
Chūn jié (春节). Chinese / n. / ʧʊn ʤiːeə / choon jeah. Spring festival; Chinese new year.
Dà shǔ (大暑). Chinese / n. / dæ ʃuː / dah shoo. Great heat; 12th solar term in the Chinese lunisolar
calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 23rd July.
En plein air. French / phrase / ɑ̃ plɛn ɛʀ / ohn-plen-ayrr. Outdoors; in the open air.
Ezüsthíd. Hungarian / n. / ɛz.uːst.ɪd / ez-oost-id. ‘Silver bridge’; the reflection of the moon on water.
Friluftsliv. Norwegian / n. / friːluːftsˈliːv / free-loofts-leev. Lit. ‘free air life’; open-air living; living in
tune with nature.
54
Frith. Gaelic (Scottish) / n. / frɪθ / frith. Deer forest.
Fuubutsushi (風物詩). Japanese / n. / fu.bu.tsu.ʃi / foo-boo-tsoo-shi. Stimuli/phenomena that evoke

/ remind one of a particular season.
Gümüş servi. Turkish / n. / gə.muːʃ seə.vi / guh-moosh ser-vee / aka serv-i sîmîn (original phrasing).
Lit. silver cypress tree; the shining white glimmering of moonlight on water.
Gǔ yǔ (穀雨). Chinese / n. / gu: ju: / goo yoo. ‘Corn rain’; 6th solar term in the Chinese lunisolar
calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 20th April.
Huya Ania. Yaqui / n. / huːjə əniːjə / hoo-ya ah-nee-uh. The ‘wilderness world’; ‘nurturing life’; wild
areas of nature.
Kanso (簡素). Japanese / n. / ˈkæn.sɒ / kan-soh. Simple, plain; in art, refers to an elegant simplicity,
an attractive absence of clutter.
Lì xià (立夏). Chinese / n. / li: ɕi.a / lee shee-ah. ‘Summer begins; 7th solar term in the Chinese
lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 6th May.
Ignis fatuus. Latin / n. / ˌɪɡ.nɪs ˈfat.jʊəs / ig-niss fat-yuss. Lit. ‘foolish fire’; a ghostly atmospheric light
seen by travelers at night, especially over swamps or marshes (usually attributed to the combustion
of gas from decomposed organic matter).
Jié qì (節氣). Chinese / n. / ʤiːeə tɕʰiː / jeah chee. ‘Solar terms’; the division of the year into 24
segments, spaced 15° apart along the sun’s ecliptic.
Jīng zhé (驚蟄). Chinese / n. / ʤɪŋ t͡ʂɘː / jing cherr. ‘Insects awaken’; 3rd solar term in the Chinese
lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 6th March.
Kō (候). Japanese / n. / kəʊ / koh. Micro-season (with the year being divided into 72 different kō).
Lì chūn (立春). Chinese / n. / liː ʧʊn / lee choon. Spring begings; 1st solar term in the Chinese
lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 4th February.
Lì qiū (立秋). Chinese / n. / liː tɕʰiːuː / lee chee-oo. Autumn begins; 13th solar term in the Chinese
lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 8th August.
Madrugada. Spanish / n. / ma.ðɾuˈɣa.ða / madh-roo-ga-tha. The early hours of the morning before
dawn.
Máng zhòng. Chinese / n. / mæŋ t͡ʂɒŋ / mang chong. ‘Corn on the ear’; 9th solar term in the Chinese
lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 6th June.
Passeggiata. Italian / n. / päs.sād.jaːtä / pa-saj-yah-ta. A leisurely stroll/turn/walk.Sólarfrí.

Icelandic / n. / səʊ.lɑːfriː / soh-lah-free. Lit. sun holiday, i.e., when workers are granted unexpected
time off to enjoy a particularly sunny/warm day.
55
Petrichor. English (new) / n. / ˈpɛtrʌɪkɔː / pet-rih-kor. From the Greek stems petro/a (stone/rock) and
ichor (fluid; watery discharge); the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil; oined by Isabel
Joy Bear and Richard Thomas.
Pogodnie. Polish / adj. / pəʊ.gɒd.niːə / po-god-nee-uh. ‘Weatherly’; good (often specifically referring
to weather).
Pohoda. Czech / n. / ˈpo.ɦo.da / poh-hoh-dah. A state of wellbeing, peace, happiness; favourable

conditions (e.g., weather).
Qīng míng (清明). Chinese / n. / tɕʰiŋ miŋ / ching ming. ‘Clear and bright’; 5th solar term in the
Chinese lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 5th April.
Qiū fēn (秋分). Chinese / n. / tɕʰiuː fɤ́n / chee-oo fn. Autumn centre; autumn equinox; 16th solar
term in the Chinese lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 23rd
September.
Scotch mist. Scottish / n. / skotʃˈmɪst / skotch mist. Light rain with droplets so fine it is almost a mist
(except that you can tell it's falling, as opposed to dense cloud).
Shinrin-yoku (森林浴). Japanese / n. / ʃɪn.riː. jɒk.ə / shin-ree-yok-uh. Lit. 'bathing' in the forest
(literally and/or metaphorically); appreciating the restorative/rejuvenating power of nature.
Skogluft. Norwegian / n. / skɔːg.luːft / skorg-looft. Lit. ‘forest air’; a practice and philosophy of
bringing nature into the home (and so channelling the resorative power of forest air).
่
Tîeow (เทียว). Thai / v. / tiːaʊ / tee-ow. To wander or roam around in a carefree way.
Uashtessiu. Innu / n. / uːɑːtɪ.ʃuː / oo-ah-tiss-oo. Trees are changing colour.
Utepils. Norwegian / n. / ˈuːtəˌpɪlz / oo-tuh-pilz. Lit. outdoor lager; a beer that is enjoyed outside
(especially in the sunshine).
Vedriti. Slovenian / v. / veɪd.riːtiː / ved-ree-tee. To clear up (i.e., the weather); to shelter from the
rain.
Vilukissa. Finnish / n. / vɪl:ə.kis̠ːɑ / vill-luh-kisss-uh. Lit. cold cat, or chilly cat; a person who is
sensitive to, and easily feels, the cold.
Volta (βόλτα). Greek / n. / ˈvoltɒ / voll-tah. A leisurely stroll/turn/walk in the streets.
Wari. Pitjantjatjara / n. / wæ.ri / wah-ree. ‘Cold’; one of five seasons recognised by the Anangu, from
late May to July, characterised by frost and dew.
Weodmonað. English (old) / n. / wəʊd.mʌ.nəθ / weod-muh-nath. Weed-month; woad-month; grass-

month.
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Xià zhì (夏至). Chinese / n. / ɕi.a t͡ʂɘɻ / shee-ah jrr. ‘Summer maximum’; summer solstice; 10th solar
term in the Chinese lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 21st
June.
Xiǎo mǎn (小滿). Chinese / n. / ɕi.aʊ mæːn /shee-aow man. ‘Lesser full grain’; corn forms; 8th solar
term in the Chinese lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 21st
May.
Xiǎo shǔ (小暑). Chinese / n. / ɕi.aʊ ʃuː / shee-aow shoo. Moderate heat; 11th solar term in the
Chinese lunisolar calendar (dividing the year into 24 segments), beginning around 7th July.
Bonding
Alcheringa (aka Aljerre-nge, Ülchurringa). Arrernte (aka Arunta, Aranda) / n. / ˌaltʃəˈrɪŋɡə / al-chuh-
ring-guh. A complex cultural-religious belief system, spanning all elements of life; sometimes
referred to as dreamtime or ‘the dreaming’ (occurring ‘everywhen,’ embracing past, present and
future).
Arkadíā (Ἀρκαδία). Greek / n. / aɾ.ka.ðía / ar-kay-dthee-ah. Lit. a region of Greece; a pastoral utopia;
an idyllic realm; living in harmony with nature.
Bal tashchit (‫)בל תשחית‬. Hebrew / v. / bæl. tɑːʃ.ʧɪt / bal-tash-chit. ‘Do not destroy’; a key ethical
principle in Jewish law about avoiding damage or waste; often interpreted as an environmental
principle of caring for the earth.
Bergdenken. German / n. / bɜːgˈdɛŋkən / burg-deng-ken. Lit. ‘mountain thought’; thinking or

dreaming of mountains.
Cynefin. Welsh / n. / ˈkʌnᵻ.vɪn / kun-uh-vin. Haunt, habitat; a place where one feels one ought to
live; the relationship one has to the place where one was born and/or feels at home.
Dépayser. French / v. / de.pei.ze / deh-pay-zay. Disorientation; not necessarily unpleasant (e.g., a

pleasant sense of strangeness from being in a foreign country).
Émigré. French / n. / ˈem.ɪ.ɡreɪ / em-ee-grey. Someone who has left their own country to settle in
another, often for political reasons.
Fjellvant. Norwegian / adj. / fjɛlːvɑːnt / fyell-varnt. Being accustomed to being or walking in the
mountains.
Hiraeth. Welsh / n. / hira.ɪ̯θ / heerr-ithe. Longing for one’s homeland, with nostalgia and wistfulness.
Ibasho (居場所). Japanese / n. / ɪ. Bæ.ʃ əʊ / ih-bah-sho. ‘Whereabouts’; a place where one belongs,
fits in, can be oneself.
Maadoittuminen. Finnish / v. / ˈmɑːdoi ̯.tuːmɪ.ɛn / mah-doi-too-min-en. Grounding, earthing; rooting

oneself in nature.
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Mana whenua. Māori / n. / ˈmɑnə ˈfɛnʊə / ma-nuh fen-ooa. T: the mana held by people who have
demonstrated moral authority / guardianship over a piece of land / territory.
Montivagant. English (old) / adj., n. / mɒn.ti.və.ɡənt / mon-tiv-a-gnt. Wandering over mountains or

hills (as adj.); one who wanders so (n.).
Querencia. Spanish / n. / kɛˈɹɛnsɪə / keh-ren-sia. A place where one feels secure, from which one
draws strength.
Radah (‫)רדָ ה‬.

ָ Hebrew / v. / rɔːdɔː / raw-daw. To rule over; to have dominion over.
Smultronställe. Swedish / n. / smʊl.trɒn'stɛl.ɛ / smool-tron-stel-eh. Lit. a ‘forest berry patch’; a quiet,

cultivated place to which one goes to retreat or relax.
Terroir. French / n. / teʀwaʀ / tayr-wahr. Lit. earth or soil; the natural ecosystem/environment in
which a product is grown, and the qualities imbued within the project as a result.
Tholtan. Gaelic (Manx) / n. / θɒl.tæn / tholl-tan. A ruined or abandoned building (often a house,
cottage or farm).
Tūrangawaewae. Māori / n. / təˌrʌŋɡəˈwaɪwaɪ / tur-ranga-why-why. Lit. a place to stand; a place

where we feel rooted, empowered, and connected.
Umpqua. Upper Umpqua / n. / ʌmp.kwæ / ump-kwah. ‘Thundering waters’, ‘across the waters’, or
possibly ‘satisfied’ or ‘full’; name of the indigenous people of what is now Oregon.
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Aesthetics
Modality
Aiki (合気). Japanese / n. / ɑ.iːkiː / ah-ee-kee. Blending or harmonising opposing forces within
oneself; a dialectical relationship between matched equals; the ability to skilfully manipulate
another person.
Chadō (茶道). Japanese / n. / ʧɑːdəʊ / chah-doh. The art or way of tea.
Discotheque. French / n. / ˈdɪs.kə.tɛk / diss-ku-tek. ‘A library of phonograph records’; used initially

for a type of nightclub; later referred to a genre of music.
Disegno. Italian / n. / diˈsɛn.yɔ / dee-sen-yo. Lit. drawing or design; fine art drawing; the formal
discipline required for representing the ideal form of an object in the visual arts.
Haiku (俳句). Japanese / n. / hɑiːku / hai-koo. A form of Japanese poetry, usually just 17 syllables
long (with lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables), involving the sudden juxtapositions of ideas or images, and
often focused on natural (e.g., seasonal) phenomena.
Hitsuzendō (筆禅道). Japanese / n. / hɪt.su:zɛn.dəʊ / hit-soo-zen-doh. ‘Way of the brush’; the art of
calligraphy as a spiritual practice.
Ikebana (生け花). Japanese / n. / ɪkə.bæ.nə / ik-uh-ba-na. ‘Arranging flowers’; ‘making flowers

alive’; the Japanese art of flower arrangement.
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Kabuki (歌舞伎). Japanese / n. / kæ.buːkiː / ka-boo-kee. ‘The art of singing and dancing’; ‘to be out
of the ordinary’; a classical Japanese dance-drama, known for the stylization of its drama and for the
elaborate Kumadori (make-up) worn by some of its performers.
Kirigami (切り紙). Japanese / n. / kɪ.rɪˈgɑːmi / kih-ree-ga-mee. ‘Cutting paper’; a variation of origami

that includes cutting paper (rather than solely folding it).
Kyūdō (弓道). Japanese / n. / kjuːdəʊ / kyoo-doh. ‘Way of the bow’; the art of archery.
Mnemosyne (Μνημοσύνη). Greek / p. / mnɛːmo.sýːnɛː / mnee-moh-sy-nee. The goddess (or

personification) of memory in Greej mythology; one of the Titans, and mother of the muses.
Musica humana. Latin / n. / muːsɪ.kə uːmæ.nə / moo-sih-kuh oo-mah-nuh. Harmony of the person;
concordance and sympathy within the individual.
Musica instrumentalis. Latin / n. / muːsɪ.kə ĩːn.strʊ.mɛnˈtaːlɪs / moo-sih-kuh in-stroo-men-tah-liss.

Instrumental music or harmony; actual, practical music (i.e., produced by an instrument).
Musica mundana. Latin / n. / muːsɪ.kə mʌn.dæ.nə / moo-sih-kuh mun-dah-nuh. Harmony of the

world, spheres, universe; concordance and sympathy between heavenly bodies, and within the
cosmos generally.
Origami (折り紙). Japanese / n. / ɒrɪˈgɑːmi / o-ree-ga-mee. ‘Folding paper’; the art of paper folding.
Psalmós (ψαλμός). Greek / n. / sælˈmɒs / sal-moss. Scripture set to music (particularly a harp);
sacred music; later, scripture (not necessarily musical).
Shodō (書道). Japanese / n. / ɕo̞ːdəʊ / shoh-doh. ‘Way of writing’; Japanese calligraphy.
Tarab (‫)طرب‬. Arabic / n. / ˈtɑː.rɘb / tah-rrb. Musically-induced ecstasy or enchantment.
Styles
Avant-garde. French / n. / a.vɑ̃ .ɡaʀd / ah-von-gaard. Lit. fore-guard, vanguard, advance-guard;

phenomena (e.g., people, artworks, ideas) that are unorthodox, experimental, radical.
Augenmusik. German / n. / ˈauɡ.ən. mjuːzɪk / or-gen-myoo-zik. ‘Eye music’; graphical features of

scores which when performed are unnoticeable by the listener.
Baroque. French / adj. / ba.ʀɔk / bah-rohk. Lit. irregular (possibly from Portuguese barroco, meaning
‘imperfect pearl’); a form of art and architecture characterised by elaborate (and often exaggerated)
ornamentation.
Basse-taille. French / n. / bɑsˈtɑ yə / bass-tah-yeh. ‘Low cut’; an enameling technique in which

transparent enamels are fused over a background carved in low relief.
Bauhaus. German / n. / baʊ.haʊs / bow-house. Lit. construction-house, or school of building; a

German modernist school of art, concerned with creating Gesamtkunstwerk (total works of art).
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Bel canto. Italian / n. / ˌbɛl ˈkanto / bel kan-toh. ‘Beautiful singing/song’; generally refers to the
Italian-originated vocal style that prevailed throughout most of Europe during the 18th century and
early 19th centuries.
Bōsōzoku (暴走族). Japanese / n. / bəʊ.səʊ.zɒ.kuː / bo-so-zoh-koo. ‘Running-out-of-control tribe’; a

Japanese youth subculture associated with customized motorcycles, with a style involving boilersuits
similar to those of manual laborers or leather military jackets with baggy trousers.
Cadenza. Italian / n. / kaˈdɛnt.sa / cah-dent-suh. An improvised or written-out ornamental passage

played or sung by a soloist or soloists, usually in a free style, allowing virtuosic display.
Certosina. Italian / n. /ˌtʃɜr.təˈsi:nə / cher-tuh-see-nuh. An art technique involving using small pieces
of wood, bone, metal, or mother-of-pearl to create inlaid geometric patterns on wood.
Chaconne. French / n. / ʃak.ɔn / shah-kohn. A type of musical composition popular in the baroque
era, involving variation on a repeated short harmonic progression.
Champlevé. French / n. / ʃɒmp.lɛvi / shomp-levee. An artistic technique in which troughs or cells are
carved into the surface of a metal object, and filled with vitreous enamel.
Chiaroscuro. Italian / n. / kjarosˈkuro / kyar-oss-kour-oh. Contrasts of light and dark/shade (usually

pertaining to art).
Décollage. French / n. / de.kɔ.laʒ / de-ko-lahj. ‘Take off’ ; an artistic technique, involving removing
pieces of an original image.
Dau al set. Catalan / n. / ˈdaw əl ˈsɛt / dor-ul-set. ‘Seventh face of the dice’; a post-World War II
artistic movement in Catalonia, influenced by Surrealism and Dadaism, best known for translating
the conscious and unconscious mind into art.
Fugue. French / n. / fjuːɡ / fyoog. From the Latin fuga (meaning to flee or take flight); in music, a
contrapuntal compositional technique in two or more voices.
Gagaku (雅楽). Japanese / n. / gæ.gæ.kuː / gah-gah-koo. ‘Elegant music’; imperial court music and
dances; a type of Japanese classical music that has been performed at the Imperial Court since the
7th century.
Gesamtkunstwerk. German / n. / gəˈzamtˌkʊnstvɛʁk / guh-zamt-koonst.vurk. Lit. ‘total work of art’,

total art; comprehensive, sysnthesising, all-embracing art; artworks that strive to utilise multiple
artistic modalities (even as many as possible).
Grisaille. French / n. / ɡʀi.zɑj / grrih-zy. Lit. greyness, or dullness; a monochromatic art technique,
involving use of a single colour (especially grey), often to generate a three-dimensional effect.
Honkadori (本歌取り). Japanese / n. / hɒŋ.kə.dɔːri: / hon-ku-door-ee. An allusion within a poem to

an older poem which would be generally recognized by its potential readers.
Huā niǎo huà (花鸟画). Chinese / n. / huːæ ni:aʊ huːæ / hoo-ah nee-ow hoo-ah. Bird and flower
paintings.
61
Hurufiyya (‫)حروفية‬. Arabic / n. / hɜːruːfi:jʌ / hur-oo-fee-yuh. An aesthetic movement that emerged in

the twentieth century amongst Arabian and North African artists, combining traditional Islamic
calligraphy and modern art.
Jeté. French / n. / ʒɛt.eɪ / zheh-tay. In ballet a leap from one foot to the other in which one leg
appears to be ‘thrown’ in the direction of the movement.
Jodeln. German / n. / joːdəln / yo-duln. To utter the syllable ‘jo’ (which relates to joy); borrowed in
English as 'yodel'.
Karyūkai (花柳界). Japanese / n. / kæri juː kaɪ / ka-ree-yoo-ky. ‘The Flower and Willow World’; areas
in which geisha and the traditional establishments where they entertain are located.
Maki-e (蒔絵). Japanese / n. / mɑ.kiː iː / ka-kee-ee. ‘Sprinkled picture’; Japanese lacquer sprinkled
with gold or silver powder as a decoration.
Marmotinto. Italian / n. / mɑːməʊ.tɪn.təʊ / mar-mo-tin-toh. ‘Sand painting’; the art of creating

pictures using coloured sand or marble dust.
Mingei (民芸). Japanese / n. / mɪŋ. geɪ / ming-gey. ‘Folk arts’; ‘arts of the people’; a 20th century
Japanese arts movement celebrating everyday ordinary and utilitarian objects created by nameless
and unknown craftsmen.
Minnesang. German / n. / ˈmɪ.nəˌzaŋ / mih-nu-zang. ‘Love song’ ; a tradition of lyric- and song-
writing in Germany that flourished in the Middle High German period.
Musique concrète. French / n. / myzik kɔ̃k.ʁɛt / moo-zik kon-kret. ‘Concrete music’; music
composition that utilizes recorded sounds as raw material.
Noh (能). Japanese / n. / nɒ / noh. ‘Skill’, ‘talent’; a form of classical Japanese dance-drama that has
been performed since the 14th century.
Palímpsēstos (παλίμψηστος). Greek / n. / ˈpælɪmpsɛstɒs / pah-lim-sess-toss. ‘Again scraped’; a

manuscript where later writing has been superimposed on effaced earlier writing; something reused
or altered but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form.
Pentimento. Italian / n. / pɛn.tə-ˈmɛn.tō / pen-tuh-men-toh. Lit. ‘repentance’; a reappearance in a

painting of an original element which had been painted over by the artist.
Quadratura. Italian / n. / kwad.raˈtu.ra / kwod-rah-toor-ah. Lit. squaring, balancing; an illusionist

form of visual art, involving painting architectural details onto flat surfaces (ceilings, walls) to create
the impression of three-dimensional space.
Sfumato. Italian / v., adj. / sfuˈma.to / sfoo-mah-toh. Derived from fumo (to smoke); to soften, or
shade into; to taper, or fade out; as adj. – vague, blurred, mellow; a painting technique in which
colours are subtly shaded into one another.
Sgraffito. Italian / n. / zɡrafˈfiːto / zgraf-ee-toh. ‘Scratched away’; a technique of ornamentation in

which a surface layer (e.g., of paint) sctached away to reveal a ground of contrasting colour.
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Sharawadgi. English / n. /ˌʃa.ɹəˈwa.dʒi / sha-ra-wad-jee. A a style of landscape gardening or

architecture in which rigid lines and symmetry are avoided to give the scene an organic, naturalistic
appearance; first used by Sir William Temple in an essay published in 1692, possibly based on the
Japanese shara'aji (しゃれ味).
Shōmyō (声明). Japanese / n. / ɕo̞m.yəʊ / shom-yo. A style of Japanese Buddhist chant, used mainly
in the Tendai and Shingon sects, which employs a pentatonic scale with ascending intervals of two,
three, two, two, and three semitones.
Spieltenor. German / n. / ʃpiːl.tā.nȯr / shpeel-ta-nor. ‘Speech tenor’; a tenor with good acting ability,
and the ability to create distinct voices for his characters.
Sprechgesang. German / n. / ˈʃpʀɛç.ɡəˌzaŋ / shprech-gu-zang. ‘Spoken singing’; an expressionist

vocal technique between singing and speaking; pitches are sung, but the articulation is rapid and
loose like speech.
Sprechstimme. German / n. / ˈʃpʀɛçˌʃtɪmə / shprech-shteem-uh. ‘Spoken voice’; an expressionist

vocal technique between singing and speaking; closer to speech than Sprechgesang (because it does
not emphasise any particular pitches).
Trompe-l'œil. French / n. / tʀɔ̃p lœj / trohp loy. Lit. deceives the eye; visual illusion in art (especially
regarding tricking the eye into perceiving three dimensions).
Vogue. French / n. / vōɡ / vowg. The prevailing fashion or style at a particular time.
Washi (和紙). Japanese / n. / ɯɑːʃɪ / wah-shee. ‘Japanese paper'; paper that uses local Japanese
fiber and is made using traditional technqiues.
Yidaki. Yolngu / n. / ˈjɪ.da.ki / yih-dah-kee. Traditional Australian Aboriginal instrument (widely

referred to as a ‘didgeridoo,’ the name given by settlers).
Zukunftsmusik. German / n. / ˈtsuːkʊnfts.mjuːzɪk / tsuu-kunts-myoo-zik. ‘Music of the Future’; title

of an essay by Richard Wagner, in which he sets out a number of his desiderata for true opera,
including the need for 'endless melody'.
Dynamics
Adagio. Italian / adj., adv., n. / ə-ˈdä-jē.ō / a-dar-zhee-oh. ‘At ease’; at a slow tempo (used chiefly as
a direction in music); a ballet duet (or trio) displaying difficult feats of balance, lifting, or spinning.
Adagissimo. Italian / adj., adv. / ə-ˈdä-jē.səˌmō / a-dar-zhess-eh-moh. Very slowly (the superlative of
adagio); used as a direction in music.
Aleatorik. German / n. / eɪ.lɪæ.tʊə.rɪk / ay-lee-a-tor-ik. Music in which an aspect of the composition

is left to chance, and/or an aspect composed work's realization is left to the determination of its
performer(s); use first associated with the acoustician Werner Meyer-Eppler, based on the Latin alea
(dice).
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Allegro. Italian / adjective, adverb / ə-ˈle-(ˌ)grō / uh-leg-roh. ‘Merry’; a brisk lively tempo; used as a
direction in music.
Andante. Italian / adjective, adverb / än.ˈdän-tē / an-dan tey. Moderately slow; used as a direction in
music.
Bariolage. French / n. / bæ.rɪɔ.laʒ / bah-ree-oh-laazge. A mixture or palette of colours; in music, a

bowed string instrument musical technique, involving the alternation of notes on adjacent strings,
one of which is usually open.
Calando. Italian / adj., adv. / käˈlän(ˌ)dō / kah-lan-doh. diminishing in loudness and sometimes
tempo; used as a direction in music.
Coda. Italian / n. / ˈkoːda / coh-dah. ‘Tail’; in music, a passage that brings a piece or a movement to
an end.
Dada. French / n. / da.da / da-da. Lit. hobby-horse; also, meaningless babble; an avant-garde art
movement, concerned with rejecting logic, rationality, and modern conventions, aesthetics, and
ideologies.
Falsetto. Italian / n. / fɔːlˈsɛ.toʊ / fal-set-oh. Diminutive of falso (false); the vocal register occupying
the frequency range just above the modal voice register and overlapping with it by approximately
one octave.
Glissando. Italian / n. / glɪs.æn.dəʊ / gliss-and-oh. In music, a glide from one pitch to another.
Heiligenschein. German / n. / ˈhaɪlɪɡənˌʃaɪn / hi-lig-un-shine. Lit. halo or aureola; a bright light

around the shadow of a person's head caused by diffraction and reflection of sunlight.
Heldentenor. German / n. / ˈhel.dənˌtā. nȯr / hel-dun-tar-nor. ‘Heroic tenor’; a tenor with a

powerful, dramatic voice well suited to heroic roles (as in Wagnerian operas).
Hemiolios (ἡμιόλιος). Greek / n. / hɛ.mɪɒ.liːɒs / heh-me-ol-ee-oss. ‘Containing one and a half’; in the
ratio of one and a half to one (as in musical sounds); borrowed in English as hemiola, meaning a ratio
of 3:2 (which is music is the interval of a perfect fifth).
Incipit. Latin / phrase / ˈɪn.sɪ.pɪt / in-si-pit. ‘It begins’ ; of a text, the first few words of the text ; of a
musical composition, an initial sequence of notes.
Klangfarbenmelodie. German / n. / klæŋ.fɑːbən.mɛ.lə.di / klang-far-bn-meh-low-dee. ‘Sound-color

melody’; musical technique that involves splitting a musical line or melody between several
instruments, rather than assigning it to just one instrument, thereby adding timbre and colour to the
melodic line.
Kokopelli. Hopi / p. / kɒ.kəʊ.pɛ.li / koh-ko-peh-lee. A fertility deity venerated by some Native

American cultures; usually depicted as a humpbacked flute player (often with feathers or other
protrusions on his head; also a trickster god, and represents the spirit of music.
Leitmotiv. German / n. / ˌlaɪt.moʊˈtiːf / leyt-moh-teef. ‘Leading motif’; a short, constantly recurring

musical phrase associated with a particular person, place, or idea.
64
Mancando. Italian / adj., adv. / mä.kän.dō / man-kan-doh. Fading away; used as a direction in music.
Meend (मीण्ड). Hindi / n. / miːnd / meend. A glide from one note to another.
Melisma (μέλισμα). Greek / n. / mɛl.ɪs.mə / mel-iss-muh. Song, air, melody; the singing of a single
syllable of text while moving between several different notes in succession.
Mise en abyme. French / n. / mē-zäⁿ-nä-bēm \ meez-uh-nah-bem. ‘Putting into the abyss’ ; an

artistic technique of placing a copy of an image within itself, often in a way that suggests an infinitely
recurring sequence.
Moũsai (Μοῦσαι). Greek / p. / mo᷇ːsaɪ / mooh-sai. The muses; goddesses in Greek mythology who
were the divine inspiration for knowledge and the arts.
Oju-inu. Yoruba / n. / əʊ.ʤuː ɪnuː / oh-joo in-oo. Inner eye; creative perception and insight;
understanding of visual imagery.
Oju-ona. Yoruba / n. / əʊ.ʤuː əʊ.nə / oh-joo on-uh. Artistic eye; design awareness and sensibility.
Passaggio. Italian / n. / pəˈsäˌjō / pah-sahj-yo. ‘Passage’; a term used in classical singing to describe
the transition area between the vocal registers; an improvised embellishment or flourish found
especially in 16th century music.
Presto. Italian / adj., adv. / ˈpre-(ˌ)stō / preh-stow. Suddenly, immediately, instantaneously; at a

rapid tempo (used as a direction in music).
Phi (ϕεῖ). Greek / n. / pʰe᷇ː / fee / aka pheî. The 21st letter of the Greek alphabet; the symbol for the
‘golden ratio’ (1.618…).
Pianoforte. Italian / n. / pɪˈæ.nəʊ.fɔːteɪ / pee-an-oh-for-tay. Soft and loud; basis for ‘piano.’
Rāga (राग). Sanskrit / n. / rʌ:gɘ / ruh-guh. ‘Coloring’, ‘dyeing’; in Indian classical music, a melodic
framework for improvisation, akin to a melodic mode.
Rasa (रस). Sanskrit / n. / rʌ.sɘ / ruh-suh. Lit. 'juice' or 'essence’; the emotional theme of an artwork,
and/or the feeling evoked in the audience.
Renga (連歌). Japanese / n. / rɛŋ.gə / reng-uh. A genre of collaborative poetry, written by more than
one author working together, and consisting of at least two ku (stanzas).
Ritardando. Italian / adj., adv. / ri.tärˈdänˌdō / ri-tar-dan-doh. A gradual slackening in tempo; used as
a direction in music.
Ritornello. Italian / n. / ri.torˈnɛ.lo / rih-tor-nello. ‘Little return’; a recurring musical passage.
Sanxian (三弦). Chinese / n. / sæn. ɕi.an / san-shee-an. ‘Three strings’; a traditional fretless Chinese
lute.
65
Shōko (鉦鼓). Japanese / n. / ɕo̞ːkəʊ / shoh-koh. A small bronze gong, struck with two horn beaters,
used in Japanese gagaku.
Squillo. Italian / n. / skwi.lo / skwi-low. ‘Ring’, ‘blast’; the resonant, trumpet-like sound in the voices
of opera singers.
Swara (स्र्र). Sanskrit / n. / swʌ.rə - swuh-ruh. A note in the successive steps of the octave; the
classical Indian concept of the complete dimension of musical pitch.
Tempo rubato. Italian / n. / ˈtɛm.po ruˈbaːto / tem-poh ru-bar-toh. ‘Stolen time’; a musical term
referring to expressive and rhythmic freedom by a slight speeding up and then slowing down at the
discretion of the soloist or the conductor.
Uakti. Tucano / p. / ʊɑk.ti: / oo-ak-tee. A mythical musician according to Tucano legend (a creature
with holes in his body that produce sound when he ran or the wind blew through him).
Vibrato. Italian / n. / vɪˈbrɑ.toʊ / vi-bra-toh. A musical effect consisting of a regular, pulsating change
of pitch.
Vivace. Italian / adj., adv. / vē. vä:ˌchē / vi-var-chey. Vivacious, lively; in a brisk spirited manner; used
as a direction in music.
Vivacissimo. Italian / adj., adv. / ˌvē.vəˈchē.səˌmō / veh-vah-chee-see-moh. In a very lively or

vivacious manner; used as a direction in music.
Qualities
Ambitus. Latin / n. / æm.bɪt.əs / am-bit-uss. ‘The going round’; the range of a voice, instrument, or
piece of music.
Bella figura. Italian / phrase / ˈbɛl.lɑ.fiˈgu.ʀɑ / bell-ah fih-goor-ah. Beautiful figure; good impression;
fine appearance; grace, tact, style.
Bishōnen (美少年). Japanese / n. / bɪʃ. ɒn. ɛn / bish-on-en. ‘Beautiful youth’; an aesthetic involving a
young man of androgynous beauty.
Bonnie. Scottish / adj. / ˈbɒ.nē / boh-nee. Beautiful, pretty, fair; fine, excellent.
Chic. French / adj. / ʃiːk / sheek. Elegant, stylish, fashionable.
Enkelt. Danish / n. / ɛn.kɛlt / en-kelt. Beauty through simplicity.
Ewa inu. Yoruba / n. / ɛwə ɪnuː / ew-uh in-oo. Inner beauty; intrinsic appeal.
Ewa ode. Yoruba / n. / ɛwə əʊdə / ew-uh oh-duh. Outer beauty; external appeal.
Fukinsei (不均整). Japanese / n. / fuˈkɪn.seɪ / foo-kin-say. Natural / spontaneous asymmetry or

irregularity.
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Glas. Welsh / adj. / glæs / glass, Blue and/or green; also white, sparkling, dazzling, pristine, youthful.
Iki (いき). Japanese / n. / iːkiː / ee-kee. An aesthetic principle characterised by qualities including
simplicity, straightforwardness, sophistication, intelligence, spontaneity, originality and audacity.
Kawaii (かわいい). Japanese / n. / ka.ɰai’I / kah-wahy-ee. Lovable, cute, adorable; a culture of

cuteness in Japan; can refer to items, humans and nonhumans that are charming, vulnerable, shy,
and childlike.
Kitsch. German / n. / kɪtʃ / kitch. Pleasantly tacky objects or art; objects whose beauty and/or charm
is superficial or ‘fake’, but is somewhat appreciated nonetheless.
Larghetto. Italian / adj., adv. / lä:ge.tō / lar-get-toh. ‘Rather broadly’; used as a direction in music (as
a tempo that is slower than andante but not as slow as largo).
Larghissimo. Italian / adj., adv. / la:gē.səˌmō / lar-gess-eh-moh. In as slow a manner as possible; used
as a direction in music.
Layogenic. Tagalog / adj. / leɪ.əʊ.ʤɛ.nɪk / lay-oh-jen-ik. Someone or something that looks good from
a distance but not close up.
Leggiadria. Italian / n. / l ̺edd͡ʒäˈd̪ r̺iːä / led-jah-dree-ah. Gracefulness, loveliness, prettiness, elegance.
Reiwa (令和). Japanese / n. / ɺ̠e̞ːɯɑː / ray-wah. Beautiful, auspicious, and orderly harmony and
peace.
Roosamanna. Estonian / adj./ ruːsə.mænə / roo-suh-mah-nuh. Lit. pink semolina; something or

someone that is overly naive, romantic or over-prettified.
Umami (うま味). Japanese / n. / uːmɑːmiː / oo-mah-mee. A rich, pleasant, savoury taste.
Miyabi (雅). Japanese / n. / mɪ.jɑ.biː / me-yah-bee. Elegance, refinement; courtliness; impeccable

manners; the total disavowal of vulgarity or crudity.
Pulchritudo. Latin / n. / pul.kʰriˈtuːdo / pool-kree-too-doh. Corporeal beauty and moral excellence.
Recherché. French / adj. / ʀ(ə)ʃɛʀʃe / suh-sher-shay. Rare, exotic, unusual; not understood or
appreciated by many people.
Rococo. French / n., adj. / ˈʀɔkɔko / rroh-koh-koh. Adapted from rocaille, meaning shell-work or
pebble-work; whimsical and/or elaboratively decorative forms of art.
Sā luò guī qí (洒落瑰琦). Chinese / n. / sɑː luːəʊ gweɪ ʧiː / sar loo-o g-way chee. The quality of being
impressive or surprising through careless or unorderly grace.
Shibumi (渋味). Japanese / n. / ʃiːbuːmiː / shee-boo-mee. Simple, subtle, unobtrusive and effortless
beauty.
Shizen (自然). Japanese / n. / ʃiːzẽ̞ɴ / shee-zun. Naturalness, absence of pretence, contrivance, or

premeditation (e.g., in art).
67
Staccato. Italian / n. / stæˈkæːtəʊ / stah-kah-toh. ‘Detached’; in music, a note of shortened duration,

separated from the note that may follow by silence.
Reception
Augenweide. German / n. / ˈauɡ.ən.vai.də / or-gen-vy-duh. A feast for the eyes; a beautiful,

stimulating, or enriching scene.
Claque. French / n. / ˈklak / klak. ‘A clap’; a group hired to applaud at a performance; a group of
sycophants.
Dhvani (ध्वनन). Sanskrit / n. / dʰ.vʌ.nɪ / dh-vuh-nih. Sound, echo; hint, allusion; used in aesthetics
and art appreciation to refer to allusion and implied or hidden meaning.
Einfühlung. German / n. / ain.fyːlʊŋ / ayn-foo-long. Lit. ‘feeling into’; close to empathy, but also
often used in the context of art (e.g., the ability to directly perceive its quality or meaning).
Flâner. French / v. / flɑ.ne / fla-nay. Leisurely strolling (e.g., through the streets). As noun (Flâneur):
one who strolls (e.g., to experience the city).
Shěnměi píláo (审美疲劳). Chinese / n. / ʃɛn.meɪ piːlaʊ / shen-may pee-lao. Aesthetically fatigued;
exposure to so much beauty that one ceases to appreciate it.
Shruti (श्रुति). Sanskrit / n. / ʃru.t̪I / shroo-tee. ‘What is heard’; music and lyrics; the smallest interval
of pitch that the human ear can detect and a singer or musical instrument can produce.
͡ / oov-lee-kaht-sah. To be carried away; to become

Uvlekatsya (увлекаться). Russian / v. / ʊvlʲɪˈkatsːə
very keen about; to fall for something; to be absorbed.
Stimuli
Amipushu. Innu / n. / æ.mə.pə.ʃuː / ah-me-puh-shu. Quiet water surface.
Aranyhíd. Hungarian / n. / æ.ræn.jɪd / ah-ran-yid. ‘Golden bridge’; the reflection of the rising or
setting sun on water.
Diwali (हदर्ाली). Hindi / n. / dɪ.vɑːlɪ / dih-var-lee. Hindu festival of light (also observed by Jains, Sikhs,
and some Buddhists).
Ecce homo. Latin / phrase / ˈɛk.kɛ ˈhɔ.moː / ek-key ho-mo. ‘Behold the man’; words used by Pontius
Pilate (in the Vulgate translation of the Gospel of John) when he presents Jesus Christ to a hostile
crowd shortly before his Crucifixion, as widely represented in art.
Èit. Gaelic (Scottish) / n. / aɪt / iyt. Placing quartz stones/crystals in streams (e.g., so that they
shine/sparkle in the moonlight, thereby attracting salmon).
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Ensō (円相). Japanese / n. / ɛn.zəʊ / en-zoh. ‘Circle’; in Zen, a circle symbolising concepts such as
englightment; usually hand-drawn in one or two uninhibited brushstrokes, expressing one’s spiritual
insight.
Frimousse. French / n. / fʀimus / frree-moose. A sweet/cute little face.
Gökotta. Swedish / n. / ʤɜːkuːˈtæʰ / jer-koo-tah. Lit. 'early-morning cuckoo'; waking up early to hear
the first birds sing.
Gluggaveður. Icelandic / n. / ˈgluː.kʌ.ve.dər/ gloo-ka-ve-dhurr. Lit. ‘window weather. Weather that is

pleasant to look at through a window, but unpleasant to be outside in (e.g., cold, windy).
Kawaakari (かわあかり). Japanese / n. / kɑːwæ.kɑːɺiː / kar-wah-kar-ree. Lit. river bright; the

glow/gleam of the river at dusk (or in the darkness).
Komorebi (木漏れ日). Japanese / n. / kɒ.mɒˈre.bɪ / ko-mo-reh-bi. Lit. wood is ‘leaking’ sunlight;

dappled sunlight filtering through leaves.
Listopad (листопад). Russian / n. / ˈlɪst.əʊ.pæd / list-oh-pad. Falling leaves.
Mångata. Swedish / n. / ˈmoːŋˌɡɑːta / moo-on-gah-tah. Lit. moon (måne) road/street (gata); the
path of glimmering light that moonlight makes on water.
Mannvasanai. Tamil / n. / mæn.væ.sæ.naɪ / man-vah-sah-niy. Lit. earth smell; the scent of rain on
dry earth; cf. petrichor.
Mudrā/muddā (मुद्रा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʊ.dɹɑː / moo-drah. Lit. sign, token, seal; physical gestures
and postures; symbolic hand gestures (e.g., in Buddhist iconography).
Nocturne. French / n. / nɒkˈtɜːn / nok-turn. ‘Nocturnal’; a musical composition that is inspired by, or
evocative of, the night.
Ñandutí. Guaraní / n. / nan.du.ti: / nan-doo-tee. ‘Spider web’; traditional Paraguayan lace.
Ohanami (お花見). Japanese / n. / əʊ.hæ.næ.mi / oh-ha-na-me. Lit. flower (hana) mi (viewing). The
culturally valued activity of gathering to appreciate flowers (and specifically cherry blossoms).
Sakura (桜). Japanese / n. / sæ.kɔːrə / sah-koor-uh. Japanese cherry blossom (aka Prunus serrulata).
Senryū (川柳). Japanese / n. / sɛn.ruː / sen-roo. ‘River willow'; a Japanese form of short poetry,
similar to haiku in construction (but senryū tend to be about human foibles, and are often cynical or
darkly humorous, whereas haiku tend to be about nature and more serious).
Shān shuǐ (山水). Chinese / n. / ʃæːn ʃu.eɪ / shan shoo-ay. Lit. mountain-water; a style of Chinese
painting that focuses on natural landscapes and phenomena.
Sillage. French / n. / siːˈjɑːʒ / se-yaaj. Lit. ‘wake’ (as in water); the degree to which a perfume's
fragrance lingers in the air when worn.
Sirimiri. Basque / n. / si.ɾi.ˈmi.ɾi / sih-ree-mih-ree. A very light mist of rain (that is often long-lasting).
69
Wai-wai (ワイワイ). Japanese (Gitaigo) / n. / ɯɑɪ.ɯɑɪ / wa-iy wa-iy. The sound of children playing.
Xiá (霞). Chinese / n. / ɕi.a /shee-ah. Rosy clouds at sunrise or sunset.
Development
Character
Virtue
Aidos (Αἰδώς). Greek / n. / a͜i.dɔ᷄ːs / ay-doose. A feeling of shame that prevents people doing wrong; a
sense of humility that tempers self-aggrandisement.
Andreia (ἀνδρεῖα). Greek / n. / ˌʌnˈdreɪ.a / uhn-dray-yah. Courage, valour, heroism, gallantry;

manliness (from andreîos).
Anstand. German / n. / ˈan.ʃtant / an-shtant. Decency, integrity; moral, modest and decorous
behaviour.
Areté (ἀρετή). Greek / n. / aˈre.tɛ᷄ː / ah-reh-tay. Excellence; quality; virtue.
Arhat/arahant (अहाि ्). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑːhʌt / aar-hut. A worthy or perfected individual; one who
has attained enlightenment.
70
Báo ơn. Vietnamese / v. / baʊ.æn / bau-an. To return, to repay; to render; to reward; to give respect
or thanks for a favour.
Blago (благо). Russian / n., adj / ˈblaɡə / blah-guh. Good, the good; blessing, happiness. Used as the
first part of the word in many derivatives (e.g., общее благо: the common weal).
Bona fide. Latin / phrase / ˈboʊ.nə ˈfaɪd / bo-nuh fiyd. In good faith; sincere good intention
regardless of outcome.
Brahmavihārās (ब्रह्मवर्हारा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈbrɑːˌmə vɪˈhɑːrə / brah-muh vi-har-ruh. Lit. abode or

dwelling of Brahma (” (the God of creation in Hindu theology); qualities that practitioners (e.g., in
Buddhism) are encouraged to cultivate.
Deftig. Dutch / adj. / dɛf.təʜ / def-tukh. Dignified, ceremonious, formal, genteel.
Ethikos (ἠθικός). Greek / n. / iθikós / ee-th’ee-koss. Habit, custom, usage; character, bearing.
Fein. German / adj. / fain / fine. Fine, tender, noble, honourable, unique.
Fēng yùn (風韻). Chinese / n. / fɤ́ŋ juːɛn / fung yoo-en. Charm; grace; elegant bearing.
Hedersmann. Norwegian / n. / ˈheə.dəʃ.mʌn / hair-dsh-mun. A man of honour, honesty, integrity.
Ilunga. Tshiluba / n. / iːluː ŋ.gæ / ee-loong-ah. The capacity of being ready to forgive a first time,
tolerate a second time, but not a third time.
Jatorra. Basque / adj. / xʌˈtɔː.rɑ / khuh-torr-ah. Genuine, nice, trustful, truthful, agreeable.
Lǐ (禮). Chinese / n. / liːi / lee-e. Etiquette, decorum, ceremony, custom, propriety.
Liêm chính. Vietnamese / adj. / liːɛm ʧɪn / lee-em chin. Honest; incorruptible; innocent; moral.
Majime (真面目). Japanese / adj. / mɑːd͡ʑ.mɛ / mah-jee-meh. Reliable, responsible, diligent;

seriousness, formality.
Malu. Indonesian / n. / mɑːluː / mah-loo. Humility, modesty; shame, embarrassment; shyness,

bashfulness.
Megaloprépeia (μεγαλοπρέπεια). Greek / n. / ˌmɛɡ.ə.ləʊˈpreɪ.pɪə / meh-gah-lo-pray-pia.

Magnificence; dignity.
Megalopsychia (μεγαλοψυχία). Greek / n. / ˌmɛɡ.ə.ləʊˈsʌɪ.kɪə / meh-gah-lo-sye-kia. Greatness of

soul; magnanimity.
Mensch. Yiddish / n. / mɛntʃ / mentsh. Derived from the German term for person; used to describe a
good human being in its fullest sense.
Morkkis. Finnish / n. / mɔːks / morks. A moral or psychological hangover; post-hoc embarrassment

or shame at one’s drunken behaviour (and dread or confusion about what one might have done).
71
Omoluabi. Yoruba / n. / ɒ.mɒ.luːə.biː / oh-moh-loo-ah-bee. Lit. ‘that which is begotten by the master
of character’; someone of unimpeachable character, combining all virtues; the living embodiment of
societal values.
Otkhodchivyi (отходчивый). Russian / adj. / ˈæt.hɔːʤuːiː / at-hor-joo-ee. The quality of being quickly
appeased after a surge or outburst of negativity, and/or not bearing grudges.
Pius. Latin / adj. / ˈpi.əs / pe-oos. Conscientious, upright, faithful, patriotic/dutiful, respectful,
righteous.
Rén (仁). Chinese / n. / ɻɛn / ren. Humanity, benevolence; the positive feeling enjoyed by a virtuous
person through altruistic behaviour.
Sādhu (साध)ु . Sanskrit / n. / sɑːduː / sah-doo. Lit. a good man; a holy person; a religious ascestic,
renuncient; a monk.
Samyak/sammā (सम्यक). Sanskrit/Pāli / n., adj. / sʌm. jʌk / sum-yuk. Right, correct, best.
Sattva (सत्त्र्). Sanskrit / n. / ˈsʌt.vʌ / sut-vuh. Goodness, purity, balance, wholeness; one of three
qualities of nature in Vedanta; can also refer (e.g., in Buddhism) to a sentient being.
Serdeczność. Polish / n. / sɜːˈdɛʧ.nɜ / ser-dech-ny. Cordiality, warmheartedness, directness, and

sincerity. Serdeczny as an adj.
Sóphrosuné (σωφροσύνη). Greek / n. / sɔː.pʰroˈsý.nɛ / sor-phro-sy-neh. Excellence of character and

soundness of mind; leads to other beneficial qualities, such as moderation and self-control.
Sūkō (崇高). Japanese / n. / suːkəʊ / soo-koh. Sublimity, nobility, spirituality.
Sunao (素直). Japanese / adj. / suːnɑ.əʊ / soo-nah-oh. Meek, docile and submissive (in a positive,
deferential way); authentic, and honest with oneself.
Te (德). Chinese / n. / tɜː / ter / aka dé. Virtue; morality; integrity; inner power.
Tikkun olam (‫)תיקון עולם‬. Hebrew / phrase / tɪ.kuːn əʊ.læm / tih-koon oh-lam. ‘Repair of the world’; a
Jewish aspiration to act constructively and beneficially; social action and the pursuit of justice.
Tzniut (‫)צניעות‬. Hebrew / n. / tsniːuːt / tsnee-oot. Modesty, privacy, humility (e.g., in dress, speech
and behaviour).
Virtus. Latin / n. / ˈwir.tuːs / weer-toos. Valour, manliness, excellence, courage, character, and
worth.
Yì (義). Chinese / n. / jiː / ee. Duty; justice; a moral disposition towards goodness.
72
Considerateness
Apramāda/appamada (अप्रमाद). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʌ.prʌˈmːdʌ / uh-pruh-mah-duh. Earnestness,

alertness, diligence, moral watchfulness.
Cura personalis. Latin / phrase / kjʊ.r pɜːsəˈnæ.lɪs / koor-uh per-son-al-iss. ‘Care for the entire
person’; individualized attention to the holistic needs of the other.
Dāna (दान). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / dɑːnʌ / dah-nuh. Generosity, charity.
Don de soi. French / n. / dɔ̃ də swa / doh duh swah. Giving/donating oneself; self-sacrifice; altruism.
Filoksenia (Φιλοξενία). Greek / n. / ɸɪlˈɔː x.sen.ía / fill-oh-kh-sen-ia. Friend to the stranger; love of
the stranger; kind hospitality to all
Gunnen. Dutch / v. / ˈɣən.ən / khun-un. To think that someone deserves something (good); to feel
happy for them getting it.
Kokua. Hawaiian / n. / kəʊˈkuːə / koh-koo-uh. Help, aid, assistance, relief; helper, assistant; a spirit of
selfless kindness, care, generosity; an act of mutual assistance, pitching in.
Kreng-jai (เกรงใจ). Thai / n. / krɛn.ʤaɪ / krren-jiy. Deferential heart; respect and consideration for
others’ feelings (ahead of one’s own); the wish to not trouble someone by burdening them.
Kvell. Yiddish / v. / kvɛl / kvell. To feel strong and overt (expressed) pride and joy in someone's
successes.
Lagniappe. Creole (New Orleans) / n. / lænˈjæp / lan-yap. a small gift given with a purchase to a
customer, by way of thanks, compliment, or for good measure; a gratuity or tip; an unexpected gift
or benefit.
Mohamaatam. Telegu / n. / maʊ.hæ.mɑːəm / moh-har-maar-tum. Complaisance; hestitation,

tentativeness; shyness; willingness to please.
Noblesse oblige. French / phrase / nɔb.lɛs ɔ.bliʒ / noh-bless ob-leejz. Lit. nobility obligates; that
whoever claims to be noble must act nobly; that social or economic standing does not only confer
privileges, but also responsibilities (e.g., to look after those less fortunate).
Otsukaresama (お疲れ様). Japanese / int. / o.tsu.kɑ.rɛ.sa.mɑ / oh-tsoo-kah-reh-sah-mah. ‘Thank

you for your hard work', gratitude and appreciation.
Shù (恕). Chinese / n., v. / ʃuː / shoo. Forgiveness (to forgive as verb); mercy; reciprocity.
Yilugnta (ይሉኝታ). Amharic / n. / jɪ.lʌnj.tə / yih-lun-ytuh. A feeling of obligation to consider and defer
to the opinion of others (in a positive way).
Xīn kǔ (辛苦). Chinese / n. / ɕɪn. kuː / shin-koo. Appreciation and recognition for others and their
efforts.
73
Wisdom
Gestalt. German / n. / ɡəˈʃtalt / guh-shtalt. An overall pattern / configuration; the notion that the
whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Phrónēsis (ϕρόνησις). Greek / n. / froʊˈniːsɪsː / froh-nee-siss. Practical wisdom; discernment;

wisdom and knowledge in determining ends and the means of attaining them.
[see also understanding]
Self-determination
Allemannsretten. Norwegian / n. / æl.eɪ.mɑːns.rɛt.ən / ahl-eh-mahns-ret-un. Lit. ‘everyman’s right’;

right of access; freedom to roam.
Audeamus. Latin / phrase / ɔːdeɪ.mʌs / or-day-mus. ‘Let us dare’.Datsuzoku (脱俗). Japanese / n. /

dæt.suːzəʊ.kuː / dat-soo-zoh-koo. Lit. shedding or removing (datsu) worldliness or mundanity (zoku);
unworldliness, saintliness; freedom from habit, escape from the routine and conventional.
Carte blanche. French / n. / kaʀt blɑ̃ / kaart-bloh. Lit. ‘white card’; being granted or invested with
power, authority to do as one wishes.
Chutzpah. Yiddish / n. / ˈxʊts.pə / khutz-puh. From the Hebrew ḥutspâ (‫)חֻ צְׁ ּפָ ה‬, meaning insolence,
cheek, audacity. Nerve, effrontery, guts; sometimes used pejoratively.
Davka (‫)דווקא‬. Hebrew / int. / ˈdæv.kə / dav-kuh / aka dafke/a. Precisely, actually; even, in spite of;
contrary to expectations; a spirit of contrariness.
Despejo. Portuguese / n. / dʒisˈpeʒu / jiss-peh-zhu. Pertness and boldness (sometimes in a

pejorative sense); brightness; self-confidence; discomposure; lack of reserve or inhibition.
Eigentlichkeit. German / n. / ˈaiɡnt.lɪç.haɪt / iy-gnt-leesh-kiyt. Lit. ownedness, being owned, being

one’s own; often rendered as ‘authenticity.’
Eigenwijs. Dutch / adj,. adv. / ɛi ̯ɣə(n)ˈʋɛi ̯s / ey-gn-viyz. ‘Own-wise’; self-willed; stubborn, headstrong;
refusing to conform to expectation or protocol; can imply a foolish but possibly admirable risk.
Eigenwillig. German / adj. / ˈaiɡn.vɪlɪç / i-gn-vill-isch. To have a will of one’s own; behaving and
doing things in a manner that reflects one’s own personality and idiosyncrasies.
Eleuthería (ἐλευθερία). Greek / n. / e.le͜u.tʰeˈriːa / el-yoo-theh-ree-ya. Freedom, liberty, licence.
Eleutheriótēs (ἐλευθεριότης). Greek / n. / ɛˈljuːθəˌriˈo.teɪs / ell-ee-yoo-theh-ri-oh-tace. Generosity;

being in a free condition.
Eleutheromania (ελευθερομανία). Greek / n. / ɛˈljuːθəˌrəʊ.ma.nía / ell-ee-yoo-theh-roh-mah-nee-

ah. An intense, irrepressible desire for freedom.
74
Elvágyódás. Hungarian / n. / ɛl.væg.jɒd.æz / el-vag-yod-az. The desire or need to escape or get away
from where you currently are.
Enfant terrible. French / n. / ɑ̃ fɑ̃ tɛ.ʁibl / oh-foh the-reebl. ‘Unruly child’; a child who says candidly
embarrassing things to parents or others; in the arts implies a usually young and successful person
who is strikingly unorthodox, innovative, or avant-garde.
Fernweh. German / n. / ˈfiɜːn.veː / fiern-vay. Lit. far/distant (Fern) pain/woe (Weh); the ‘call of
faraway places’; homesickness for the unknown.
Itsenäisyyspäivä. Finnish / n. / its̠e̞ˌnæi ̯s̠yːs̠.pæi ̯.ʋæ / it-suh-niys-pai-vuh. Independence day.
Kaaruwa. Hausa / n. / ká:rù.wə̀ / kah-roo-wuh. A divorced or widowed woman who has remained
independent and free (e.g., despite still being of ‘marriageable age’)
Libertas. Latin / n. / ˈlɪ.bə.tɑs / lih-ber-tass. Liberty, freedom, independence.
Lutalica. English (new) / n. / luːtæ.lɪ.kɘ / loo-tah-lik-ah. The part of your identity that doesn't fit into
categories; coined by John Koenig.
Mutterseelenallein. German / n. / mʊtɐzeːlənʔaˈlaɪ̯n/mut-ter-see-len-al-lein. ‘Mother soul alone’;

completely, utterly alone.
No pasarán. Spanish / phrase / nō-ˌpä-sä-ˈrän / no pah-sah-ran. ‘They [the enemy] shall not pass’.
Novaturient. English (new) / adj. / nəʊ.və.tjʊə.rɪənt / noh-vah-tyuur-ient. Latinate, meaning the

desiring or seeking of strong changes in one’s behaviour or situation.
Otium. Latin / n. / əʊtɪəm / oh-tee-um. The condition of being in control of one’s own time; leisure,
free-time; ease, peace.
Panuku. Visayan / v. / pʰa.nu.kʰu / fah-noo-khoo. To be hesitant to do something, mainly on account

of propriety; to push one’s partner at arm’s length when dancing.
Prostor (простор). Russian / n. / ˈprɒst.stɔːr / proh-storr. Spaciousness, freedom, absence of

constraint.
Rōnin. Japanese / n. / rəʊ.nɪn / roh-nin. ‘Drifter’, ‘wanderer’; a samurai without a lord or master
during the feudal period of Japan.
Rumspringa. German (Pennsylvania) / n. / rʊmˈʃprɪ.ŋə / roohm-spring-uh. From the verb

herumspringen (to run around); an adolescent rite of passage in some Amish communities, during
which a youth intentionally segreates themselves from their community and tradition for several
years.
Saṃkalpa/sankappa (संकल्प). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sũ.kʌl.pʌ / suhm.kul.puh. Resolve, determination;

purpose, intention (as per samyak-saṃkalpa, of the Noble Eightfold Path).
Scatenarsi. Italian / v. / skæ.tɛˈnɑːsiː / skah-teh-nar-see. To run wild; to rampage; to throw off one’s
shackles; to break free.
75
Schnapsidee. German / n. / ʃnaps iˈdeː / shnaps-ee-day. Lit. liquour idea; a daft or ridiculous plan
(thought up usually, though not necessarily, while drunk); generally used pejoratively.
Sisu. Finnish / n. / ˈsi.su / si-su. Extraordinary determination/courage, especially in the face of

adversity.
Solivagant. Latin / n., adj. / səʊˈlɪvəɡənt / so-liv-a-gnt. Noun: A lone wanderer. Adjective:
characterised by lone wandering.
Sophrosyne (σωφροσύνη). Greek / n. / sɔː.pʰroˈsý.nɛ / sor-phro-sy-neh. Excellence of character and

soundness of mind; leads to other beneficial qualities, such as moderation and self-control.
Strikhedonia. English (new) / n. / strɪk.hɛˈdəʊ.niːə / strik-he-doh-nee-uh. Lit. ‘strike out pleasure’

(i.e., striking out in a new direction); the joy of not caring, of saying ‘to hell with it’.
Sturmfrei. German / adj. / ʃtʊrm.frai / shturm-frriy. Lit. ‘storm-free’; unassailable; having a free
house; the freedom of being alone, without being watched by someone (e.g., a parent), to do as one
pleases.
Thumos/thymos (θυμός). Greek / n. / θyˈmos / thoo-moss. Spiritedness; carries connotations of flesh

and blood; also refers to the human desire for recognition.
Viitsimine. Estonian / v. / viːt.sɪ.mɪ.neɪ / veet-sih-mih-nay. To not want to do something.
Waldeinsamkeit. German / n. / valtˈain.zaːm.kaɪt / valt-ayn-sam-kite. Lit. forest solitude; the strange

feeling of solitude or loneliness when alone in the woods.
Willkür. German / n. / ˈvɪlkyːɐ / vill-kuah. Following/obeying the will; choosing to obey oneself;
arbitrariness, capriciousness.
Youxia (遊俠). Chinese / n. / juː ɕi.a / yoo-shee-ah. ‘Wandering vigilante’; a warrior folk hero
celebrated in classical Chinese poetry and fictional literature, commonly translated as ‘knight-
errant’, ‘cavalier’, or ‘adventurer’.
Volya (воля). Russian / n. / ˈvɔlʲə / voor-leh. Will, volition; power; pleasure; freedom, liberty.
Skill
Savoir-être. French / n. / sav.waʀ.ɛtʀ / sav-wah-et-ruh. Lit. knowing how to be; knowing how to be
and carry oneself; 'soft' or interpersonal skills.
Savoir-faire. French / n. / sav.waʀ.fɛʀ / sav-wah-fare. Lit. knowing how to do; the ability to behave in
a correct and confident way in different situations.
Savoir-vivre. French / n. / sav.waʀ.viv.ʀ / sav-wah-veev-ruh. Lit’ knowing how to live (particularly in

an elegant or refined way); being familiar with norms and customs.
[see also competence]
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Competence
Qualities
Aficionado. Spanish / n. / əfɪsjəˈnɑːdəʊ / a-fis-iun-ad-o. Lit. ‘to inspire affection’ (v.); someone who is
knowledgeable and/or enthusiastic about something; can have connotations of being an amateur (in
a benign sense).
Akrásia (ακρασια). Greek / n. / æ.kræˈsi.a / ah-krah-see-ah. Weakness of will; lack of self-control.
Að nenna. Icelandic / v. / aːð ˈnɛnːa / arth nen-nah. The capacity or state of being bothered to do
something; the ability or willingness to persevere through tasks (especially that are hard or boring).
Að redda. Icelandic / v. / aːð ˈrɛdːa / arth red-dah. To save someone or fix something in a time
sensitive manner.
Arrangiarsi. Italian / v. / a.ranˈʤaːsiː / a-rran-jar-see. The ability to 'make do' or 'get by'.
Aútexoúsios (αὐτεξούσιος). Greek / adj. / ew.teˈxuːsi.os / ew-teh-khoo-see-oss. Mastery of oneself;

exercising agency / free will (especially in the sense of independently of the passions/emotions).
Bricolage. French / n. / bʀi.kɔ.laʒ / brih-koh-laazge. DIY; a makeshift job; construction of something

achieved by using whatever comes to hand.
Coup. French / n. / ku / koo. Lit. strike; a well-executed manoeuvre; a sudden tactical victory.
Débonnaire. French / adj. / de.bɔn.ɛʀ / deh-bon-ayr. Charming, well-mannered; suave, smooth; easy-
going.
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Débrouillard. French / adj., n. / de.bʀu.jaʀ / deh-brroo-yah. Resourceful; skilled at adapting to any

situation; a resourceful person who can act independently or cope with any development (n.).
Desenrascanço. Portuguese / n. / ˌdɨ.zɐ̃j.̃ ʁɐʃ.ˈkɐ̃.sʊ / deh-zen-hass-can-so. Artful disentanglement

(e.g., from trouble); an improvised solution.
Élan. French / n. / eɪˈlɒ̃ / ay-loh. Lit. spring, bound, dart; spirit, enthusiasm; style, grace; flash,
panache.
Enérgeia (ἐνέργεια). Greek / n. / eˈner.ɣi.a / eh-ner-ghee-yah. Activity, operation; workmanship;

cosmic force, action; actuality (in Aristotelian philosophy).
Engelengeduld. Dutch / n. / ˈɛŋ.gɘ.lɘnˈɣɘ.dʊlt / eng-uhl-uhn-kher-dult. Angelic patience (i.e., great

patience).
Esperto/esperta. Portuguese / adj. / es̪ˈpɛr̺to̪ / esh-pear-toh. Skilled, expert; experienced, capable;

spirited; quick-witted.
Fiat. Latin / inj. / faɪæt / fy-at. ‘Let it be done’; a binding edict issued by a person in command.
Fluks. Afrikaans / adj. / fləks / fluhks. Hard-working, industrious; diligent, careful; deft, skilled.Gaman
(我慢). Japanese / n. / gæ.mæɲ / gah-mahn. Patience, fortitude, endurance, self-control/restraint.
Ganbaru (頑張る). Japanese / v. / ɡã̠mˈbɑːɾ̠ɯᵝ / gam-bar-ou. Lit. 'to stand firm'; to do one’s best.
Hypomonē (ὑπομονή). Greek / n. / i.po.moˈni / ee-poe-moe-nee. Constancy, endurance, ‘standing

firm’.
Fingerspitzengefühl. German / n. / ˈfɪŋɐʃpɪtsn̩ ɡəˌfyːl / fing-ah-shpitz-en-gu-foo-eh. Lit. ‘fingertip

feeling’; the ability to act with tact and sensitivity.
Gourmand. French / adj. / ɡuʀmɑ̃ / goor-mohn. A person who appreciates and/or consumes good
food and drink; possible connotations of greed or gluttony.
Gourmet. French / adj. / ɡuʀ.mɛ / goor-mehy. A person who appreciates and/or is knowledgable
about good food and drink; more refined implications than gourmand.
Jeito. Portuguese / n. / ˈʒejtu / jay-too. Hack, solution; to find a way by any means (often
circumventing rules or social conventions).
Jugaad (जुगाड). Hindi / n. / ʤuːˈgɑːd / joo-gaard. The ability to 'make do' or 'get by'; a 'hack' or
improvisation.
Kào pǔ (靠譜). Chinese / adj. / kaʊ.pu.uː / kow-pooor. Reliable, responsible; able to do things
without causing problems.
Karmānta/kammanta (कमाान्ि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kʌ.mɑːn.tʌ / kuh-marn-tuh. Action, management,

administration (as per samyak-karmānta, of the Noble Eightfold Path).
Keren. Indonesian / adj. / kəˈrɛn / kuh-rren. Cool; modern; spirited; impressive; dashing.
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Khalas (‫)خالص‬. Arabic / n. / kʰæ.læs / kha-lass. Something (e.g., a task) that is irrevocably
done/over/finished (often with an implication of liberation/deliverance as a result).
Kombinować. Polish / v. / kɒmˈbɪn.əʊ.væʧ / kom-bin-oh-vach. To fix, sort out, arrange; working out
an unusual solution to a problem; can sometimes have negative connotations (e.g., scheming or
hustling).
Mierenneuker. Dutch / n. / ˈmiːrənøːgər / meer-uh-noer-guh. Lit. ‘ant-f***er’; a nitpicker; someone

who takes pleasure in, or obsesses over, seemingly small or trivial details.
Modus operandi. Latin / phrase / ˈmoʊ.dəs ɒpəˈræn.daɪ / mo-dus op-er-an-di. ‘Manner of

operation’; a person's particular way of doing things.
Pábit. Czech / v. / ˈpaː.bɪt sɛ / paa-bit-seh To captivate people (e.g., by one’s natural behaviour
and/or passionate fascination with something).
Panache. French / n. / pa.naʃ / pah-nash. Lit. plume (e.g., on a helmet); a stylish, original, confident,
even flamboyant way doing things.
Pasikaustęs. Lithuanian / n. / pæ.sɪ.kɔːstiːz / pah-see-kor-stez. ‘The horse-shoed one’; someone with

all the right talent, skills and luck to be successful.
Pihentagyú. Hungarian / adj. / piːhɛn.tæʒ.juː / pee-hen-tazj-yoo. With a relaxed brain; being quick-
witted and sharp; can sometimes be used pejoratively (implying insufficient deployment of mental
resources/attention); more positively may also denote someone who can connect ideas in unusual
or creative ways.
Pimashu. Innu / v. / pə.mɑːhuː / p-mah-oo. To move with the wind.
Piszmogás. Hungarian / n. / pɪs.məʊ.gəs / pis-moh-gus. Fiddling or messing around at work, and not
really contributing, but keeping up the appearance of working hard.
Praotés (πρᾳότης). Greek / n. / prɑːˈɒt.eɪs / prah-oh-tace. Temperate; displaying the right blend of
force and reserve; capable of force but refraining from using it; gentleness, mildness, meekness,
kindness.
Pro bono. Latin / phrase / ˈproʊ ˈboʊ.noʊ / pro bo-no. ‘For good’; professional work done for free.
Qì zhì (氣质). Chinese / n. / tɕʰiː t͡ʂɘɻ / chee jrr. Quality of character, disposition, style, charm,
attractiveness, magnetism.
Shì (勢). Chinese / n. / ʃiː / shee. Power, force; tendency; situation; developing a favourable situation
with respect to one’s agenda; taking and maintaining the initiative; creating an overwhelming force.
Soler. Spanish / v. / səʊˈleər / soh-lair. To usually do; to be in the habit of doing something.
Speûde bradéōs (σπεῦδε βραδέως). Greek / phrase / spêu̯ .de bra.dé.ɔːs / speu-du bra-dos. ‘Make
haste slowly’; more haste, less speed (when hurrying tasks actually take longer).
79
Sprezzatura. Italian / n. / ˌsprɪt.səˈt(j)ʊə.rə / spritz-uh-toor-uh. Nonchalance; art and effort are

concealed beneath a studied carelessness.
Timshel (‫)תמשל‬. Hebrew / phrase / tɪm.ʃɛl / tim-shell. ‘Thou shall control’; ‘thou shall rule over’;
‘thou mayest”.
Tubli. Estonian / adj. / tʊb.liː / toob-lee. Having a good work ethic; capable, hardworking, diligent,
persistent, strong, good, fine.
Verschlimmbessern. German / v. / fɛɐ̯ˈʃlɪmˌbɛ.sɐn / ferr-shlim-beh-sen. A combination of the verbs

‘to make things worse’ and ‘to improve’; to make something worse in the attempt to improve it.
Załatwić. Polish / v. / zæˈlæt.viːʧ / zalat-veech. To deal with / take care of things, to sort things out,
to get a job done.
Zìrán zìzài (自然自在). Chinese / phrase / zɘɻ.ræn zɘɻ.zaɪ / zrr-ran zr-ziy. Lit. spontaneous, natural
(zìrán) ease, comfort, freedom, unrestraint (zìzài); effortless grace and ease.
Arenas
Adroit. French / adj. / ad.ʀwa / ah-drwa. Lit. according to right; skilled, resourceful; dexterous.
Aktivansteher. German / n. / akˈtiːvan.steɪə / ak-tee-van-stay-uh. ‘Active queuer; someone who is

skilled at queuing.
Ājīva (आजीर्). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ɑː. ʤiː.wʌ / ah-jee-wuh. Livelihood, work, mode of life.
Al dente. Italian / adj. / ælˈdɛn.teɪ / al den-tay. ‘To the tooth’; pasta or rice that is cooked to be firm
to the bite.
Amuse-bouche. French / n. / əˌmjuːzˈbuːʃ / u-myooz-boosh. ‘Mouth amuser’; a single, bite-sized hors

d'œuvre, not ordered from a menu by patrons but are served free and according to the chef's
selection alone (to prepare the guest for the meal and to offer a glimpse of the chef's style).
Aptukulit. Mi’kmaw / v. / æpt.kə.lɪt / apt-kuh-lit. To return successfully from hunting.
Avspasere. Norwegian / v. / ɑːvs.pɑːseə.reə / arvs-par-ser-eh. To take a day (or more) off from work
(e.g., because one has previously worked overtime and has built up credit).
Banchan (반찬). Korean / n. / ˈbɑːnˌtʃɑːn / ban-chan. A collective name for small side dishes served
along with cooked rice in Korean cuisine.
Bentō (弁当). Japanese / n. / bɛn.təʊ / ben-tow. Lit. ‘useful thing; a single-portion take-out or home-
packed meal common in Japanese cuisine.
Chiffonade. French / n. / ʃi.fɔ.nad / shi-fon-ahd. A slicing technique in which leafy green vegetables
are cut into long, thin strips.
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Dashi (だし). Japanese / n. / dæ.ʃi: / da-shee. A fish stock used in Japanese cuisine, forming the basis
for dishes such as miso soup, to accentuate the umami flavour.
Digestif. French / n. / diːʒɛˈstiːf / de-jest-eef. ‘Digestive’; a drink, typically alcoholic, normally served
after a meal.
Dím sām (點心). Cantonese / n. / dɪm sʌm / dim sam. A style of Chinese cuisine, involving small bite-
sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on a small plate.
Furūsiyya (‫)فروسية‬. Arabic / n. / fɜːruːsiːjæ / fur-oo-see-yuh. Equestrian martial exercise.
Geisha (芸者). Japanese / n. / ɡeːɕa / ge-shuh. Artisan, performing artist; women who entertain
through performing the ancient traditions of art, dance and singing.
Go (igo) (囲碁). Japanese / n. / gəʊ / go. Lit. surround game; a board-game originating in ancient
China.
Gōng fu (功夫). Chinese / n. / gɒŋ.fuː / gong-foo. Lit. work/achievement (by a person); refers
generically to acquisition of a skill (particularly if it takes time and effort); more recent usage
reserves it specifically for martial arts.
Hāngi. Māori / n. / ˈhaːŋi] / hang-ee. A traditional Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks
buried in an umu (pit oven).
Haute cuisine. French / n. / ˈo kɥizin / oh-kwee-zeen. Lit. high cooking; fine dining (e.g., involving
rare and/or expensive ingredients, eaten in exclusive establishments).
Heijunka (平準化). Japanese / n. / heɪ.ʤʌŋ.kə / hay-junk-uh. ‘Production leveling’, ‘production

smoothing’; a technique for reducing the mura (unevenness) which in turn reduces muda (waste);
central to ‘lean manufacturing’ (producing intermediate goods at a constant rate so that further
processing may also be carried out at a constant and predictable rate).
Innlevelse. Norwegian / n. / ɪn.lə.vɛl.sə / inn-leh-vel-suh. Empathy; commitment; an actor with the

ability to live and act as their character.
Karakuri (絡繰り). Japanese / n. / kæ.ræ.kʊə.riː / ka-ra-koor-ee. ‘Mechanisms’, ‘trick’; any device

that evokes a sense of awe through concealment of its inner workings; traditional Japanese
mechanized puppets or automata.
Kimchi (김치). Korean / n. / ˈkɪm.tʃiː / kim-chee. A traditional Korean side dish of salted and
fermented vegetables (such as napa cabbage).
Konfliktfähigkeit. German / n. / kɒnˈflɪkt.feɪ.ɪç.haɪt / kon-flict-fay-ikh-hite. The ability to manage

interpersonal conflict constructively, without becoming personally involved.
Kuśala/Kusala (कुसल). Sanskrit/Pāli / n., adj. / kʊ.ʃʌlʌ / kuh-shull-uh. Virtue, goodness; skilful, ethical.
La’asot chaim (‫)לעשות חיים‬. Hebrew / v. / ˈlɑ.ɑːsɒt ˈxaɪ.iːm / lah-ah-sot kha-eem. Lit. 'to do or to
make life'; to live fully, to have a good time.
81
L’chaim (‫)לְׁ חַּ יִ ים‬. Hebrew / phrase / ləˈxaɪ.iːm / luh-khai-im. Lit. ‘to life’.
Magosaha. Sama / n. / mæ.gə.sɑ.hɑː / mah-goh-sah-hah. Seeking a livelihood; the necessity of

continuously searching the sea for sustenance; wanderlust conditioned by a lifetime of travel.
Mezze. Persian / n. / ˈmɛzeɪ / meh-zay. ‘Taste’, ‘snack’; a selection of small dishes served as
appetizers or as part of multi-course meals in parts of the Middle East, Eastern and Southern Europe,
and North Africa.
Mise en place. French / n. / miːz ɒ̃ ˈplas / meez-uh-plass. ‘Putting in place’; the set-up before cooking
(e.g., organizing and arranging the ingredients).
Passivhaus. German / n. / pæ.sɪv.haʊs / pah-siv-howss. ‘Passive house’; a voluntary standard for

energy efficiency in a building, which reduces the building's ecological footprint.
Qooto qooto. Somali / v. / kuːtuː kuːtuː / koo-too koo-too. To try to get one’s way, even if one lacks
the wherewithal, through whatever means; to live in reliance on others (whether through
persuasion, begging or deception).
Sadae (사대). Korean / v. / sɑːdeɪ / sar-day. Dealing with, or serving, the great and/or powerful; can
be used in relation to diplomacy (e.g., in relationships between nations).
Saper vivere. Italian / n. / sæˈpeə.rə viːveə.rə / sah-pare-eh vee-vare-eh. The ability to handle people
and situations with charm, diplomacy and verve; cf. savior faire (French).
Schmooze. Yiddish / v. / ˈshmüz / shmooz. To chat in a friendly and persuasive manner, especially so
as to gain favor, business, or connections
Smörgåsbord. Swedish / n. / ˈsmœ̂ r.ɡɔsˌbuːɖ / smoer-gus-boord. ‘Sanswich table’; a type of

Scandinavian meal, originating in Sweden, served buffet-style with multiple hot and cold dishes.
Tiki taka. Basque / n. / tɪ.kɪ tæ.kæ / tih-kee tah-kah. Taking quick, light steps; a style of football
based on retaining possession by using intricate sequences of short passes.
Tsugite (継手). Japense / n. / tsuːgɪt.eɪ / tsoo-git-eh. ‘Joinery’; the Japanese art of joining pieces of
wood without glue, nails or metal supports.
Wǔxiá (武俠). Chinese / n. / wù.ɕjǎ / woo-shee-uh. ‘Martial heroes’; a genre of fiction concerning the
adventures of martial artists in ancient China.
Zakuski (закуски). Russian / n. / zɐˈkuskʲɪ / za-koos-kyee. ‘Something to bite after’; cold hors
d'oeuvres, entrées and snacks, either as a course as it is, or intended to follow each shot of vodka or
another alcoholic drink.
Development
Agon (ἀγών). Greek / n. / aɣón / ah-gon. Contest, competition, gathering, struggle; often used to
imply a clash of opposing forces that ultimately results in growth, progress.
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Alma mater. Latin / phrase / ɔːlmə mɑːtə / al-ma mar-tuh. ‘Nourishing mother’; term used for the
university one attends or has attended.
Ambientamento. Italian / n. / ˈæm.bɪən.tə.mento / am-bee-en-tah-men-toh. Settling-in;

acclimatisation; adjustment.
Arriviste. French / n. / aʀ.iv.ist / ah-ree-veest. An ambitious social-climber or go-getter (with

connotations of ruthlessness).
Beruf. German / n. / bəˈruːf / buh-rooff. Trade, job, occupation. Berufung: vocation, calling, religious
calling.
Bildung. German / n. / ˈbɪldʊŋ / bill-doong. Education, formation, acculturation, cultivation,

development.
Bildungsroman. German / n. / ˈbɪldʊŋs .ʁoˌmaːn / bill-doongs roe-mahn. A coming-of-age story; a

narrative of education/formation.
Catkuta. Lakota / n. / ʧɑːtkuːtɑː / chah-t'koo-tah. Seat or place of honour.
Connaisseur. French / n., adj. / kɔ.nɛ.sœʀ / koh-nay-sir. Lit ‘one who knows’; expert; borrowed as
connoisseur in English.
Emeritus. Latin / phrase / i(ː)ˈmɛ.rɪ.təs / eh-mer-rit-us. ‘Out of earning’, ‘out of office’; a retired
person who has been granted the right to retain as an honorary title the rank of the last office held.
Eudaimonia (ευδαιμονία). Greek / n. / juːdᵻˈmoʊniə / you-de-moe-nia. Lit. 'good spirit'; fulfilment,

flourishing, being infused with divine grace.
Hubris (ὕβρις). Greek / n. / hý.bris / hoo-briss. Extreme pride, arrogance, or overconfidence;

especially associated with behaviour that challenges or defies the gods.
Jìn qû (进取). Chinese / adj. / ʤɪn tɕʰu / jin choo. Proactive; ambitious; constantly progressing;
forging ahead.
Kaizen (改善). Japanese / n. / kaɪ.zɛn / kai-zen. Gradual, incremental (and often continuous)
improvement.
Künstlerroman. German / n. / ˈkʏnst.lɐ.ʁoˌmaːn / koonst-lu-roh-man. ‘Artist's novel; a story about an

artist's growth to maturity.
Manqué. French / adj. / mɑ̃k / mahnk. Lit. missing, loss of; failing to become or achieve what one
might have.
Méntōr (Μέντωρ). Greek / p. / ˈmɛn.tɔː / men-tor. Friend of Odysseus who looked after and guided
his son Telemachus when Odysseus left for the Trojan War; root of term ‘mentor’.
Muda (無駄). Japanese / n. / muːdə / moo-duh. Futility; uselessness; wastefulness; a key concept in
lean process thinking (e.g., the Toyota Production System) as one of the three types of deviation
from optimal allocation of resources (muda, mura, and muri).
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Mura (斑). Japanese / n. / muːrə / moor-uh. Unevenness; irregularity; non-uniformity; inequality; a

key concept in lean process thinking (e.g., the Toyota Production System) as one of the three types
of deviation from optimal allocation of resources (muda, mura, and muri).
Muri (無理). Japanese / n. / muːri : / moor-ee. Unreasonableness; impossible; beyond one's power;
too difficult; by force; perforce; forcibly; compulsorily; excessiveness; immoderation; a key concept
in lean process thinking (e.g., the Toyota Production System) as one of the three types of deviation
from optimal allocation of resources (muda, mura, and muri).
Nemawashi (根回し). Japanese / n. / nɛ.mɑːwɑːʃiː / neh-mah-wah-shee. Lit. revolving or going

around the roots (e.g., preparing a tree for transplant to different soil); laying the foundations for a
proposed project or change; consensus-building.
Odkoukat. Czech / v. / ɒd.kuːkæt / od-koo-kat. To learn by watching.
Pasthāna/paṭṭhāna (स्मत्ृ यप
ु स्थान). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / pʌs.θɑːnʌ / puhs-thah-nuh. Conditions; setting
forth, going forward.
Schlemiel (‫)שלומיאל‬. Yiddish / n. / ʃləˈmiːl / shluh-meel. An incompetent, unlucky, clumsy or foolish

person.
Shuhari (しゅはり). Japanese / n. / ʃuːhɑːriː / shoo-har-ee. ‘Keep, fall, break away’; a reflection on
the stages towards mastery of a skill; first ‘protect’ or ‘obey’ (learning fundamentals and traditional
wisdom), then ‘detach’ or ‘digress’ (breaking with tradition), then ‘leave’ or ‘separate’ (transcending
barriers, moves become natural).
Solfeggio. Italian / n. / sɒlˈfɛd.ʒioʊ / sol-fed-jioo. A music education method used to teach aural
skills, pitch and sight-reading of Western music.
Tarbiya (‫)”تربية‬. Arabic / n. / tɑːbiːjɘ / tar-bee-yuh. Education; development; training; can refer to on-
going moral and spiritual development.
Upāya (उपाय). Sanskrit / adj. / ʊˈpaɪ.jʌ / oo-puy-uh. Skilfil, skilful means; expedient; that which is
conducive to flourishin; that which leads to enlightenment.
Vyāyāma/vāyāma (व्यायाम). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / wjɑː.jɑː.mʌ / vyah-yah-ma. Effort, exercise, training

(as per samyak-vyāyāma, of the Noble Eightfold Path).
Xiū liàn (修煉). Chinese / n. / ɕɪ.u li.ɛn / see-oo lee-en. Spiritual training; self-cultivation; practising
asceticism or austerities.
Yuán bèi (圓備). Chinese / n. / juɛn.beɪ / yoo-en-bey. Preparation completed; being reunited; full
recovery, especially of the physical body; a sense of complete accomplishment.
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Understanding
Existence
Ab aeterno. Latin / phrase / ˈæb i(ː)ˈtɜːno / ab ay-ter-np. ‘From eternity’; philosophically and
theologically, indicates that something (e.g., the universe) was created outside of time.
Ádvaita (अद्र्ैि). Sanskrit / n. / ʌd.vaɪ.tʌ / ud-vy-tuh. Non-dual; the notion that there is only one
reality.
Aión (αἰών). Greek / n. / ɛˈon / ee-on. A lifespan; an allotment of time; an age or era; eternity.
Achsenzeit. German / n. / ˈak.sən.tsait / ak-sen-tsiyt. Axis age, axial age; co'ined by Karl Jaspers to
denote a key period in human history, roughly from the 3rd to 8th Centuries BCE, characterised by the
emergence of new philosophical systems.
85
Alethéia (ἀλήθεια). Greek / n. / ɑ.leɪˈθi.a / ah-lay-thee-ah. Truth, disclosure, ‘unclosedness’,

‘unconcealedness’.
Anitya/anicca (अतनत्य). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / æˈniːt.jə / a-neet-yah. Impermanence; the notion that

existence is transient, evanescent, and inconstant.
Apramāṇa/appamaññā (अप्रमाण). Sanskrit/Pāli / n, adj. / æp.ræ.ɱɑːɳɘ / ap-ra-mah-na.

Immeasurable, boundless.
Ātomos (ἄτομος). Greek / n. / æ.tɒ.mɒs / ah-toh-mos. Lit. indivisible or uncuttable; the idea of the
universe being composed of fundamental units.
Ayni. Quechua / n., v. / aɪ.niː / ay-nee. The concept and/or practice of reciprocity or mutualism
among people of the Andean mountain communities; a philosophy of the interconnectedness of all
life.
Axis mundi. Latin / n. / ˈak.səs ˈmu̇ n.dē / ax-iss mun-dee. World axis, world pillar, cosmic axis; line
through the earth’s centre, around which it revolves; in mythology, connecting the earth to the
heavens and the underworld.
Binah (‫)בינה‬. Hebrew / n. / bɪˈnæ / bih-nah. Understanding; the third sephirot in the Kabbalah
tradition, denoting the process/quality which gives form to creation.
Byt (быт). Russian / n. / bɨt / bweet. Everyday life, daily life, quotidian existence, material culture,
private life, domestic life (often used somewhat pejoratively, in contrast to Bytie).
Bytie (бытие). Russian / n. / bɨtʲɪˈje / bweet-ee-yee-ah. Being; authentic existence; spiritual

existence.
Chokmah (‫)חכמה‬. Hebrew / n. / xɒx.mæh / khokh-mah. Wisdom; the second sephirot in the
Kabbalah tradition, denoting the primary force in the process of creation.
Cocagne. French / n. / kɒ.kaɲ / kok-ang / aka Cockaigne (English). A mythical land of ease and plenty
(etymology uncertain).
Dasein. German / v. / ˈdaːzaɪn / dah-zine. Lit. ‘being here/there’; Heidegger’s term for a human
being, capturing the sense that people always exist in a context (e.g., in a world and in a certain
mood).
Degrassé. English (new) / n. / də.græs.eɪ / duh-grass-eh. Entranced and unsettled by the vastness of
the universe; coined by John Koenig.
Degrassé. English (new) / n. / də.græs.eɪ / duh-grass-eh. Entranced and unsettled by the vastness of
the universe; coined by John Koenig.
Dhárma/dhamma (धमा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈd̪ ʱɑːmə or d̪ ʰɐm.mɐ / dhar-ma or dam-ma. Law; what is
established; principles of the universe; guidelines for action; teachings (e.g., of the Buddha).
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Dhármacakrá/dhammacakka (धमा िक्र). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈd̪ ʱɑːmə.ʧʌk.ɽʌ / dhar-ma.chuk-ruh. Wheel

of dharma. A way of conceptualising, representing, and teaching the dharma.
ْ
Dunyā (‫)دنيا‬. Arabic / n. / dənˈjɑː / dun-yaa. Lit. closer or lower; the temporal world (in contrast to
Ākhirah (‫)اآلخرة‬, the afterlife); earthly concerns, delights, and possessions.
Dvāpara Yuga (द्र्ापर युग). Sanskrit / n. / dvɑːpʌ.rʌ juːgʌ / dvah-puh-ruh yoo-gah. The age/era (Yuga)
of ‘two ahead’ (dvāpara), i.e., third place, thought to have lasted 864,000 years; the third of four
eras in Hinduism; further diminishing spirituality of humankind (from the previous eras).
Ekleipsis (ἔκλειψῐς). Greek / n. / ɛk.liːp.sɪs / ek-leep-siss. An abandonment, a failing, a forseeking.
Ein sof (‫)סוף אין‬. Hebrew / n., adj. / ɛnˈsɒf / en-soff. Lit. unending or infinite; in the Kabbalah
tradition, refers to God in ‘His’ pure, transcendent essence, prior to self-manifestation.
Ella (aka cella, cilla). Yup’ik / n. / ɛl.læ / ell-lah. Awareness; environment, world, universe; weather;
mood; can imply the notion that life as a whole (and all elements within it) possesses awareness.
Enûma Eliš (𒂊𒉡𒈠𒂊𒇺). Akkadian / n. / ɛnuːm ɛlɪʃ / eh-noo-muh eh-lish. ‘When on high’; the
Babylonian creation myth.
Equinoxium. Latin / n. / iːk.wɪ.nɒk.sɪəm / eh-kwee-nok-see-um. Equality of night (and day).
Et (‫)את‬. Hebrew / particle / ɑːt / aht. A structural word (e.g., indicating the direct object of the
sentence); its two letters – aleph (‫ )א‬and tav (‫ – )ת‬also the first and last letters of the Hebrew
alphabet; as such, it can also imply the beginning and the end of something (cf. alpha and omega).
Eucatastrophe. English (new) / n. / juːkə.tæ.strə.fi / yoo-kah-tah-stoh-fee. A sudden, favourable

resolution of events; a happy ending. Coined by J. R. R. Tolkien.
Ex nihilo. Latin / phrase / eks-ˈnē-(h)ə-ˌlō / eks nu-hee-lo. From or out of nothing.
Ficar. Portuguese / v. / fiˈkar / fih-kar. To be; one of three verbs for being in Portuguese, used to
denote a completed condition and a precise place and time.
Gevurah (‫)גבורה‬. Hebrew / n. / gɘ.vuːˈrɘ / guh-voo-rruh. Power, might; judgement; the fifth sephirot
in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting the enactment of justice.
Geworfenheit. German / n. / gɘˈvɔːfɘn.haɪt / guh-vor-fuhn-hite. ‘Thrownness’; existence as

characterised by the condition of being thrown into contexts that are not of one’s choosing).
Guwayu. Wiradjuri / inj. / gʊ.weɪ.juː / goo-way-oo. In a little while; later; after some time.
Háidēs (Άͅδης). Greek / p., n. / ha͜ːj ́.dɛːs / har-dees. In Greek mythology, the God of the underworld
(also of death, the dead, and riches); the underworld itself; known as Pluto in Roman mythology.
Heilsgeschichte. German / n. / haɪ̯ls.ɡəˈʃɪçtə / hayl-guh-steesh-tuh. ‘Salvation history’; history seen

as the work of God's salvation.
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Hod (‫)הוד‬. Hebrew / n. / hʊd / hood. Majesty, splendour; the eighth sephirot in the Kabbalah
tradition, denoting the glory of creation.
Holon. English (new) / n. / həʊ.lɒn / hoe-lon. Combining holos (all, whole) with on (denoting a part),
reflecting the idea that everything is simultaneously a whole and a part; coined by Arthur Koestler.
Holos (ὅλος). Greek / n. / hɒ.lɒs / hoh-loss. All; whole.
Hózhǫ́. Navaho / n. / hɔ̃.ʒɔ̃ / hoh-zho. Peace, balance, beauty and harmony.
Kal (कल). Hindi / adv. / kɑl / kall. Yesterday; tomorrow.
Kali Yuga (कलियुग). Sanskrit / n. / kʌ.liː juːgʌ / kuh-lee yoo-gah. The age/era (Yuga) of the demon, or
sin (Kali), thought to last 432,000 years; the fourth and current of four eras in Hinduism; an age of
degeneration, discord, and fall.
Kayfabe. English (new) / n. / ˈkeɪˌfeɪb / kay-fayb. The portrayal of staged events as ‘real’ or ‘true’
(e.g., in professional wrestling).
Keter (‫)כתר‬. Hebrew / n. / ˈkɛ.teə / keh-tair. Lit. crown; the first sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition,
denoting the the initial impulse of Ein Sof to become manifested in the world.
Khaos (χάος). Greek / n. / xáos / khah-oss. Chaos; in Greek mythology, the void preceding the birth
of the cosmos.
Kosmos (κόσμος). Greek / n. / ˈkós.mos / koss-moss. Lit. something ordered / an ordered system; the
world or universe as a complex and orderly system.
Koyaanisqatsi. Hopi / n. / ˈkɔɪ.ɑːnɪsˈkɑːtsiː / koy-an-iss-kah-tsee. Nature out of balance; a state of

affairs (e.g., dysfunctional) that calls for another way of living.
Lakṣaṇa/lakshana (लक्षण). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈlʊk.ʃʊn.ə / look-shn-a. symptom, sign, quality,

attribute; ‘marks of conditioned existence’.
Līlā (लीला). Sanskrit / n. / liːlæ / lee-lah. Lit. game, play; used in Hinduism to describe reality as being
the outcome of creative play by the divine absolute (Brahman).
Logos (λόγος). Greek / n. / ˈlo.ɣos / loh-yoss. Word, reason, plan; in theology, the principle of divine
reason and creative order.
Mahābhūta (महािूि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʌ.hɑːbʰuːtɘ / muh-har-bhoo-tuh. Great elements/forces;

the dimensions/components that comprise the physical world (i.e., space/ether, air, fire, water and
earth).
Malchut (‫)מלכות‬. Hebrew / n. / mɒl.ʜuːt / mal-hoot. Realm; the final sephirot in the Kabbalah
tradition, denoting the ‘finished product’ of the manifest world itself.
Maraṇa smṛti/sati (मरण स्मतृ ि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʌ.rʌ.nʌ smrɪˈtiː / muh-ruh-nuh smrih-tee.
Meditation on (or awareness of) death/mortality.
88
Metaxy/u (μεταξύ). Greek / n. / mɛ.tæk.suː / meh-tax-oo. In-between or middle ground; a

separation that is also a link; someone/something partaking in different spheres/realms (e.g., human
and divine).
Nemesis (Νέμεσις). Greek / p. / nɛ.mə.sɪs / neh-muh-sis. A process of justice and/or retribution,

personified as a goddess; a force of divine punishment against evil deeds, undeserved fortune, and
particularly against hubris (arrogance against the Gods).
Nepakartojama. Lithuanian / n. / nɛ.pæ.kə.təʊ.ʤɑːmə / neh-pah-keh-to-jah-mah. ‘Unable to repeat’;

a perfect situation which will never happen again.
Netzach (‫)נצח‬. Hebrew / n. / neɪ.tsæx / nay-tsakh. Endurance, eternity; fortitude, triumph; the
seventh, denoting the endurance of Ein Sof in the act of creation.
Ofrenda. Spanish / n. / ɒf.rɛn.də / oh-frrend-uh. Lit. offering; tribute, gift; a collection of objects
placed on a ritual display during the annual and traditionally Mexican Día de Muertos celebration.
Omphalos (ὀμφαλός). Greek / n. / omˈpʰa.lós / om-fah-loss. Lit. navel; a heb, centre, pivotal point; in
mythology, the ‘navel’ (i.e., central point) of the universe (often in the form of a religious stone
artefact).
Pacha. Quechua / n. / pæ.ʧæ / pah-chah. Lit earth or world; a way of dividing realms (spatially and
temporally) in Incan cosmology; the spirit animating earth/nature (cf. Gaia).
Perigee (περί + γῆ). Greek / n. / pɛ.ɹɪd.ʒiː / peh-ri-jee. ‘Near earth’; the point in the orbit of an object
that is nearest to the object it is orbiting.
Poshlost (по́ шлость). Russian / n. / ˈpʌʃ.ləst / puhsh-luhst. Triviality, banality; philistinism; something
devoid of meaning or beauty; the ‘falsely’ meaningful or beautiful; a misguided belief that happiness
can be found in phenomena that are not conducive to it (e.g., consumerism).
Powehi. Hawaiian / n. / pəʊ.wɛ.hiː / poe-weh-hee. The adorned fathomless dark creation;

embellished dark source of unending creation; name given to the black hole photographed in 2019.
Prāgmatikós (πραγματικότητα). Greek / n. / praɣ.ma.tiˈkos / prag-mah-tee-kose. Reality; actuality,

factuality; the world as it actually is. Stands in contrast to alétheia (reality as subjectively perceived
and appraisedby human beings).
Pratītya-samutpāda / paṭicca-samuppāda (प्रिीत्यसमुत्पाद). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / praˈtiːt.ja

sa.mʊtˈpɑː.dɑ / prah-teet-yah sa-muut-pah-dah. Dependent origination; the law of conditionality.
Profanus. Latin / adj. / prɔˈfaː.nʊs / proh-far-noos. Lit. before (pro), i.e., outside, the temple (fanus);
secular, non-religious; origin of ‘profane.’
Pura vida. Spanish / phrase / puːræ viːdæ / poor-ah vee-dah. Lit. pure life, simple life; a motto,
philosophy, and way of being closely associated with Costa Rica.
Quotīdiānus. Latin / adj. / kʷo.tiːdiˈaːnəs / kwo-tee-dee-ah-nus. Occuring daily; mundane, ordinary;

rendered in English (via French) as quotidian.
89
Romjul. Norwegian / n. / rɒm.juːl / rom-yool. ‘Christmas space’’; the period between Christmas and
New Year.
Ṛta (ऋिं). Sanskrit / n. / rə.tə / rh-t. order, rule; truth; ‘that which is properly/excellently joined’; the
principle of natural order which regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe.
Saṃsāra (संसार). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˌsæmˈsɑː.rə / sam-sah-ruh. Lit. ‘wandering’ or ‘world’; cyclic,

circuitous change; a theory of rebirth; the nature of ‘mundane’ (conventional) existence.
Samudaya (समुदाय). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʌ.mʊˈdaɪ.jʌ / suh-moo-dye-uh. Origin, cause; the second

noble truth (that duḥkha has a cause, i.e., craving).
Satya Yuga (सत्य युग). Sanskrit / n. / sʌt.jʌ juːgʌ / sut-yuh yoo-guh / aka Sat Yuga, Krta Yuga, Krita
Yuga. The age/era (Yuga) of truth (satya), thought to have lasted 1,728,000 years; the first of four
eras in Hinduism; the golden age, the moral and spiritual highpoint of the ongoing cycle of Yugas.
Sea Ania. Yaqui / n. / siː əniːjə / see ah-nee-uh. The ‘flower world’; enchanted world of the mind
‘beneath the dawn’; all that is good and beautiful in life.
Sephirot(h) (‫)ס ִפירֹות‬.

ְׁ Hebrew / n. / sfɪˈroʊt/ sfih-roht. Emanations, attributes; the way Ein Sof
‘reveals Himself,’ thereby creating the various spiritual and physical realms.
Sobytie (Событие). Russian / n. / sɒ.bɨtʲɪˈje / soh-bweet-ee-yee-ah. Lit. co-being, being bound

together; event; when many different processes of being converge to create an event.
Sōlstitium. Latin / n. / sɒl.stɪt.ɪəm / soll-stit-ee-um. Lit. a still or stopped sun, a stoppage or standing
still of the sun; root of the term solstice.
Status quo. Latin / phrase / steɪ.təs kwəʊ / stay-tuss kwo. The existing state of affairs.
Sternstunde. German / n. / ˈʃtɛrn.ʃtʊn.də / shtern-shtun-duh. Lit. star hour; a great or significant

moment; a dramatically condensed event of great import and brief duration that occur rarely in life.
Stushevatsya (стушеваться). Russian / v. / stuːʃə.vɑːtsjʌ / stoo-shu-varst-yuh. To leave quietly; to

drop gently out of view, or out of existence; to fade into the background; to become less important;
coined by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Sud’ba (судьба). Russian / n. / suːd.bɑ / suud-bah. Fate, destiny, fortune.
Substantia. Latin / n. / sʊpˈstan.ti.a / soop-stan-tee-ah. Essence, substance; material, contents; self-

subsistence (i.e., an entity or phenomenon that depends upon nothing else for its existence);
something that stands under or grounds things.
Suzugos (σύζυγος). Greek / n., adj. / ˈsuːzə.gos / soo-zu-goss. ‘Yoked together'; a roughly straight-
line configuration of three or more celestial bodies in a gravitational system (anglicised as Syzygy).
Tachlit (‫)תכלית‬. Hebrew / n. / tæḵˈliːt / takh-leet. Purpose, aim; essence; in practical terms (aka
‘brass-tacks’); in reality, point of fact.
90
Tai (太). Chinese / n. / taɪ / ty. Great, greatest, supreme, ultimate.
Tao (道). Chinese / n. / tʰaʊ / t/d-ao. All-powerful and pervasive power, path or way; the unfolding
dynamic process of reality itself.
Tehom (‫)תהֹום‬.
ְׁ Hebrew / n. / teɪ hɒm / tay-hom. The deep, the abyss; the Great Deep of the
primordial waters of creation in the Bible.
Tīng tiān yōu mìng (聽天悠命). Chinese / phrase / tɪŋ.tiːæn.jəʊ.mɪŋ / ting-teean-yoh-ming. Lit. to
listen to life; to submit to the will of heaven; to resign oneself to fate; to trust in luck.
Tempus fugit. Latin / phrase / ˈtɛm.pəs ˈfuːʤɪt / tem-puss foo-jit. Time flies, flees, escapes.
Tenku Ania. Yaqui / n. / tɛn.kuː əniːjə / ten-koo ah-nee-uh. The ‘dream world’; the incomprehensible
private world.
Thalia (Θαλία). Greek / n., pron. / θɑːliːə / thar-lee-uh. Abudance; luxury; blooming life. One of three
charities (or graces) in Greek mythology.
Tiferet (‫)תפארת‬. Hebrew / n. / tifˈʔeʁ.eθ / tif air-eth. Beauty; balance; the sixth sephirot in the
Kabbalah tradition, integrating Hésed and Gevurah.
Tohu wa-bohu (‫)תהו ו ָֹ֔בהו‬.

ֹ֙ Hebrew / phrase / təʊ.huː wæ bəʊ.huː / toh-hoo w abo-hoo. ‘Unseen and
unformed’; ‘without form, and void’; a Biblical phrase found in the Genesis creation narrative
(Genesis 1:2) that describes the condition of the earth (eretz) immediately before the creation of
light in Genesis 1:3.
Torschlusspanik. German / n. / ˈtɔːʃ.luːs.pæ.nɪk / torsh-looss-panik. Lit. ‘gate-closing panic’; the

worry/fear about diminishing life opportunities as one gets older; also refers to people acting hastily
generally when time is running out.
Treta Yuga (त्रेिा युग). Sanskrit / n. / treɪ.tʌ juːgʌ / tray-tuh yoo-guh. The age/era (Yuga) of ‘three
things’ (treta), namely avatars of Vishnu, thought to have lasted 1,296,000 years; the second of four
eras in Hinduism; diminishing power and spirituality of humankind (from the high point of the Satya
Yuga).
Tuka Ania. Yaqui / n. / tuːkə əniːjə / too-kuh ah-nee-uh. The ‘night world’; the ‘magical world’.
Ukiyo (浮世). Japanese / n. / ʊk.iːjəʊ / ook-ee-oh. Lit floating/drifting world; appraising the
ephemerality of the world; living within transient moments of fleeting beauty.
Ukiyo-e (浮世絵). Japanese / n. / ʊk.iːjəʊ iː / ook-ee-oh-ee. ‘Picture[s] of the floating world’; a

Japanese art movement which flourished from the 17th to the 19th centuries, involving woodblock
prints and paintings of such subjects as female beauty, scenes from history and folk tales, travel
scenes and landscapes.
Urangutan. Malay / n. / əˈɹæŋ.əˌtæŋ / uh-rang-oo-tang. Forest man; possibly bestowed on the ape
genus Pongo by Europeans.
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Utakata (泡沫). Japanese / n. / uːtɑːkɑːtɑː / oo-tah-kah-tah. Lit. bubbles, foam; ephemerality,

transciency.
Utu (उि)ु . Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʊtʊ / uu-tuu. Seasons (as per utu-niyāma, i.e., the ‘law of the seasons,’
namely the regularity of environmental phenomena).
Wú (無). Chinese / n. / wuː / woo. Negative, void, nothingness, non-being; can imply 'neither yes nor
no'.
Wú jí (無極). Chinese / n. / wuː tɕʰiː / woo chjee. Lit. without highest point, utmost point, ridgepole;
ultimate, boundless, limitless; the primodial universe; original nature.
Wú wéi (無爲). Chinese / n. / wuː weɪ / woo way. Lit. non-action or non-doing; natural, spontaneous,
effortless action; aligning with the Tao.
Yesod (‫)יסוד‬. Hebrew / n. / jɪs.sɒd / yiss-sod. Foundation; the ninth sephirot in the Kabbalah
tradition, denoting the actual creation of the manifest world.
Yīn yáng (陰陽). Chinese / n. / ˈjiːnˈjʌŋ / yin-yung. Cloud/cloudy (Yīn), sun/sunlit (Yang); holistic
duality; dialectical (co-dependent) opposites.
Yo Ania. Yaqui / n. / jəʊ əniːjə / yo ah-nee-uh. The ‘enchanted world’; night world of the shadow
(often associated with caves); can be a source of spiritual power.
Zeg. Georgian / n. / zɛg / zeg. The day after tomorrow.
Zeitgeber. German / n. / tsaɪtˌɡeːbɐ / ziyt-gee-buh. ‘Time giver’; any external or environmental cue
that synchronizes an organism's biological rhythms to the Earth's cycles.
Forms
Arche (ἀρχή). Greek / n. / ˈɑːr.ki / ar-ke. Source of action; first principle; beginning, origin.
Aufforderungscharakter. German / n. / 'aʊ.fɔːdə.ruːŋz.kaˈraktɐ / ow-for-duh-roongz.kah-rak-tuh. Lit.

demand character or invitation; coined by Kurt Lewin to denote how objects ‘want’ to be
used/treated (e.g., door handle ‘wants’ to be turned); basis of the English term valence.
Agathism. English / n. / ˈa-gə-ˌthi-zəm / ah-guh-thizm. From the Greek agathos (ἀγαθός), i.e., good;
the doctrine that all things tend towards 'ultimate good.
Álpha (Άλφα). Greek / n. / ˈal.fa / al-fah. First letter of the Greek alphabet (Α, α); can denote the first
in a series, or the beginning of something.
Amor fati. Latin / n. / amuʀ fæti / a-moor fah-tee. Lit. ‘love of fate’; a philosophy or attitude which
sees everything that happens as being ultimately good (or at least necessary).
Augur. Latin / n. / ˈɔːgə / or-guh. A religious official who foretold events by observing and
interpreting natural signs.
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Auspices. Latin / n. / ˈɔ spə sɪz / or-spih-seez. Supernatural signs, especially flights of birds or
weather signs; a divination or prognostication.
Ayurnamat. Inuktitut / n. / ɪ.jɜːnæ.mæt / ih-yur-nah-mat. Stoicism; the possibility or approach of not

worrying about things that cannot be changed.
Bīja (बीज). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / biː.ʤʌ / bee-juh. Seed(s) (as per bīja-niyāma, i.e., the ‘law of seeds,’
namely the patterns in the realm of organic phenomena).
Capoter. French (Quebec) / v. / kapɔte / kah-poe-tay. Lit. to overturn or derail; can be used in a
positive way to express delight or ecstasy; can also be used in negative contexts to imply feeling
overwhelmed and/or at a loss.
Catvāri āryasatyāni / cattāri ariyasaccāni (ित्र्ारर आयासत्यातन). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kʌtˈwɑːɹi

ˈɑːjæ.sætˈjɑːnɪ / cat-wah-ree ah-ya-sat-yah-nee. Lit. ‘truths of the noble ones’; the ‘noble truths.’
Complicité. French / n. / kɔ̃.pli.si.te / koh-plih-sih-tey. Complicity (e.g., before the law); also, a tacit
understanding that no longer needs to be explicitly articulated (e.g., in the context of long-term
relationships).
Cornu copiae. Latin / n. / kɔːnuː kəʊ.piːə / kor-noo koh-pee-uh. Lit. ‘horn of plenty’; often a horn-
shaped contained filled with produce; a symbol of nourishment and abundance.
Eidólon (εἴδωλον). Greek / n. / ˈaɪ.ðo.lon / eye-dtho-lon. Image; representation; reflection; phantom;

idol.
Epistēmē (ἐπιστήμη). Greek / n. / ɛpɪˈstiːmɪ / ep-e-stee-me. Knowledge or understanding (e.g., in a

scientific sense).
Exempli gratia. Latin / phrase / ɪgˈzɛm.pliː grætiːə / ex-em-plee grat-ee-uh. ‘For the sake of example’;
abbreviated as ‘e.g.’.
Geis. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / ɟɛʃ / gesh. Taboo, prohibition; injunction; something you do (or don’t do),
upon which your life depends, or which defines your life.
Gnôsis (γνῶσις). Greek / n. / ɡˈnəʊ.sɪs / gnoe-sis. Knowledge; often implying initiate, secret or
esoteric wisdom.
Gnōmōn (γνώμων). Greek / n. / ˈnoʊmɒn / noh-mon. Lit. one who knows, examines, judges; the
vertical shadow-caster on a sundial.
Gravamen. Latin / n. / ɡrəˈveɪ.mɛn / gruh-vay-men. ‘Things weighing down’; the basic element or
complaint of a lawsuit.
Grimoire. French / n. / ɡʀim.waʀ / greem-waar. A book of magic spells; a textbook of magic.
Guru (गुरु). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ɡʊɾʊ / goo-roo. A religious /spiritual teacher, guide, master, and/or
person of reverence.
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Hanakotoba (花言葉). Japanese / n. / hæ.næ.kəʊ.təʊ.bə / ha-na-ko-to-ba. The Japanese form of the

language of flowers (in which flowers symbolically represent qualities, and so can convey emotion
and communicate directly to the recipient or viewer without needing the use of words).
Idealtypus. German / n. / ideˈaːl.tuːpɒs / ih-dee-al-too-poss. Lit. ideal or pure type; the standard or
normative form of a given phenomenon, featuring elements common to most actual instances of it.
Ikigai (生き甲斐). Japanese / n. / iːkiːɑiː / ee-kee-gaee. Lit. iki (life) gai (result, worth, use, benefit); a
‘reason for being’; meaning/purpose in life.
Islam (‫)اإلسالم‬. Arabic / n. / ˈɪslɑːm / iss-lahm. Many meanings, including surrender, peace; the
religion of Muslims.
Istina (истина). Russian / n. / ɪs.tiːn.ə / iss-tee-nuh. Absolute, ultimate truth; used also in religious
context about God.
Kabbalah (‫)קַ בָּ לָּה‬. Hebrew / n. / ka.ba'la / kah-bah-lah. Lit. received tradition; an estoreric spiritual
tradition within Judaism.
Lebenslüge. German / n. / ˈleːbnsˌlyːɡə / lee-bns-loo-guh. Lit. life lie; falsehoods (e.g., about one’s
past) that one tells oneself in order to live with oneself.
Lêmma (λῆμμᾰ). Greek / n. / lɛ̂ːm.ma / leh-mma. ‘Anything which is received’ (e.g., a gift, profit, or a
bribe); in mathematics a ‘helping theorem’ or ‘auxiliary theorem’ (a generally minor, proven
proposition which is used as a stepping stone to a larger result).
Madhyama marga / majjhima magga (मध्यम मागा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈmʌdʰ.jʌ.mʌ ˈmʌɹːgʌ / mudh-
yuh-muh mur-guh. The middle way/path.
Mandala (मण्डल). Sanskrit / n. / ˈmʌn.dʌ.lʌ / mun-duh-luh. Lit. circle; a spiritual symbol (e.g., in
Buddhism and Hinduism), usually geometric in form, representing the cosmos (or aspects of it).
Mbïraki'tã. Tupi / n. / m.bɪə rɑːki tæk / m-bir-ak-ee-ta. ‘Knot of trees’; generic name for old artefacts
of Amazonian Indian origin, carved in stone or wood, and representing animals or people, and often
used as pendants and in other decorative capacities.
Menefreghismo. Italian / n. / mɪ.nɪ friːgiːz.mɔː / mih-nih-frih-geez-mooh. A couldn’t-care-less

attitude; the condition of not giving a hoot.
Mottainai (もったいない). Japanese / n. / mɒt.eɪn.eɪ / moh-tay-nay. ‘What a waste’; an expression

of regret at the full value of something not being put to good use or being discarded needlessly.
Mustérion (μυστήριον). Greek / n. / muːsˈteɪ.riːɒn / moos-tay-ree-on. Mystery, secret; a secret

doctrine; a truth that requires initiation to experience/understand.
Nirodha (तनरोध). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / nɪ.rəʊd.hʌ / ni-rode-huh. Cessation; the third noble truth (that
duḥkha can be addressed by ceasing craving).
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Ogarniać. Polish / v. / ɔˈɡar.ɲatɕ͡ / uh-garh-nyach. To embrace, encompass; to engulf, overwhelm; to

grip; to be able to deal with something; to understand; to see things holistically.
Omega (Ωμέγα). Greek / n. / oˈme.ɣa / oh-mey-kha. Lit. ‘great O’; the last letter of the Greek
alphabet (Ω, ω); can denote the end of a series, of the conclusion of something.
Pashtunwali (‫)پښتونوایل‬. Pashto / n. / pʌʃ.tuːn.wɑːliː / puhsh-toon-wah-lee / aka Pakhtunwali. Lit. the

way of the Pashtuns; the ethical code of the Pashtun people.
Phi (ϕεῖ). Greek / n. / pʰe᷇ː / fee / aka pheî. The 21st letter of the Greek alphabet; the symbol for the
‘golden ratio’ (1.618…).
Poiēsis (ποίησις). Greek / n. / poí͜ .ɛː.sis /poy-ee-sis. Productive and creative disciplines.Satori (悟り).
Japanese / n. / sɑːtəʊ.riː / sar-toh-ree. Understanding, comprehension; awakening, enlightenment.
Prajña/paññā (प्रज्ञ). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / prʌn.jɑː / prun-yah. Wisdom and experiential insight.
Pravda (пра́вда). Russian (and other Slavic languages) / n. / ˈprɑːv.dʌ / prrarv-duh. Truth and justice.
Puer aeternus. Latin / n. / pjʊə iˈtɜːnɘs / pur eh-turn-us. ‘Eternal boy’; in mythology, a child-god who
is forever young; in psychology, an older person whose emotional life has remained at an adolescent
level.
Qué será será. Spanish / int. / ke seˈɾa seˈɾa / keh seh-rah seh-rah. Lit. ‘what will be will be’;
acceptance of (or resignation to) fate.
Seiðr. Old Norse / n. / sɛdr / sed-r. A form of magic practiced in Norse society during the Late
Scandinavian Iron Age, thought to relate in particular to the telling and shaping of the future.
Seny. Catalan / n. / seɪŋ / sayng. A blend of common sense and wisdom; a practical and even-keeled
judiciousness; insight, awareness, and integrity.
Shōganai (しょうがない). Japanese / phrase / ɕo̞ːɡa̠na̠I / sho-gan-ay. It can’t be helped; it’s

inevitable; what will be will be.
Sigil. Latin / n. / sɪ.dʒɪl / sih-jil. ‘Little seal’; an occult or magical sign, image or symbol.
Sigillum Dei. Latin / n. / sɪ.dʒɪl.əm / sih-jil-um dey. ‘Seal of God’; a magical diagram, comprising of
two circles, a pentagram, two heptagons, and one heptagram, signifying God and his angels.
Ṣifr (‫)صفر‬. Arabic / n. / sɪfr / sif-rr. Void; empty place; zero, cypher; possibly adaptation of Sanskrit
Sūnya; origin of ‘zero’ in English.
Sophia (σοφία). Greek / n. / soˈfi.a / soh-fee-ya. Wisdom.
Sophos (σοφός). Greek / n. / sof.os /sof-oss. Sage; wise old man; one who has attained wisdom.
Sūtra/sutta (सट्
ु िा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈsu trə / soo-truh. Lit. thread, string; teaching, rule, aphorism.
Techné (τέχνη). Greek / n. / ˈtékʰnɛː / tekh-nee. Craftsmanship; practical expertise.
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Theōria (θεωρία). Greek / n. / θe.oˈri.a / thee-oh-ree-yah. Contemplative, theoretical, and/or

abstract reflection.
Theosophíā (θεοσοφῐ́ᾱ). Greek / n. / θeɪ.ɒ.sɒˈɸi.a / thay-oss-oh-fee-ah. Lit. God (theós) wisdom

(sophíā); divine wisdom; knowledge concerning the divine.
Trishula (त्रत्रशल
ू ). Sanskrit / n. / trɪʃuːlæ / trih-shoo-luh. A version of a trident, used as a symbol in
traditions such as Hinduism; has many meanings, including representing various trinities (e.g.,
creation, maintenance, and destruction).
Upaniṣads (उपतनषद्). Sanskrit / n. / ʊˈpə.n̪ ɪ.ʂəd̪ / oo-puh-nee-shuud. Lit. ‘sitting down near’; the
foundational texts of what is now referred to as Hinduism; the concluding sections of the four Védas.
Vakidioot. Dutch / n. / ˈvɑk.i.diˌjoːt / vak-ih-dee-oot. ‘Profession idiot’; someone monomanically

obessed with the work they do.
Véda (र्ेद). Sanskrit / n. / ˈweɪ.də / vway-duh. Lit. knowledge, wisdom; the Védas are the name of the
foundational texts of what is now referred to as Hinduism.
Vedānta (र्ेदांि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / veɪ.dʌ:n.tʌ / vey-duhn-tuh. The concluding sections of the four
Védas (lit. knowledge, wisdom; the foundational texts of what is now referred to as Hinduism). Lit.
end of the Védas.
Vegvísir. Icelandic / n. / ˈvɛg.vɪsiːə / veg-vis-ee-uh. ‘Way finder’; a Nordic magical stave intended to
help the bearer find their way through rough weather.
Vèvè. Haitian Creole / n. / vɛ.veɪ / veh-vay. In Haitian Vodou, geometrical drawings that represent
the lwa (spirits).
Vorlage. German / n. / ˈfoːɐ̯laːɡə / for-laarghe. Prototype, template; a prior version or manifestation

of a text.
Wicca. English (old) / n. / wɪ.kə / wih-kuh. Male witch, wizard, soothsayer, sorcerer, astrologer,
magician; now the label for a modern pagan religion.
Woke. English (new) / n., adj. / woʊk / woke. Social, political awareness; actively aware of systematic
prejudice and injustice; prominence attributed to Erykah Badu.
Qualities
Akamai. Hawaiian / adj. / ä-kä-ˈmī / ah-kah-my. Intelligent, smart; sharp, quick-witted; cool.
Bijaksana. Indonensian / adj. / biːˈʤæk.sæ.næ / bee-jak-sah-nah. Wise, sagacious; prudent, sensible;

judicious, rational, equitable; bright; discreet.
Différance. French / n. / di.feʀ.ɑ̃ s / dih-fer-ahs. Difference and deferral of meaning; coined by

Derrida in relation to his philosophy of deconstruction.
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Eutrapelia (εὐτραπελία). Greek / n. / juːtræ.pɛˈliːɘ / yoo-trah-peh-liah. Wit, pleasantry, humour.
Freier. Yiddish / n. / ˈfraiɐ / frhyer. Fool; sucker; one who lets themselves be taken advantage of, or
who doesn’t seize an opportunity to gain an easy, but essentially unfair or unethical, benefit.
Harmonía (ἁρμονία). Greek / n. / ɑːmaʊˈniːjə / ah-moh-nee-yuh. Concordance, union, agreement

(e.g., of sounds).
Ihuma. Inuktitut / n. / iː huːmæ: / ee-hoo-maah. Reason, wisdom and knowledge; calm, cheerful
patience, particularly in the face of difficulty and frustration; realism and flexibility; respect for
others’ independence.
Inat. Serbain / n. / iːnæt / ee-nat. Proud, defiant stubbornness and self-preservation (sometimes to
the detriment of others and even oneself).
Ishin-denshin (以心伝心). Japanese / phrase / ɪʃ.ɪn.dɛn.ʃɪn / ish-in-den-shin. ‘What the mind thinks,
the heart transmits’; interpersonal communication through unspoken mutual understanding; heart-
to-heart communication; tacit understanding.
Johakyū (序破急). Japanese / n. / ʒo:hæ.kjuː / jo-ha-kyu. ‘Beginning, break, rapid’; a concept of

modulation and movement applied in a wide variety of traditional Japanese arts, whereby actions or
efforts should begin slowly, speed up, and then end swiftly.
Kairos (καιρός). Greek / n. / kɛˈros / keh-ross. The opportune, ideal, 'supreme' moment for decision
or action.
Kartería (Καρτερία). Greek / n. / kɑ.tɛˈrɪːə / ka-teh-ree-uh. Stubbornness; toughness.
Kokusaijin (国際人). Japanese / n. / kɒ.kuːsɑiːʤiːn / koh-koo-sah-ee-jeen. Lit. an 'international

person'; someone who is cosmopolitan, flexible, and open-minded.
Kosmopolitês (κοσμοπολίτης). Greek / n. / ˈkós.mo.pɒˈlɪt.ɪs / koss-moh-poh-lit-iss. Citizen of the

cosmos (world, universe).
Laissez-faire. French / n. / lese fɛʀ / ley-say fare. The tendency or willingness to leave things to take
their own course, without interfering.
Lepos. Latin/ n. / ˈlɛ.pɒ / leh-poh. Charm, grace, wit, elegance, allure.
Maat (mˤ3t). Egyptian / n. / mɑːt / mart. Justice and truth, order and equity; the foundational
principle of ancient Egypt; personified as a goddess (daughter of sun God Ra).
Makrothumeó (μακροθυμέω). Greek / n. / mæk.rəʊ.θuːˈmeɪ.əʊ / mak-roth-oo-mey-oh. Patience,

forebearance; being long-suffering; slow to anger and avenge.
Mésos (μέσος). Greek / n. / ˈme.sos / meh-soss. Mean; middle.
Nepantla. Nahuatl / n. / nə.pænt.lə / nuh-pahnt-luh. ‘In-between-ness’; skilfully treading a middle

line; being caught between opposing forces; being in a liminal space; being at a crossroads; living in
balance and harmony.
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Nyaka (ন্যাকা). Bengali / adj. / naɪ.jæ.kə / niy-ah-kuh. Coy, coquettish; feigning ignorance (often used
pejoratively).
Lagom. Swedish / n. / ˈlɑːˌɡɔm / laar-gom. Moderation; doing anything to just the right degree.
Lǐ (理). Chinese / n. / liːi / lee-e. Law, order, rational principle; often used particularly with respect to
the organic order found in nature (e.g., a flower as a systematic, cohesive organism).
Merytoryczny. Polish / adj. / mɛ.rɪt.ɒr.ɪʤ.nɪ / meh-rih-toh-rij-nee. Essential; substantial; factual; on

the basis of merit.
Pyt. Danish / int. / ˈpɪd / pid. ‘Don’t worry about it’; ‘stuff happens’; ‘oh well’.
Sitzfleisch. German / n. / ˈzɪt͡sflaɪʃ / zitz-flysh. Lit ‘sitting flesh’; the ability or willingness to persevere
through tasks that are hard or boring.
Sprachgefühl. German / n. / ˈʃpʀaːχɡəˌfyːl / sprark-geh-fuul. Lit. ‘language feeling’; an intuitive sense

of what is linguistically appropriate; the character of a language.
Stehaufmännchen. German / n. / ˈʃteː|aufˈmɛn.çən / shteh-orf-men-khen. Lit. tumbler, a roly-poly

toy; used for someone who always bounces back.
Sterkte. Dutch, Afrikaans / n., injuction / stɛrk.tə / steyrk-tuh. Strength (i.e., ‘have strength); good
luck; an expression wishing someone well in an endeavour.
Summetría (συμμετρία). Greek / n. / ˌsɪ.məˈtriːə / sih-muh-tree-uh. The agreement between the

parts and the whole; proportionality and symmetry.
Sumud (‫)صمود‬. Arabic / n. / sɘˈmuːd / suh-mood. Steadfastness; perseverance; a determined struggle

to persist.
Sui generis. Latin / phrase /ˌsuːi ˈdʒɛ.nə.rɪs / soo-ee jen-ur-iss. ‘Of its/his/her/their own kind;’ in a
class by itself; unique.
Tarjeta. Finnish / v. / tɑːrˈjɛt.ɘ / tarr-yet-uh. To be able to withstand the cold (and function
effectively).
Vesen. Icelandic / n. / vɛ.sɛn / veh-sen. Something that is more complicated or trouble than it needs
to be.
Víðsýni. Icelandic / n, adj. / ˈvɪθ.siːniː / veeth-see-nee. A panoramic view; open-mindedness.
Xìn (信). Chinese / n. / ɕɪn / shin. Truth/truthfulness; sincerity; trust/trustworthiness.
Zhì (智). Chinese / n. / t͡ʂɘɻ / jrr. Wisdom, perspicacity, knowledge.
Zwischenraum. German / n. / ˈtsvɪ.ʃn.raum / zvish-en-raum. An open or empty space in or between

things.
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Processes
A fortiori. Latin / phrase / ˌeɪ fɔːrtiˈoʊ.raɪ / ay fort-ee-oor-ay. 'From stronger'; in legal terminology, an
'argument from a stronger reason' (i.e., because one fact is true, a second related and included fact
must also be true).
A posteriori. Latin / phrase / ˌeɪ ˌpɒstiːrioʊraɪ / ay post-er-ee-or-ay. 'From later'; in legal terms, an
argument derived from a subsequent event.
A priori. Latin / phrase / ˌeɪ praɪ.oʊ.raɪ / ay pry-oor-ee. 'From earlier'; in legal terms, an argument
derived from a previous event.
Ad hoc. Latin / phrase / ˌæd ˈhɒk / ad hok. ‘For this’; a solution designed for a specific problem or
task (which is usually not intended to be able to be adapted to other purposes).
Ad hominem. Latin / phrase / ˌæd ˈhɒ.mɪn.ɛm / ad hom-in-en. ‘At the person’; attacking an
opponent's character rather than answering their argument.
Ad infinitum. Latin / phrase / ˌæd ɪn.fɪˈnaɪ.təm / ad in-fin-iy-tum. ‘To infinity’; to continue forever.
Affidavit. Latin / n. / ˌæ.fɪˈdeɪ.vɪt / a-fa-day-vit. ‘He has sworn’; in legal terms, a formal statement of
fact.
Agora (Αγορά). Greek / n. / a.ɣo.ra / ah-go-rah. Assembly or meeting place; a public space, often
used for markets, debates, or general congration.
Ansatz. German / n. / æn.zæts / an-zats. ‘Set down’; an initial placement of a tool at a work piece;an
educated guess or an additional assumption made to help solve a problem (later verified to be part
of the solution by its results).
Anschauung. German / n. / ˈæn.ʃaʊʊŋ / an-shao-ung. Sense perception; apprehension or immediate

perception.
Antsafa. Malagasy / n. / ænt.sæ.fɘ / ant-sah-fuh. Inquiries about things of which one is fully
cognizant beforehand.
Auseinandersetzung. German / n. / aus|aiˈnan.dɐ.zɛt.sʊŋ / auss-eye-nan-der-zet-sung. Discussion,

debate, analysis; grappling with, facing up to (e.g., the past); deconstruction or disaggregation (e.g.,
in order to better understand something).
Beschaulich. German / adj., adv. / bəˈʃaulɪç / beh-shao-lish. Quiet, pensive; living a simple life;
pleasantly contemplative, unhurried in a fashion that inspires mental well-being.
Caal. Shilluk / v. / càːl / carrl. To be reflected in (e.g., a father is reflected in his son); cf. ‘resemble’
(except how subject and object are positioned is reversed).
Caveat. Latin / phrase / keɪvɪæt / ca-ve-at. ‘May he beware’; refers to a qualification or warning.
Ching (經). Chinese / n. / ʧɪŋ / ching / aka jīng. Rule, norm; plan; classic, great book; scripture.
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Compos mentis. Latin / phrase / kɒm.pɒs mɛn.tɪs / kom-poss men-tiss. In control of the mind’;
someone of sound mind.
Concordia discors. Latin / n. / konˈkor.di.a ˈdis.kors / kon-kor-dee-ah diss-kors. Harmony (concordia)

from discord (discors); discordant harmony; the principle that conflicts or oppositions can
nevertheless create harmony.
Convivencia. Spanish / n. / kɑ̃ .vɪˈvɛn.siːə / koh-vih-ven-see-uh. Lit. co-habitation, but also

implying shared feelings, meanings and purpose.
Cui bono. Latin / phrase / kw iː bəʊ.nəʊ / kwee bo-no. ‘As a benefit to whom?’ Analysing a situation
by identifying who serves to benefit.
De facto. Latin / phrase /deɪ ˈfæk.toʊ / day fact-oh. ‘By fact’, ‘by deed’; refers to what commonly
happens in practice (even if they are not officially recognized by laws).
De jure. Latin / phrase / də ʒʊə / duh zhour. ‘From law’; something that is established in law,
whether or not it is true in general practice.
De novō. Latin / phrase / deɪˈnəʊ.vəʊ / day no-vo. ‘From the new’; anew, afresh; starting again; from
the beginning.
Deus ex machina. Latin / n. / ˈdɛ.ʊs ɛks ˈmaːkʰɪna / day-us eks mak-ina. ‘God from the machine’; a
plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem in a story is suddenly and abruptly resolved by
an unexpected and unlikely occurrence.
Doxa (δόξα). Greek / n. / ˈdok.sä / dok-sah. Common belief, popular opinion; behaviour or practice in
worship; glory.
Epíkouros (Ἐπίκουρος). Greek / p. / ˌɛpɪˈkjɔːrəs / eh-pee-koor-uhs. Lit. ally, friend, comrade; Greek
philosopher (341-270 BCE), as per Epicureanism.
Ereignis. German / n. / ɛɐˈ|aiɡnɪs / err ihg-niss. Something ‘coming into view’; the realm in which the
‘truth of being’ is manifested.
Erschlossenheit. German / n. / ɛɐˈʃlɔsn.haɪt / err-schloss-un-hite. World disclosure; the process by

which things become intelligible and meaningfully relevant to human beings.
Etterpåklokskap. Norwegian / n. / ˈɛt.ə.pək.lək.skɑːp / eh-tuh-puk-luk-skarp. Lit. ‘after wisdom’; the

knowledge you gain from making a mistake (cf. hindsight).
Ex cathedra. Latin / phrase / ɛks kəˈθiːdrə / ex cath-eed-ruh. ‘From the chair (i.e., authority or
position’; authority derived from one's position.
Gelassenheit. German / n. / ɡəˈlasn̩ haɪ̯t / geh-lah-sen-hiyt. Self-surrender/abandonment; yielding to

God’s will; serenity, calmness.
Gelijkhebberig. Dutch / n. / ɣɜːˈlɛg.hɛ.bə.ruː / khe-legg-heh-burr-uh. Determined to be right;

precocious.
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Genius. Latin / n. / ˈɡɛ.nɪ.ʊs / jee-nee-us. The individual instance of a general divine nature that is
present in every individual person, place, or thing; guardian spirit; innate power of a race or clan.
Grok. English (new) / v. / grɒk / grok. Complete empathy and understanding; to understand
someone or something thoroughly that observer becomes part of the observed; coined by Robert H
Heinlein.
Habeas corpus. Latin / phrase / ˈheɪ.bi.əs ˈkɔːrpəs / hay-bee-us kor-pus. ‘May you have the body’; a
writ used to challenge the legality of detention. Orders the detaining party to "have the (living)
body" of the detained brought before the court where the detention will be investigated.
Imprimatur. Latin / n. / ˌɪmprɪˈmeɪtə / im-pri-mey-tur. ‘Let it be printed’ ; an authorization for a

document to be printed.
Inter alia. Latin / phrase / ˌɪn.tər ˈeɪ.liə / in-ter ay-lee-uh. ‘Among others’ ; used to indicate an item
cited has been pulled from a larger or more complete list.
Ipso facto. Latin / phrase / ˈɪp.soʊ ˈfæk.toʊ / ip-soh fak-toh. ‘By the fact itself’ ; ‘in an of itself’ ; used
in the context that one event is a direct and immediate consequence of another.
Kamea (‫)קמע‬. Hebrew / n. / kæmˈɪə / kam-ee-uh. Talisman, amulet; lucky charm; ‘magic square’ (a
grid in which each cell contains a different integer and the sum of the integers in each row, column
and diagonal is equal).
Khavruta, Havruta, Chavruta (‫)חַ ְברּותָּ א‬. Hebrew / n. / χavˈʁuta / khav-roo-tah. Lit. fellowship; the
practice of paired/shared learning (e.g., of religious texts), and the bond that can develop as a result.
Kulturbärare. Swedish / n. / kəl.tuːˈbɑːrɑːrə / kul-toor-bar-ah-ruh. Lit. culture-bearer or culture-

carrier; a phenomenon (e.g., person or idea) that upholds a culture and/or moves it forward.
Mea culpa. Latin / phrase / mā-ə-ˈku̇ l-pə / may-uh kal-puh. ‘Through my fault’; an acknowledgement
of having done wrong.
Mens rea. Latin / phrase / ˈmɛns ˈriːə / menz re-uh. ‘Guilty mind’; one of the requirements for a
crime to be committed (the other being actus reus, the guilt act); the basis for the notion that those
without sufficient mental capability cannot be judged guilty of a crime.
Mīmēsis (μίμησις). Greek / n. / ˈmɪ.mɪ.sɪs / mih-mih-siss. Imitation; receptivity; artistic

representation.
Mutatis mutandis. Latin / phrase / m(j)uːˌtɑːtɪs muːˈtandɪs / moo-ta-tis moo-tan-dis. ‘Having

changed [the things that] needed to be changed’, ‘once the necessary changes have been made’;
used to acknowledge that a comparison being made requires certain obvious alterations, which are
left unstated (i.e., that the listener/reader must adapt the example to change what is needed for it
to apply to the new situation).
Nachträglichkeit. German / n. / ˈnaːx.trɛːklɪç.haɪt / nark-tye-leekh-hite. Deferred action, retroaction,

‘afterwardsness’; retroactive attribution of meaning to earlier events.
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Nihilartikel. German / n. / naɪɪl ɑːtɪkl / niyl-ar-tikl. ‘Nothing article’; a deliberately fictitious entry in
an encyclopedia or academic work, generally identifiable as false, usually included to brand the
intellectual property so copies can be identified.
Nota bene. Latin / phrase / ˈnoʊ.tə ˈbɛ.neɪ / no-tuh ben-ay. ‘Note well’; a term used to direct the
reader to cautionary or qualifying statements for the main text.
Nunchi (눈치). Korean / n. / nən.ʧiː / nuhn-chee. Lit. ‘eye-measure’; the ability to ‘read’ emotions
and situations and to respond skilfully.
Pace. Latin / phrase / ˈpɑːtʃeɪ / pa-chey. ‘With peace’; used to say 'contrary to the opinion of’; a
polite way of marking a speaker's disagreement with someone or some body of thought.
͡
Pochemuchka (почемучка). Russian / n. / pə.tɕɪˈmu.t ͡
ɕkə / puh-chee-mooh-chuh. Someone (often a
child) who asks a lot of questions.
Prâxis (πρᾶξις). Greek / n. / pra᷇ːkʰ.sis / prakh-sis. Deed/action; the process by which a theory, lesson,
or skill is enacted, embodied, or realised.
Prima facie. Latin / phrase / ˈpraɪ.mə ˈfeɪ.ʃii / pry-muh fay-see. ‘At first face’; a matter that appears
to be sufficiently based in the evidence as to be considered true.
Proairesis (προαίρεσις). Greek / n. / prəʊˈɛrɪsɪs / pro-air-ee-sis. Lit. before (pro) choice (hairesis);
desiring reason, or ‘reasoning desire; the ability to choose/decide.
Quellenkritik. German / n. / kwɛl.ən.krɪ.tɪk / kwell-un-krih-tik. Source criticism; verification of

sources; the process of evaluating an information source.
Quod erat demonstrandum. Latin / phrase / kʷod ɪræt ˈdɛm.ən.stræn.dəm / kwod eh-rat dem-on-
strand-um. ‘What was to be shown’; thus it has been demonstrated’ ; initialised as Q.E.D.
Qurʾān (‫)قرآن‬. Arabic / n. / kɔː|ɑːn / korr-ahn / aka Koran. Lit. recitation; the sacred scripture of
Islam.
Rangaku (蘭學). Japanese / n. / ræŋ.gæ.kuː / rang-gah-koo. ‘Dutch learning’; a body of knowledge

developed by Japan through its contacts with the Dutch enclave of Dejima, which helped keep Japan
informed about Western technology and medicine.
Razmakh (размах). Russian / n. / ræz.mɑː / raz-mar. Sweep, span; amplitude; scope, range; scale.
Renaissance. French / n. / ʀ(ə).nɛ.sɑ̃ s / ruh-nay-sohs. Lit. rebirth or revival; a period of European

history, usually dated between the 14th and 17th centuries, driven by the rediscovery of Classical
works, and associated with great humanistic art and philosophy.
Ryvok (Рывок). Russian / n. / riːvɔːk / rree-vork. A final dash or acceleration; a fast movement or
change (that is often associated with progress, but can also tear/disrupt things).
Samizdat (самизда́т). Russian / n. / ˈsa.mɪz.dat / sah-miz-dat. A contraction of ‘self-publishing’;

literature secretly written, copied, and circulated (in the former Soviet Union and usually critical of
the Soviet government).
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Schulbildend. German / adj. / ʃuːl.bɪl.dɘnt / shoo-bill-dnt. Inspiring or leading to the creation of

schools of thought.
Shê dé (舍得). Chinese / phrase / ʃʊəː dʊə / shur dur. To be willing and/or able to part with
something or let go.
Shingyoso (真行草). Japanese / n. / ʃɪŋ.jəʊ.səʊ / shing-yo-so. The practice/method of dividing

phenomena into degrees of formality (and usually into three categories).
Sine qua non. Latin / phrase / ˌsaɪ.ni kweɪ ˈnɒn / si-nee kwa non. ‘Without which [there is] nothing’;
an indispensable and essential action, condition, or ingredient.
Stoá (στοά). Greek / n. / sto.a᷄ː / stor-ah. Lit. portico or porch; the basis for the philosophical school
of Stoicism.
Svādhyāya (स्वाध्याय). Sanskrit / n. / swɑːd̪ ʱjɑːjʌ / swah-dhyar-yuh. Lit. ‘self-study’ or ‘one’s own
reading’; introspection; study of the self, and of religious teachings; one of the five niyama in
Hinduism.
Touché. French / v. / tu.ʃe / too-shay. Lit. to touch (past part.), used to acknowledge a hit in fencing;
acknowledgement of a good point being made (e.g., by an interlocutor in an argument).
Trouvaille. French / n. / tʁu.vaj / tkhroo-vay. A lucky find; something good/valuable discovered by

chance.
Tertulia. Spanish / n. / teɾˈtulja / terr-tool-ya. A social gathering or conversation, usually with literary
or artistic overtones.
Vorführeffekt. German / n. / ˈfoːˈfyːɛˌfɛkt / for-fyer-ef-ekt. Demonstration effects; the impact of

being observed upon people’s behaviour (the observed and/or the observer); often implying that
something that was possible or easier when unobserved becomes more difficult when observed.
Welträthsel. German / n. / velt.ʀɛːtsl ̩ / velt-retsl. ‘World riddle’; a concept associated with Friedrich
Nietzsche concerning the mystery of the universe and the meaning of life.
Wiki. Hawaiian / v., adj. / wiːkiː / wee-kee. To hasten, speed up, be swift, be speedy (as verb); quick,
fast (as adjective); adapted into English by Ward Cunningham to denote a website that allows
anyone to add, change or delete content via their web browser.
Wissenschaft. German / n. / ˈvɪsn.ʃaft / viss-en-shaaft. The systematic pursuit of knowledge,

learning, and scholarship; science.
Würfeln. German / v. / ˈvʏr.fl / ver-ferl. To cast/throw dice.
Yuán man (圆满). Chinese / adj. / juɛnˈmæn / yoo-en man. Perfect; satisfactory; complete closure; a
happy ending.
Yupana. Quechua / n. / ju:pæ.nə / yoo-pa-nuh. A type of abacus developed by the Incas. Zeitgeist.
German / n. / tsait.ɡaist / ziyt.ɡiyst. The definition spirit / mood of the age.
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Spirituality
The sacred
Abrasax (Αβραξας). Greek / n. / ab

͜ ræsæks / ah-bra-sax. A word associated with Gnosticism, with
various meanings, including alluding to the supreme entity of the cosmis hierarchy.
Ahura Mazda (‫)اهورا مزدا‬. Persian / p. / əˌhʊ.rəˌmæz.də / uh-hoo-rah-maz-duh. Lit. mighty wisdom, or
lord of wisdom; wise, intelligent spirit; the creator and supreme being of Zoroastrianism.
Akh (Ꜣḫ). Egyptian / n. / ækʰ / akh. Thought, intellect; enduring soul; reanimated after death by the
union of ba and ka.
Amitābha (अभमिाि). Sanskrit / p. / ʌ.miːtɑːbʌ / uh-mee-tar-buh. Celestial Buddha of infinite light

and goodness; creator of the ‘Pure Land’ (Sukhāvatī in Sanskrit).
Anātman/ anattā (अनात्मन ्). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑnˈɑːtmən / an-at-mn. Insubstantiality, lack of

permanent self/soul.
Anjali (अञ्जली). Sanskrit / n. / æn.ʤæ.liː / an-jah-lee. ‘Divine offering’; a greeting in various

traditions (e.g., Buddhism), involving hands pressed together in salutation.
Aphrodíte (Αφροδίτη). Greek / p. / a.fro.di.tiː / ah-froh-dee-tee. In Greek mythology, the Goddess of

love (also beauty, sexuality, procreation); known as Venus in Roman mythology.
Apollo (Ἀπόλλων). Greek / p. / aˈpól.lɔ / apoll-oh. Greek and Roman deity; God of phenomena
including light, the sun, truth, prophecy, and healing.
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Asha (‫)اشه‬. Persian / n. / ˈʌʃə / ush-uh. A concept associated with Zoroastrianism, with meanings
including truth, order, justice, righteousness, and godliness.
Ātar (‫)آذر‬. Persian / n. / ˈətər / uh-tuh. ‘Holy fire’; a Zoroastrian concept, described as ‘burning and
unburning fire’ or ‘visible and invisible fire’, considered to be the visible presence of Ahura Mazda.
Avatāra (अर्िार). Sanskrit / n. / ʌ.vʌ.tɑːʀʌ / uh-vuh-tar-uh. Lit. ‘descent’; the incarnation or

embodiment of a deity in human or animal form.
Brahman (ब्रह्मन ्). Sanskrit / n. / ˈbrɑːˌmən / brah-man. The transcendent and immanent absolute
reality; the supreme spirit that continually brings existence into being.
Coram Deo. Latin / phrase / kɔː ræm diːəʊ / kor-am dee-oh. ‘In the presence of God’; a phrase from
Christian theology which summarizes the idea of Christians living in the presence of, under the
authority of, and to the honor and glory of God.
Daímōn (δαίμονας). Greek / n. / ˈðɛ.mɔ.nas / dthe-moh-nas. A divine power that drives/guides

human actions; a manifestation or channelling of divine power.
Ḑākinī (डाककनी). Sanskrit / n. / dɑːkiːniː / dar-kee-nee. ‘Sky dancer’; a sacred female spirit in
Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism; female tantric deities who protect and serve the Buddhist
doctrine.
Dewachen (བདེ་བ་ཅན་). Tibetan / n. / diːwə.ʧən / dee-wuh-chuhn / aka Sukhāvatī (Sanskrit). Lit. Land of
pure bliss or happiness; a celestial ‘Pure Land’ in certain schools of Buddhism.
Diónysos (Διόνυσος). Greek / p. / ðió.ni.sos / dthe-oh-nee-soss. Greek deity; God of phenomena

including wine (and grapes and winemaking), madness, frenzy, theatre, and ecstasy.
Doodem. Ojibwe / n. / duːdəm / doo-duhm. A spirit being, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an
emblem of a group of people; anglicised as ‘totem’.
Elohim (‫ֱֹלהים‬
ִ ‫)א‬. Hebrew / n. / ɛl.ɔːˈhɪm / el-or-him. Gods (plural), deities, angels, sacred
beings/messengers.
Enkidu (𒂗𒆠𒆕). Akkadian / p. / ɛn.kiːduː / en-kee-doo. Lit. Enki’s (a Sumerian God) creation; a
wild, mythological figure, emblematic of nature, in the Epic of Gilgamesh; friend of the main
protagonist, his death teaches Gilgamesh about mortality.
Faravahar (‫)فروهر‬. Persian / n. / fæ.ræ.vɑːhɑː / fa-ra-var-har. A symbol associated with

Zoroastrianism; has multiple meanings, including a representation of the human soul and its
development, along with a visual guide of good conduct.
Freyja. Old Norse / p. / ˈfreɪ.ə / frey-uh. Lit. lady; goddess associated with war, death, love, sex,
beauty, fertility, gold, and seiðr (sorcery); origin of word ‘Friday’.
Geistig. German / adj. / ˈɡai.stɪç / gie-steesh. Spiritual; intellectual.
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Hallelujah (‫)הַּ לְׁ לויָּה‬. Hebrew / v., n. / ˌhælɨˈluːjə / ha-leh-loo-yuh. Lit. praise ye Yah (Yahweh); God be
praised; an expression of worship or rejoicing.
Hieros gamos (ἱερὸς γάμος). Greek / n. / heɪ rɒs gæ.məs / hey-ros gah-mus. ‘Holy marriage’; a sacred
marriage that plays out between a god and a goddess, especially when enacted in a symbolic ritual
where human participants represent the deities.
Heyoka. Lakota / n. / heɪ.jəʊk.ə / hey-ohk-uh. A shamanic figure in Lakota culture; a sacred ‘clown’
(or contrarian, jester, satirist) who speaks and acts in an opposite fashion to the people around
them.
Ikhthýs (ἰχθύς). Greek / n. / ikʰˈtʰys / ihk-ths. ‘Fish’; symbol consisting of two intersecting arcs, the
ends of the right side extending beyond the meeting point so as to resemble the profile of a fish;
adopted by early Christians as a secret symbol. Forms an acronym for Iēsous Christos, Theou Yios,
Sōtēr ('Jesus Christ, Son of God, [Our] Savior').
Iwi. Raramuri ra'icha / n. / ɪ.wiː / ih-we. The soul or essence of all life.
Iwigara. Raramuri ra'icha / n. / ɪ.wiːgɑːrə / ih-we-har-ruh. ‘Shared breath’; total interconnectedness

and integration of all life, physical and spiritual.
Jangseung (장승). Korean / n. / ʤæŋ.siːəŋ / jang-see-ung. A Korean totem pole, usually made of
wood, traditionally placed at the edges of villages to mark for village boundaries and as village
guardians (e.g., to frighten away demon); also worshipped as village tutelary deities.
Jinn (‫)جن‬. Arabic / n. / ʤɪn / jin. Supernatural creatures in early pre-Islamic Arabian and later Islamic
mythology and theology.
Kami (神). Japanese / n. / kɑːmiː / kah-mee. Spirits (or spiritual phenomena) worshipped in the
context of Shinto; can include aspects or forces of nature, as well as beings, and also the qualities
possessed by such beings.
Marduk (𒀭𒀫𒌓). Akkadian / p. / mɑːdək / mar-duhk. ‘Calf of the sun’; God from ancient
Mesopotamia, eventually head of the Babylonian pantheon.
Mārga/magga (मागा). Sanskrit/ Pāli / ˈmʌɹː.gʌ / mur-guh. A spiritual path or way.
Mañjuśrī (मञ्जश्र
ु ी). Sanskrit / p. / mʌn.ʤʊʃ.riː / man-jush-ree. Lit. gentle glory, radiance; a prominent
Boddhisattva in Buddhism.
Messiah ( ַ‫)מָּ ִׁשיח‬. Hebrew / n. / mɪˈsaɪə / mih-sy-ah. Lit. anointed one; savour, liberator, redeemer; a
king or high priest.
Minerva. Latin / p. / mɪˈnɜːr.və / mih-ner-vuh. Roman goddess of wisdom, warfare, poetry, medicine,
commerce, and the crafts.
Missio Dei. Latin / phrase / mɪ.siː əʊ deɪ / miss-ee-oh-day. ‘Mission of God’; ‘sending of God’; a
concept central to missiology (questions around the mandate, message, and mission of the Christian
church).
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Mkha' 'gro ma (མཁའ་འགོ་མ་). Tibetan / n. / m’kæp grəʊ mæ / m-ka-gro-ma. ‘Skygoer’; a type of sacred
female spirit in Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism; female tantric deities who protect and serve the
Buddhist doctrine; cf. ḍākinī (Sanskrit).
Modimo. Setswana / n. / mɒ.diːməʊ / moh-dee-moh. God in Tswana culture; genderless supreme

being.
Nahuālli. Nahuatl / n. / naˈwaːlːi / na-hwaa-lee. A religious practitioner in Mesoamerican folk

religion; can refer specifically to a human believed to have the power to shapeshift into an animal
form.
Namaste (नमस्िे). Hindi / int. / nʌˈmæsteɪ / nuh-mah-stay. From the Sanskrit namas (bowing) te (to
you); often interpreted in spiritual ways as 'I bow to the divine in you'.
Nu. Egyptian / p. / nuː / noo. Deification of the primordial watery abyss in ancient Egyptian religion.
Numen. Latin / n. / ˈnuːmen / noo-men. Divine power, force, presence, will.
Nurikabe (塗り壁). Japanese / nu:riːkɑːbiː / noo-ree-kar-bee. ‘Plaster wall’; a yōkai (spirit) from
Japanese folklore, which manifests as an invisible wall that impedes or misdirects travelers walking
at night.
Ö-pa-me (འོད་དཔག་མེད). Tibetan / p. / əʊ.pɑːmeɪ / oh-par-may / aka Amitābha (Sanskrit). Celestial

Buddha of infinite light and goodness; creator of the ‘Pure Land’ (Sukhāvatī in Sanskrit).
Orenda. Huron / n. / ɔˈɹɛn.də / or-en-duh. Power, force (often with spiritual connotations).
Ouranus (Οὐρανός). Greek / n. / oːra.nós / oo-rah-nohs. Sky; heaven; in Greek mythology, the deity
of the sky/heavens (son and/or husband of Gaia).
Pan (Πάν). Greek / p. / pæn / pan. In Greek mythology, a god with the hindquarters, legs, and horns
of a goat (cf. faun or satyr); god of the wild, shepherds and flocks, nature, sex, fertility and the
spring.
Pari (‫)پری‬. Persian / n. / pɑː riː / pa-ree. Winged spirits, renowned for their beauty; originally from
Persian and Armenian mythologies, later adopted by other cultures.
Pascha (Πάσχα). Greek / n. / pæ.ʃə / pa-sha. Resurrection Sunday; Easter; a transliteration of the
Aramaic pascha, from the Hebrew pesach (‘Passover’).
Persephónē (Περσεφόνη). Greek / p. / pərˈsɛ.fə.ni / pur-she-feh-nee. Queen of the underworld in

Greek mythology; daughter of Zeus and Dēmḗtēr; known as Proserpina in Roman mythology.
Prōtógonos (Πρωτογόνος). Greek / n. / pɾoˈto.ɣo.nos / pror-tor-khor-nors. Lit. first-born; in Greek

mythology, the first ‘generation’ of deities.
Qanglaagix. Aleut / p. / kæn.glɑːgʰɪx / kan-glah-ghikh / aka Tulukaruq (Yup'ik). The Raven,

mythological figure of the Inuktitut, Aleut and Yupik peoples; not a creator deity per se, but a figure
who guides the people and shapes their world (although can also feature in stories as a ‘trickster’
figure).
107
Ragnarök. Icelandic / n. / ˈɹæɡ.nə.ɹɒk / rag-nuh-rok. Lit. fate, judgement (rök) of the Gods (Ragna);
‘twilight of the Gods’; a pivotal event in Norse mythology, involving the fall of many Gods, followed
by existential renewal (of life, the Earst, and some Gods).
͡ / sar-cher. Sacred, holy, hallowed, consecrated; something ‘set apart’

Sacer. Latin / adj. / ˈsaː.tʃer
(which did not necessarily have to be benign); origin of term ‘sacred.’
Sacrare. Latin / v. / sæk.rɑːr / sak-rar. From verb sacrō; to consecrate, anoint, dedicate, make holy,
make sacred.
Śakti/satti (शष्ति). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʃək.tiː / shuk-tee / aka shakti, sakthi. Lit. power or
empowerment (to be able to, have the power to); primordial cosmis energy, identified and
harnessed by various spiritual traditions.
Śambhalaḥ (शम्भि). Sanskrit / n. / ʃʌm.bʌ.lʌ / shum-buh-luh / aka Shambhala. A mythical kingdom

and various spiritual traditions (e.g., Hinduism, Buddhism); a spiritual utopia; a pure land.
Saturnalia. Latin / n. / sæ.tɚˈneɪl.jə / sah-tur-nayl-yuh. Ancient Roman festivals of Saturn (god of

generation, dissolution, plenty, wealth, agriculture, periodic renewal and liberation).
Sátyros (σάτυρος). Greek / n. / sætaɪ.rəs / sat-yr-us. In Greek mythology, a male nature spirit with
ears and a tail resembling those of a horse.
Śrīvatsa (श्रीर्त्स). Sanskrit / n. / ʃriːvʌt.sʌ / shree-vut-suh. Lit. beloved of Śrī (the goddess); name for
the symbol of the eternal or endless knot; representing teachings such as the interconnected nature
of existence.
Stūpa (स्िूप). Sanskrit / n. / stuːpɘ / stoo-puh. ‘Heap’; a mound-like or hemispherical structure

containing relics that is used as a place of meditation.
Sukhāvatī (सख ु ार्िी). Sanskrit / n. / suːkɑːvʌ.tiː / soo-kar-vuh-tee. Lit. Land of pure bliss or happiness;
a celestial ‘Pure Land’ in certain schools of Buddhism.
Tiamat (𒀭𒋾𒊩𒆳). Akkadian / p. / tiːə.mæt / tee-uh-matt. A primordial goddess in the religion of

ancient Babylon; symbol of the chaos of primordial creation; mated with Abzû (god of fresh water)
to produce younger gods.
Tiān mìng (天命). Chinese / n. / tiːæn mɪŋ / tee-an ming. Lit. heaven decree; mandate of heaven; the
bestowal upon a leader of a mandate to govern/rule (granted by the heavens, i.e., the cosmos).
Titânes (Τiτᾶνες). Greek / n. / ti.tanːɛs / tih-tah-ness. Titans; in Greek mythology, the second
generation of deities.
Tulukaruq. Yup'ik / p. / tuːluːkɑːruːk / too-loo-kɑh-rook / aka Qanglaagix (Aleut). The Raven,

mythological figure of the Inuktitut, Aleut and Yupik peoples; not a creator deity per se, but a figure
who guides the people and shapes their world (although can also feature in stories as a ‘trickster’
figure).
108
Upapaduka (उपपादक ु ). Sanskrit / n. / ʊˈpæ.pæˈdʊ.kʰɘ / oo-pa-pa-du-kuh. Parentless, self-existing,

unborn; a philosophical term describing the nature of the gods or Dhyani-Buddhas.
Vāhana (र्ाहन). Sanskrit / vɑːhʌ.nʌ / var-hu-nu. ‘That which carries’; the being, typically an animal or
mythical entity, a given Hindu deity is said to use as a vehicle or ‘mount’.
Wakinyan. Lakota / n. / wæk.ɪn.jæn / wah-kin-yan. The Thunderer or the Thunderbird; a powerful

sky spirit of Sioux mythology.
Yhvh (‫)יְׁהוָה‬. Hebrew / n. / jɛ.həʊ.væ / yeh-hoh-vah. The Hebrew name of God (usually held to be
unpronounceable, and/or too sacred to be uttered).
Zeus (Ζεύς). Greek / p. / zɛ.us / zeh-oos. In Greek mythology, sky or thunder God (also of law, order,
justice); king of the Olympian Gods; known as Jupiter in Roman mythology.
Zohar (‫)זהַּ ר‬. Hebrew / n. / zəʊ.hɑː / zoh-har. Lit. radiance, light, splendour; inner glow; a shining
forth; a foundational text of Kabbalah.
[see also Spirit and Sacrality]
Meditative practices
Adhiṣṭhāna (अचधटठान). Sanskrit / n. / ə.diː'stɑːnə / uh-dee-star-nuh. A benediction, blessing (in

Buddhism); a rule; standing by, being at hand; a basis, base.
Aṣṭamaṅgala (अटिमङ्गल). Sanskrit / n. / ʌʃ.tʌŋ.mʌŋ.gʌ.lə / ush-tung-mung-guh-luh. A collection of

eight auspicious or divine objects/symbols, used particularly on ceremonial occasions (in Buddhism,
Hinduism, and Jainism).
Bhāvana (िार्न). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / bʰhɑːwnɑː / bh-hav-nah. Application, development, cultivation,

practice, meditation.
Canunpa. Lakota / n. / ʧʌ.nuːn.pɑː / chun-noon-pah. Sacred pipe.
Caribberie. Dharruk / n. / kæ.rɪ.biːəri / kah-rih-ber-ee. Aboriginal spiritual ceremonies involving

singing and dancing (in which participants might communicate with what is sometimes referred to as
‘the dreamtime’).
Chán (禪). Chinese / n. / t͡ʃ æːn / chan. The Chinese adaptation of dhyāna/jhana.
Dhāraṇā (धारणा). Sanskrit / n. / d̪ ʱɑːrʌn.jɑː / dhar-run-yah. Concentration; fixing and holding

attention (e.g., on a meditative object).
ْ
Dhikr (‫)ذکر‬.
ِ Arabic / n. / ˈðɪ.kɘɾ / zthi-krr. Lit. remembrance; devout contemplation; worship,
particularly in the Sufi tradition (often involving music, singing, and dance).
Dō’ (道). Japanese / n. / dəʊ / doh. Path or way (e.g., spiritual).
109
Druptap (སྒྲུབ་ཐབས་). Tibetan / n. / drʌp tʰæp / drup-tap / aka sgrub thabs, sādhanā (Sanskrit). Lit.
‘means of accomplishing something’; exertion towards a spiritual goal; advanced meditation
practices.
Iṣṭadevatā (इटि दे र्िा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ɪʃ.tʰʌ.deɪ.wʌ.tɑː / ish-tuh-day-wuh-tar. Reverence (iṣṭa) of

divine beings (devatā); deity meditation.
Īśvarapraṇidhāna (ईश्र्रप्रणणधान). Sanskrit / n. / ɪʃ.vʌ.rʌ.prʌn.jiː d̪ ʱɑːnʌ / ish-vuh-ruh-prah-nyee-dhar-

nuh. Meditation, desire, prayer; paying attention to (Praṇidhāna) Lord/God/Braham (Īśvara); one of
the five niyama in Hinduism.
Japa (जप). Sanskrit / n. / ʤæ.pæ / ja-pa. To utter in a low voice, repeat internally, mutter; the
meditative repetition of a mantra or a divine name.
Kalyāṇa-mitratā/mittatā (कल्याण भमत्रिा), Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kælˈjɑːnɘ mɪt.rɘˈtɑː / kal-yah-nuh mit-

ruh-tar. Lit. ‘auspicious compassion’; spiritual friendship.
Kōan (公案). Japanese / n. / ˈkəʊ.ɑn / koh-an. Lit. public record, or official business; principles of
reality existing outside of subjective opinion; an ‘unanswerable’ question or riddle, used in Zen to
facilitate awakening.
Lha’i rnal ‘byor (ལྷའི་རྣལ་འབོར). Tibetan / n. / lə.hæiː rə.næl bəjɔː / luh-hah-ee ruh-nall buh-yor. Deity
meditation/yoga; an advanced practice in which one visualises interacting with, or ‘accomplishing’
(i.e., being), a deity.
Mantra (मन्त्र). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʌn.trʌ / mun-truh. Lit. mind tool; a meaningful word, phrase or
sound that is taken as an object of focus in meditation.
Maitrī/mettā (मैत्री). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / 'mait̪ɽi or mɛtˈtɑː / mi-tree or met-tar. Loving-kindness;

benevolence.
Nèi gōng (內功). Chinese / n. / neɪ.gɒŋ / nay-gong. ‘Inner practice’; breathing, meditation, and
spiritual practices associated with Daoism and martial arts.
Nèi jiā (内家). Chinese / n. / neɪ.ʤi.a / nay-jee-ah. ‘Internal family'; internally-directed forms of
martial arts, focusing on thee practice of such elements as awareness of the spirit, mind, and qi.
Obeah. Jamaican Patois / n. / əʊ.beɪ.ə / oh-bay-uh. A system of spiritual and healing practices
developed among enslaved West Africans in the West Indies.
Sādhana (साधना). Sanskrit / n. / sɑːdʌ.nʌ / sar-duh-nuh. Lit. realization, or ‘means of accomplishing

something’; exertion towards a spiritual goal; advanced meditation practices.
Shatkarmas (षिकमा). Sanskrit / n. / ʃæt. kɑːmə / shat-kar-muh. ‘Six actions’; a set of six Yogic
purifications of the body.
110
Tantra/tanta (िन्त्र) / Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈtʌn.trə / tun-truh. Lit. weave or loom; any systematic
teaching, method or practice; more recently, used to denote sexual-spiritual practices.
Taizé. French / n. / ˈtɛ.zeɪ / teh-zay. Contemplative Christian worship practiced by the ecumenical
Taizé community in France (characterised by music and/or singing, interspersed with readings,
prayers, and silence).
Tapas (िपस ्). Sanskrit / n. / ˈtʌ.pʌs / tuh-puhs. Lit. heat, blaze, pain, suffering (from root ‘tap’);
intensive meditation, perseverance, austerity/asceticism; one of five niyamas in Hinduism.
Taṣawwuf (‫)التصوف‬. Arabic / n. / tʌˈsaʊf / tuh-souwf. Lit. one who wears wool; Arabic name for a
mystical, esoteric branch of Islam.
Thukdham (ཐུགས་དམ). Tibetan / n. / tʰʊk.dʰʌm / tuk-dhum / aka tukdam. A Tibetan Buddhist Tantric
practice, in which advanced meditators are purportedly able, post-death, to meditatively prevent or
stall dissolution and decay of their body.
Vajrayāna (र्ज्रयान). Sanskrit / n. / ˌvʌ.dʒrəˈjɑːnə / vud-jruh-yah-nuh. Lit. diamond or thunderbolt

(vajra) path or way (yāna); an esoteric branch of Buddhism, involving advanced teachings and
practices (often referred to as Tantric).
Vinyāsa (वर्न्यास). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / vɪnˈjɑːsə / vin-yah-suh. Lit. to place (nyāsa) in a special way (vi);
a form of yoga, centring on dynamic movement between āsanas.
Yantra (यन्त्र). Sanskrit / n. / jʌn.trʌ / yun-truh. Machine, contraption; a spiritual diagram, mainly
associated with Tantric traditions, used for the worship of deities and as an aid in meditation.
Zen (禪). Japanese / n. / zẽ̞ɴ / zun. The Japanese adaptation of dhyāna/jhana.
Transcendence
Aufheben. German / v. / ˈaʊ̯ fˌheːbm / orf-hee-bn. Sublimation; to raise up, to

remove/suspend/repeal/set aside, yet also paradoxically to preserve/keep.
Baraka (‫)بركة‬. Arabic / n. / ˈbʌ.rʌ.kʌ / buh-ruh-kuh. Spiritual energy; ‘sanctifying power’.
Bardo (བར་དོ་). Tibetan / n. / bɑːdəʊ / bar-doe. Lit. ‘in-between state’ or ‘intermediate state’; a liminal
or transitional state between lives.
Bodhi (बोचध). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈbaʊ.di / boe-dee. Enlightenment, awakening.
Bodhicitta (बोचधचित्त). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈbaʊ.di tʃɪ.ɖæ / boe-dee chi’dta. Enlightened/awakened

mind; a mind that strives towards awakening for the benefit of all beings.
Buddha (बुद्ध). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / bʊdːʰə / bd-dha. An awakened/enlightened being.
111
Entelékheia (ἐντελέχεια). Greek / n. / en̪ te̪ l ̺eˈk̟iːä / en-tell-ech-ee-ah. The complete realisation and
final form of potentiality; the conditions under which a potential phenomenon becomes actualized.
Enthousiasmos (ἐνθουσιασμός). Greek / n. / en.θu.si.asˈmos / en-thoo-sias-mous. The state of being

inspired or possessed by a divine being / forces; being driven/guided by a higher power.
Fanaa (‫)فناء‬. Arabic / n. / fɘ.nɑː / fuh-nar. Annihilation, destruction; e.g., used in Sufism to describe
the ‘annihilation’ or overcoming of the ego, leading to enlightenment and union with God.
Fitra (‫)فطرة‬. Arabic / n. / fɪ.træ / fih-trah. Disposition; nature; instinct; used in religious discourse to
describe an innate purity and closeness to God.
Hiimor (Хийморь). Mongolian / n. / hiːmɔː / hee-moor. Wind-horse (or air-horse); a magical creature
that carries prayers from earth to heaven (with the speed of the wind and the strength of the horse);
a person’s spiritual or psychological energy or power.
Kenshō (見性). Japanese / n. / kɛn.ʃəʊː / ken-shoh. Seeing (ken) one’s nature or essence (shō);
perceiving one’s Buddha nature; sometimes interpreted as an initial or brief awakening.
Ourobóros (οὐροβόρος). Greek / n. / uːˈrɒ.bə.rɒs / ur-oo-boh-ross. Lit. ‘tail-devouring’; an ancient

symbol, from various mystery traditions, featuring a serpent or snake eating its own tail; symbolises,
among other things, eternity, and self-transformation.
Ṛddhi/iddhi (ऋद्चध). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / rɪd. dʰɪ / rid-dhih. Lit. success, accomplishment, increase;
used in Buddhism to denote extraordinary (e.g., ‘psychic’) powers.
Rūpa (रूप ). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ruːpɘ / roo-puh. Matter, body, material form; in Buddhism, the first
skandha (i.e., the material body).
Satchitananda (सष्च्ििानन्द). Sanskrit / n. / sʌt.tʃɪɖ.ɑ.nɘn.dɘ / sut-chidt-ah-nun-de. Truth, existence

(sat), consciousness (cit), and happiness, bliss (ananda); perception of the ultimate, unchanging
reality (and the liberation that arises as a result).
Siddhārtha/siddhattha (भसद्धाथा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sɪd.dɑːr.θʌ / sid-dar-thuh. Derived from siddha

(achievement) and arth (meaning, purpose); one who has successfully achieved an aim or object.
Śūnyatā/suññatā (शून्यिा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʃʊn.jʌˈtɑː / shoon-yuh-tah. Emptiness; boundlessness;

boundarylessness; the idea that phenomena come into being dependent upon conditions.
Tat Tvam Asi (ित्त्र्मभस). Sanskrit / phrase / tʌt.twʌm.æsiː / tut-twum-ahsee. Lit. thou are that; a
central expression of Ádvaita philosophy, articulating the oneness of ātman and Brahman.
Tathāgata-garbha (िथागि गिा). Sanskrit/Pāli / tʌtˈhɑːgʌ.tʌ gɑːrb.hɑ / tuh-tar-guh-tuh garr-bha. Lit.

‘one who has thus gone’; Buddha nature.
112

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Lomas lexicography Provisional list – by theme April 2020

PROVISIONAL LEXICOGRAPHY – BY THEME

Updated April 2020

Nichtwollen. German / n. / nɪçtˈvɔlə / neekht-voh-ley. Non-willing, non-wishing, non-wanting.

Arbejdsglæde. Danish / n. / ˈɑː.baɪd̪ ʱsˌglɪl / ar-bides-glil. Lit. work gladness/joy; pleasure/satisfaction

Deliciate. English (old) / v. / də.lɪs.ɪeɪt / duh-liss-ee-ayt. Luxuriating, revelling in intense pleasure.

Erfolgserlebnis. German / n. / ɜːˈfɒlks.ɜːliːb.nɪs / er-folks-er-leeb-niss. Lit. ‘success experience’; a

Gjensynsglede. Norwegian / n. / gjɛn.siːn.glɪl / gyen-seen-glil. Lit. goodbye happiness; the joy of

Liigud. Estonian / n. / liːgʊd / lee-gud. A celebration for completing a purchase.

Lust. German / n. / lʊst / loost. Pleasure, joy; desire, wish; satisfaction.

Makários (μακάριος). Greek / n. / maˈka:ri.u / mah-kah-ree-oo. Blessed, happy.

Osher (‫)אושר‬. Hebrew / n. / ɒʃuʁ / oh-shuh. Joy; contented happiness.

Saṃtoṣa/santosa (संिोष). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sũ.təʊ.ʃʌ / suhm-toe-shuh. Complete/entire (saṃ)

Gemütlichkeit. German / n. / ɡəˈmyːtlɪçkaɪt / geh-moot-lish-kite. A feeling of comfort, cosiness,

Heimelig. German / adj. / ˈhaɪ̯.mɘˌlɪg / hi-m-lig. Cosy, homely, secure.

Hyggekrog. Danish/Norwegian / n. / ˈhʊːɡə.kʰʁɔwˀ / hhoo-guh/khrow. Lit. hygge-corner; a cozy nook

Trygghet. Swedish / n. / truːg.hiɜːt / trroog-he-ert. Security, safety, confidence, certainty, trust.

Bonanza. Spanish / n. / bənˈanzə / b-nan-za. A boon/benefit (that is often unexpected); prosperity.

Dhyāna/Jhāna (ध्यान). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˌgn'jɑːˌnæ / gn-yaa-na. Intense, concentrated attention

Epesní. Czech / adj. / ˈɛpɛs.niː / epes-niyee. Great, perfect, exquisite, first-class.

Hugfanginn. Icelandic / adj. / ˈhuː.fʌŋ.gɪn / hoo-fun-gin. Lit. 'mind-captured', to be charmed or

Labůžo. Czech / n. / ˈla.buː.ʒo / lah-boo-zhoh. Satisfaction; a favourable situation; enjoying or

Njuta. Swedish / v. / njʉː.ta / nyoo-ta. To deeply enjoy, to profoundly appreciate.

Borrel. Dutch / n. / bɔːrəl / bohr-uhl. Party, revelry; reception, meeting; get-together.

Desbundar. Portuguese / v. / dʒizbũˈdar / dez-bun-dar. Exceeding one’s limits; shedding one’s

Fiesta. Spanish / n. / fɪˈɛstə / fee-ess-tah. A party, celebration.

Gringagog. Old English / n. / grɪn.ə.gɒg / grin-uh-gog. Someone who is always grinning.

Lego. Danish / n. / lɛ.gəʊ / leh-go. ‘Play well’ (a contraction of ‘leg godt’).

Parea (Παρέα). Greek / n. / pɑːreɪə / pah-ray-uh. Informal party, revelry.

Poprawiny. Polish / n. / pɒ.prɑːviːnɛ / po-pra-vee-neh. A party/reception held the day after a

Bazodee. Creole (Trinidad and Tobago) / n. / bæ.zəʊ.diː / bah-zoe-dee. Euphoric confusion;

Euphoría (εὐφορία). Greek / n. / eu

Gaudere. Latin / v. / gaʊˈdɪə.riː / gau-deer-ee. To rejoice; to take joy in.

Iduni. Yorobua / n. / ɪ.duːniː / ih-doo-nee. Intense, absolute, indescribable joy.

Jouissance. French / n. / ʒˈwi.sɑ̃ s / szh-wee-sonse. Physical or intellectual pleasure, delight, or

Livsnjutare. Swedish / n. / ˈliːf.sɘˌnjuːtɑ.reɪ / leef-suh-nyoo-ta-rey. Bon vivant; someone who loves

Béatitude. French / n. / beɪˈætɪtjuːd / bay-at-it-ude. Supreme happiness; a state of blessedness.

Charis (χαρις). Greek / n. / kʰá.ris / khah-riss. Grace, kindness, beauty, nobility.

Ânanda (आनन्द). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑːnɘn.dɘ / ah-nun-de. Bliss, lasting contentment; spiritual,

Mokṣa/moksha (मोक्ष). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈmoːk.ʃə / mok-shuh. Emancipation, liberation, release

Nirvāṇa/nibbāna (तनर्ााण). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / nɪəˈwɑːnə / nir-vwah-nuh. Lit. ‘extinguished’ or ‘blown

Bēi xî jiāo jí (悲喜交集). Chinese / n. / beɪ.ɕɪ.ʤiaʊ.ʤi / bay-shee-jeeow-jee. Intermingled feelings of

Charmolypi (χαρμολύπη). Greek / n. / sɑːməʊˈlɪ.piː / sar-mo-lih-pee. Sweet or ‘joy-making’ sorrow;

Krasosmutněn. Czech / n. /ˈkra.soˌsmut.ɲɛˌɲiː/ krra-soh-smut-niyeh-niyee. Beautiful sadness; joyful

Qarrtsiluni. Inuktitut, Inuktitut / v. / kʌːrʒ.sɪ.luːnɪ / kartz-sih-loo-nih. Sitting together in the darkness,

Vorfreude. German / n. / ˈfoːa̯fʀɔɪ̯.də / for-fhroy-duh / aka voorpret (Dutch). Intense, joyful

Hrepenenje. Slovenian / n. / hɜ.rɛ.pə.nɛn.ʤeɪ / heh-rep-uh-nen-jay. Nostalgia for something that

Morriña. Galician / n. / moˈriɲa / moh-rreen-yah. Longing; homesickness; notalgia.

Natsukashii (懐かしい). Japanese / adj. / nɑːt.suːkɑː ʃiː / naht-soo-kah-shee. Missed, precious,

Saudade. Portuguese / n. / sɐwˈðaðɨ / sow-dhadh. Melancholic longing, nostalgia, dreaming

Saudosismo. Portuguese / n. / saw.doˈziz.mu / sow-doo-ziz-moo. A movement that promulgated

Saudosista. Portuguese / n. / saw.doˈziz.tə / sow-doo-ziz-tuh. Someone given to nostalgia; a follower

Wanderlust. German n. / ˈvæn.dɛˈlʊst / van-deh-loost. Lit. desire (Lust) to hike (Wander). A

Mono no aware (物の哀れ). Japanese / n. / mɒ.nɒ.nɒ.ɐ.wɐ.ɾeɪ / mo-no-no-a-wah-ray. Pathos of

Páthos (πάθος). Greek / n. / ˈpæ.θɒs / pah-thoss. Suffering; emotion; experience.

Weltschmerz. German / n. / ˈvelt.ʃmeəts / velt-shmerts. World-weariness, world-hurt; causeless

Koko (考古). Japanese / n. / kɒ.kɒ / ko-ko. Weathered beauty; austere sublimity.

Sabi (寂). Japanese / n. / sɑːbɪ / sa-be. Lonely, desolate, aged beauty.

Aphaíresis (ἀφαίρεσις). Greek / n. / ɛɪfəˈriːsɪs / eff-uh-ree-sis. Abstractive negation; to withdraw /

Vidunder. Swedish / n. / viːˈduːdə / vee-doon-duh. Miracle; prodigy; monster; an impressive or

Xibipíío. Pirahã / n. / ɪ.piːˈbɪəʊ / ih-bih-pee-oh. Experiencing liminality; a phenomenon on the

Desasosiego. Spanish / n. / dɛ.səˌsəʊ.sɪ.ɑːgəʊ / dess-ass-oss-ee-ah-go. Unrest; unease; anxiety; a