Alphabet List A PR 21

Lomas lexicography Provisional list – by alphabet April 2021
PROVISIONAL LEXICOGRAPHY – BY ALPHABET
Updated April 2021
Contents
A .............................................................................................................................................................. 2
B ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
C ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
D ............................................................................................................................................................ 20
E ............................................................................................................................................................ 25
F............................................................................................................................................................. 30
G ............................................................................................................................................................ 33
H ............................................................................................................................................................ 37
I ............................................................................................................................................................. 42
J ............................................................................................................................................................. 44
K ............................................................................................................................................................ 46
L ............................................................................................................................................................. 53
M ........................................................................................................................................................... 56
N ............................................................................................................................................................ 65
O ............................................................................................................................................................ 69
P ............................................................................................................................................................ 71
Q ............................................................................................................................................................ 77
R ............................................................................................................................................................ 78
S............................................................................................................................................................. 81
T ............................................................................................................................................................ 93
U ............................................................................................................................................................ 99
V .......................................................................................................................................................... 101
W ......................................................................................................................................................... 104
X .......................................................................................................................................................... 106
Y .......................................................................................................................................................... 108
Z........................................................................................................................................................... 109
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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.
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 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.
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.
Abbiocco. Italian / n. / abˈbjɔkko / a-bee-okk-o. Drowsiness following eating a (large) meal.
Abhayamudrâ (अभय मद्र ु ा). 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.
Abhimāna (अभभमान). 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.
Abhisar (অভিসার). Bengali / n. / ɒb.hiːʃɑː / ob-hih-shaar. Lit. 'going towards'; a meeting (often
secret) between lovers / partners.
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.
Abschattung. German / n. / ˈʔap.ʃa.tʊŋ / ap-sha-tung. Shading, shadowing; adumbration; a faint

sketch or outline; a rough or symbolic representation; a foreshadowing; a ‘take’ or perspective.
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.
Adab (‫)دب‬. Persian / n. / ə.dæb / ah-dab. Civility, respect; manners, etiquette; proper social and
aesthetic form.
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.
2
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.
Adinnā-dānā (अदिन्निाना). 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).
Adroit. French / adj. / ad.ʀwa / ah-drwa. Lit. according to right; skilled, resourceful; dexterous.
Adhiṣṭhāna (अधिष्ठान). Sanskrit / n. / ə.diː'stɑːnə / uh-dee-star-nuh. A benediction, blessing (in

Buddhism); a rule; standing by, being at hand; a basis, base.
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.
Ádvaita (अद्वैत). Sanskrit / n. / ʌd.vaɪ.tʌ / ud-vy-tuh. Non-dual; the notion that there is only one
reality.
Aegyo (애교). Korean / n. / eɪ.ɛgəʊ / ay-ee-go. A cute, coequettish display of affection, often
expressed through babyish voices, expressions, and gestures.
Affidavit. Latin / n. / ˌæ.fɪˈdeɪ.vɪt / a-fa-day-vit. ‘He has sworn’; in legal terms, a formal
statement of fact.
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).
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).
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.
Agrok. English (new) / n. / ə.grɒk / uh-grok. The lonely feeling of being completely misunderstood
and separated from others; coined by Mehul Shah as the antonym of Robert H Heinlein’s term
‘grok’).
Akamai. Hawaiian / adj. / ä-kä-ˈmī / ah-kah-my. Intelligent, smart; sharp, quick-witted; cool.
Aktivansteher. German / n. / akˈtiːvan.steɪə / ak-tee-van-stay-uh. ‘Active queuer; someone who is

skilled at queuing.
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.
Al dente. Italian / adj. / ælˈdɛn.teɪ / al den-tay. ‘To the tooth’; pasta or rice that is cooked to be firm
to the bite.
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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).
Alter ego. Latin / phrase / ɔːltə ɛ.ɡɔ / al-ter eh-go. ‘Another I’; a second identity within a
person.
Alma mater. Latin / phrase / ɔːlmə mɑːtə / al-ma mar-tuh. ‘Nourishing mother’; term used for
the university one attends or has attended.
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.
Afrodíti (Αφροδίτη). Greek / pronoun / a.fro.di.tiː / ah-froh-dee-tee. In Greek mythology, the

Goddess of love (also beauty, sexuality); known as Venus in Roman mythology.
Agápē (ἀγάπη). Greek / n. / ˌæˈgɑː.piː / ag-ah'-pee. Selfless, unconditional, devotional love.
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.
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.
Ah-un (阿吽). Japanese / n. / ɑːən / ah-un. a transliteration of Auṃ (ॐ), the sacred Sanskrit syllable;
the beginning and ending of something; unspoken communication between close friends.
Ahiṃsā/avihiṃsā (अद स
िं ा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / əˈhɪmsɑː / uh-him-sah. Non-harm, love.
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.
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.
Aión (αἰών). Greek / n. / ɛˈon / ee-on. A lifespan; an allotment of time; an age or era; eternity.
Ājīva (आजीव). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ɑː. ʤiː.wʌ / ah-jee-wuh. Livelihood, work, mode of life.
Akh (Ꜣḫ). Egyptian / n. / ækʰ / akh. Thought, intellect; enduring soul; reanimated after death by the
union of ba and ka.
Akrásia (ακρασια). Greek / n. / æ.kræˈsi.a / ah-krah-see-ah. Weakness of will; lack of self-control.
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
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referred to as dreamtime or ‘the dreaming’ (occurring ‘everywhen,’ embracing past, present and
future).
Alétheia (ἀλήθεια). Greek / n. / ɑ.leɪˈθi.a / ah-lay-thee-ah. Truth; disclosure, ‘unclosedness’,

‘unconcealedness’; reality as perceived and appraised (subjectively) by human beings. Stands in
contrast to prāgmatikós (i.e., actuality, factuality).
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.
Allegro. Italian / adj., adv. / ə-ˈle-(ˌ)grō / uh-leg-roh. ‘Merry’; a brisk lively tempo; used as a direction
in music.
Aloha. Hawaiian / int. æˈləʊ.hæ / ah-loh-ha. Lit. the ‘breath of presence’; hello and goodbye, with
love and compassion.
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.
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).
Amateur. French / n. / a.ma.tœʀ / ah-mah-toer. Lit. lover or ‘one who loves’; amateur, hobbyist.
Ambedo. English (new) / n. / æmˈbiːdəʊ / am-bee-doh. A melancholic trance involving absorption in

vivid sensory details; coined by John Koenig.
Ambientamento. Italian / n. / ˈæm.bɪən.tə.mento / am-bee-en-tah-men-toh. Settling-in;

acclimatisation; adjustment.
Ambitus. Latin / n. / æm.bɪt.əs / am-bit-uss. ‘The going round’; the range of a voice, instrument, or
piece of music.
Amipushu. Innu (Native North American) / n. / æ.mə.pə.ʃuː / ah-me-puh-shu. Quiet water surface.
Amitābha (अभमताभ). Sanskrit / p. / ʌ.miːtɑːbʌ / uh-mee-tar-buh. Celestial Buddha of infinite light

and goodness; creator of the ‘Pure Land’ (Sukhāvatī in Sanskrit).
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).
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 fou. French / n. / amuʀ fu / a-moor-foo. Mad/crazy/foolish love.
Amour propre. French / n. / amuʀ ˈpʀɔ.pʀ / a-moor-prrop-ruh. Lit. 'self-love'; self-esteem that is
contingent on others' judgement.
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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).
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.
Anam cara. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / æn.æm kæ.rə / ah-nam cah-ra. Soul friend; a deep, heartfelt
friendship (often with a spiritual dimension).
Ânanda (आनन्ि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑːnɘn.dɘ / ah-nun-de. Bliss, lasting contentment; spiritual,

‘unconditional’ happiness.
Anánkē (ἀνάγκη). n. / əˈnæŋ.kiː / uh-nang-kee. Necessity, compulsion, inevitability, fate.
Anātman/ anattā (अनात्मन ्). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑnˈɑːtmən / an-at-mn. Insubstantiality, lack of

permanent self/soul.
Andante. Italian / adjective, adverb / än.ˈdän-tē / an-dan tey. Moderately slow; used as a direction in
music.
Andreia (ἀνδρεῖα). Greek / n. / ˌʌnˈdreɪ.a / uhn-dray-yah. Courage, valour, heroism, gallantry;

manliness (from andreîos).
Anima. Latin / n. / ˈa.ni.ma / ah-nih-mah. Soul; spirit; breath; mind.
Anitya/anicca (अननत्य). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / æˈniːt.jə / a-neet-yah. Impermanence; the notion that

existence is transient, evanescent, and inconstant.
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.
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.
Ansias. Spanish / n. / ˈæn.siːɘ / an-see-uh. Longing, yearning; worry, anguish; desparate or anxious
love (e.g., worrying about one’s loved one).
Anstand. German / n. / ˈan.ʃtant / an-shtant. Decency, integrity; moral, modest and decorous
behaviour.
Antaḥkaraṇa (अन्तःकरण). 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).
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Antsafa. Malagasy / n. / ænt.sæ.fɘ / ant-sah-fuh. Inquiries about things of which one is fully
cognizant beforehand.
Anukampā (अनुकम्पा). Sanskrit / n. / ʌ.nuːkʌm.pɑː / uh-noo-kum-pah. Lit. harmonic vibration or

resonance; compassion, empathy.
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).
Apaixonar. Portuguese / v. / apaj.ʃoˈnar / ah-piy-shon-narr. To fall in love; to become passionate

about someone/something.
Aparigraha (अपररग्र ा). Sanskrit / n. / ʌp.ʌriːgrʌ.hʌ / uh-puh-ree-gruh-huh. Non-possessiveness, non-

grasping, non-greediness; one of the five yama in Hinduism.
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).
Aphaíresis (ἀφαίρεσις). Greek / n. / ɛɪfəˈriːsɪs / eff-uh-ree-sis. Abstractive negation; to withdraw /

take away (thereby revealing the truth, e.g., in mystical theology).
Aphrodíte (Αφροδίτη). Greek / pronoun / 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.
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.
Apramāda/appamada (अप्रमाि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʌ.prʌˈmːdʌ / uh-pruh-mah-duh. Earnestness,

alertness, diligence, moral watchfulness.
Apramāṇa/appamaññā (अप्रमाण). Sanskrit/Pāli / n, adj. / æp.ræ.ɱɑːɳɘ / ap-ra-mah-na.

Immeasurable, boundless.
Apres (ապրես). Armenian / int. / ap.rɛs / ahp-rez. Lit. ‘live long’; an expression of thanks.
Apricity. English (old) / n. / ap.ri:si.ti: / a-pree-si-tee. The warmth of the sun in winter.
Aprīcus. Latin / adj. / ap.r:kʌs / a-pree-kus. Warmed by the sun.
Apsara (अप्सरस ्). Sanskrit / n. / æp.sɑːrɑː / ap-sar-ah. ‘Going in the waters’; a female spirit of the
clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist culture.
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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.
Aptukulit. Mi’kmaw (Native North American) / v. / æpt.kə.lɪt / apt-kuh-lit. To return successfully

from hunting.
Aqilokoq. Inuktitut / n. / æ.kiːləʊ.kɒk / ah-kee-loh-kok. Gently falling snow.
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.
Aranyhíd. Hungarian / n. / æ.ræn.jɪd / ah-ran-yid. ‘Golden bridge’; the reflection of the rising or
setting sun on water.
Arche (ἀρχή). Greek / n. / ˈɑːr.ki / ar-ke. Source of action; first principle; beginning, origin.
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.
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.
Arbejdsglæde. Danish / n. / ˈɑː.baɪd̪ ʱsˌglɪl / ar-bides-glil. Lit. work gladness/joy; pleasure/satisfaction

derived from work.
Areté (ἀρετή). Greek / n. / aˈre.tɛ᷄ː / ah-reh-tay. Excellence; quality; virtue.
Arhat/arahant (अ हत ्). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑːhʌt / aar-hut. A worthy or perfected individual; one who
has attained enlightenment.
Aroha. Māori, v., n. / æˈrəʊ.hæ / ah-roh-ha. (To feel) love, concern, compassion, empathy for
someone; cognate with the Hawaiian term Aloha.
Arrangiarsi. Italian / v. / a.ranˈʤaːsiː / a-rran-jar-see. The ability to 'make do' or 'get by'.
Arriviste. French / n. / aʀ.iv.ist / ah-ree-veest. An ambitious social-climber or go-getter (with

connotations of ruthlessness).
Asabiyyah (‫)عصبية‬. Arabic / n. / a.saːˈbiː.ja / ah-sah-bee-yah. Solidarity; group feeling; group

consciousness.
Āsana (आसन). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʌːsə.nə / uh-suh-nih. Lit. seat / sitting position; postures
adopted/undertaken in Yoga.
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Ashtangika / atthangika (अष््ािंधिक). Sanskrit/ Pāli / n. / ʌʃ.tʌŋ.gɪ.kʌ / ush-tung-gee-kuh. Eightfold (as

in the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism).
Aṣṭamaṅgala (अष््मङ्िल). 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).
Asteya (अस्तेय). Sanskrit/Pāli / v. / ʌ.steɪ.jʌ / uh-stay-uh. Lit. ‘non-stealing’; refraining from taking or
appropriating the ‘not-given’.
Ataraxia (ἀταραξία). Greek / n. / ætəˈɹæk.siə / atta-rak-sia. Robust and lucid tranquillity; peace of
mind; calmness.
Ātman/attā (आत्मन ्). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑːtmən / at-mn. Soul, breath, spirit.
Ātomos (ἄτομος). Greek / n. / æ.tɒ.mɒs / ah-toh-mos. Lit. indivisible or uncuttable; the idea of the
universe being composed of fundamental units.
Aufheben. German / v. / ˈaʊ̯ fˌheːbm / orf-hee-bn. Sublimation; to raise up, to

remove/suspend/repeal/set aside, yet also paradoxically to preserve/keep.
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.
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).
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).
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.
Avatāra (अवतार). Sanskrit / n. / ʌ.vʌ.tɑːʀʌ / uh-vuh-tar-uh. Lit. ‘descent’; the incarnation or

embodiment of a deity in human or animal form.
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).
Avos (авось). Russian / particle / ɐˈvosʲ / ah-voss. Maybe/what if; faith/trust/hope in luck,
serendipity, destiny or fate.
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).
9
Achsenzeit. German / n. / ˈak.sən.tsait / ak-sen-tsiyt. Axis age, axial age; coined 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.
Aseret ha-Dibrot (‫)עשרת הדיברות‬. Hebrew / n. / æˈseət hæ.diːˈbrəʊt / ah-sairt hah-dee-broht / aka
Aseret ha-d'varîm. Lit. ten words, statemens, sayings; the Ten Commandments, aka the Decalogue.
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.
Audeamus. Latin / phrase / ɔːdeɪ.mʌs / or-day-mus. ‘Let us dare’.
Augenmusik. German / n. / ˈauɡ.ən. mjuːzɪk / or-gen-myoo-zik. ‘Eye music’; graphical features of

scores which when performed are unnoticeable by the listener.
Augenweide. German / n. / ˈauɡ.ən.vai.də / or-gen-vy-duh. A feast for the eyes; a beautiful,

stimulating, or enriching scene.
Augur. Latin / n . / ˈɔːgə / or-guh. A religious official who foretold events by observing and
interpreting natural signs.
Auspices. Latin / n. / ˈɔ spə sɪz / or-spih-seez. Supernatural signs, especially flights of birds or
weather signs; a divination or prognostication.
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.
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).
Aylyak (айляк). Bulgarian / n. / aɪ.ljæk / ey-lyak. A carefree, relaxed lifestyle; the art of not rushing
or worrying; living without hurry and concern.
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.
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.
Ayurnamat. Inuktitut / n. / ɪ.jɜːnæ.mæt / ih-yur-nah-mat. Stoicism; the possibility or approach of not

worrying about things that cannot be changed.
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.
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Ba (bꜣ). Egyptian / n. / bæ / bah. Personality; everything that makes an individual unique; one of five
parts of the soul in Egyptian thought.
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.
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.
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.
Banchan (반찬). Korean / n. / ˈbɑːnˌtʃɑːn / ban-chan. A collective name for small side dishes served
along with cooked rice in Korean cuisine.
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.
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.
Barroco. Portuguese / n., adj. / baˈho.ku: / ba-hoh-koo. Imperfect pearl; baroque; extravagant.
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.
Barry. Scottish / adj./ bæ.ri: / bah-ree. Superlative; great; fine; awesome.
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).
Báo ơn. Vietnamese / v. / baʊ.æn / bau-an. To return, to repay; to render; to reward; to give respect
or thanks for a favour.
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.
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Bazodee. Creole (Trinidad and Tobago) / n. / bæ.zəʊ.diː / bah-zoe-dee. Euphoric confusion;

dizzy/dazed happiness.
Béaláiste. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / beɪ.æl.æʃ.tə / bay-al-ash-tuh. A drink or toast to seal or celebrate a

deal.
Béatitude. French / n. / beɪˈætɪtjuːd / bay-at-it-ude. Supreme happiness; a state of blessedness.
Beau geste. French / n. / bo ʒɛst / boh zhjest. A graceful, noble or beautiful gesture (especially if it is
futile or meaningless).
Beau monde. French / n. / ˈboʊˈmɑnd / bo-mond. Fashionable or beautiful society; the world of
fashion.
Bēi xî jiāo jí (悲喜交集). Chinese / n. / beɪ.ɕɪ.ʤiaʊ.ʤi / bay-shee-jeeow-jee. Intermingled feelings of

sadness and joy.
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.
Begadang. Indonesian / v. / bɛ.gə.dæŋ / beh-gah-dang. To stay awake all night talking.
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.
Bella figura. Italian / phrase / ˈbɛl.lɑ.fiˈgu.ʀɑ / bell-ah fih-goor-ah. Beautiful figure; good impression;
fine appearance; grace, tact, style.
Belum. Indonesian / aux v. / bə.ləm / buh-luhm. Not yet, perhaps, hopeful wish.
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’).
Bentō (弁当). Japanese / n. / bɛn.təʊ / ben-tow. Lit. ‘useful thing’; a a single-portion take-out or
home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine.
Beochaoineadh. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / beɪ.ɒk.wiːnəʊ / bey-och-kwee-noh. An ‘elegy for the living’; a

lament for someone who is alive but who has gone away.
Bergdenken. German / n. / bɜːgˈdɛŋkən / burg-deng-ken. Lit. ‘mountain thought’; thinking or

dreaming of mountains.
Beruf. German / n. / bəˈruːf / buh-rooff. Trade, job, occupation. Berufung: vocation, calling, religious
calling.
Besa. Albanian / n. / ˈbeɪ.sæ / bay-sah. An inviolable promise; a word of honour; to keep an oath.
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.
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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).
Berlenggang. Indonesian / v. / bɜːlɛŋ.gæŋ / ber-leng-gang. To walk gracefully by swinging your hands

or hips.
Bettmümpfeli. German (Swiss) / n. / bɛt.muːm.fʊli / bet-moom-fooli. Bedtime snack.
Bhakti/bhatti (भक्तत). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / bʰʌʜk.tiː / bhahk-tee. Fondness, attachment, homage,

reverence.
Bhagavad/t (भिवद्). Sanskrit / n. / bʰʌ.gʌ.vud / buh-guh-vudt. Blessed one; someone endowed with
blessings accumulated through great merit; also a general term of endearment.
Bhāvana (भावन). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / bʰhɑːwnɑː / bh-hav-nah. Application, development, cultivation,

practice, meditation.
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).
Bijaksana. Indonensian / adj. / biːˈʤæk.sæ.næ / bee-jak-sah-nah. Wise, sagacious; prudent, sensible;

judicious, rational, equitable; bright; discreet.
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.
Binah (‫)בינה‬. Hebrew / n. / bɪˈnæ / bih-nah. Understanding; the third sephirot in the Kabbalah
tradition, denoting the process/quality which gives form to creation.
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.
Bishōnen (美少年). Japanese / n. / bɪʃ. ɒn. ɛn / bish-on-en. ‘Beautiful youth’; an aesthetic involving a
young man of androgynous beauty.
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).
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.
Blüttle. German (Swiss) / v. / bluːtl / blootl. To walk around naked; to enjoy being naked.
Bodhi (बोधि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈbaʊ.di / boe-dee. Enlightenment, awakening.
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Bodhicitta (बोधिधित्त). 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.
Bodryi (бодрый). Russian / adj. / ˈbo.drɨj / boor-dree. Cheerful; brisk; hale and hearty; awake; in
good spirits, energetic.
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.
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).
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).
Bonanza. Spanish / n. / bənˈanzə / b-nan-za. A boon/benefit (that is often unexpected); prosperity.
Bona fide. Latin / phrase / ˈboʊ.nə ˈfaɪd / bo-nuh fiyd. In good faith; sincere good intention
regardless of outcome.
Bonhomie. French / n. / ˌbɒn.əˈmi / bon-uh-mee. Cheerful friendliness, geniality, congeniality,

conviviality, cordiality.
Bonnie. Scottish / adj. / ˈbɒ.nē / boh-nee. Beautiful, pretty, fair; fine, excellent.
Bonkei (盆景). Japanese / n. / bɒn.keɪ / bohn-kay. ‘Tray landscape’; the art of creating minaturised
landscapes, usually using non-living, dried materials (e.g., rocks).
Bonsai (盆栽). Japanese / n. / bɒn.saɪ / bohn-sy. ‘Tray planting’; the art of creating miniaturised
trees.
Bonseki (盆石). Japanese / n. / bɒn.sɛ.ki: / bohn-seh-kee. ‘Tray rocks’ ; the art of creating miniature
flattened landscapes (e.g., using sand and pebbles).
Bon appétit. French / int. / bɔ̃ apeti / bon app-et-ee. Lit. good appetite; enjoy your meal.
Bon hiver. French / int. / bɔn‿ivɛːʁ / bohn-ee-verr. ‘Good winter’; often used as a greeting at the
first snowfall of winter.
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.
Borrel. Dutch / n. / bɔːrəl / bohr-uhl. Party, revelry; reception, meeting; get-together.
14
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.
Botellón. Spanish / n. / bɒ.teɪˈjɒnː / boh-tay-yon. Lit. ‘big bottle’; people congregating in public
spaces to socialize while drinking alcohol.
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.
Brahma-charya (ब्रह्मियह). 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.
Brahman (ब्रह्मन ्). Sanskrit / n. / ˈbrɑːˌmən / brah-man. The transcendent and immanent absolute
reality; the supreme spirit that continually brings existence into being.
Brahmavihārās (ब्रह्मवव ारा). 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.
Brav. German / adj. / braːf / brraaf. Pleasant, earnest, well-behaved.
Bricolage. French / n. / bʀi.kɔ.laʒ / brih-koh-laazge. DIY; a makeshift job; construction of something

achieved by using whatever comes to hand.
Brio. Italian / n. / ˈbriːəʊ / bree-oh. Mettle, fire; life; vivacity, energy, vitality; confidence.
Buchaechum (부채춤). Korean / n. / bʊ.ʧeɪ.ʧʌm / buh-chay-chum. A traditional form of Korean

dance involving the use of fans.
Buddha (बुद्ि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / bʊdːʰə / bd-dha. An awakened/enlightened being.
Budō (武道). Japanese / n. / buːdəʊ / boo-doh. Lit. the art or way of war; martial arts.
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).
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.
15
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).
Cacharpaya. Spanish / n. / kæʧ.ɑːˈpaɪ.jæ / cat-char-pye-ah. A send-off; a farewell party for someone

who is going away.
Caduceus. Latin / n. / kəˈdjuːʃəs / kuh-joo-shus. Herald’s wand or staff (from the Greek kērū́keion);
the staff carried by Hermes in Greek mythology and Mercury in Roman mythology, entwined by two
serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings; many symbolic meanings, including peace, neutrality,
and dialogue.
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.
Cafuné. Portuguese / n. / ˌka.fu.ˈnɛ / cah-foo-neh. The act/gesture of tenderly running one’s fingers
through a loved one’s hair.
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.
Calando. Italian / adj., adv. / käˈlän(ˌ)dō / kah-lan-doh. diminishing in loudness and sometimes
tempo; used as a direction in music.
Camarada. Spanish / n. / kamaˈɾaða / cah-mah-rah-dtha. Lit. ‘chamber-mate’ or room-mate; pal,

friend; basis for the term ‘comrade.’
Canunpa. Lakota (Native North American) / n. / ʧʌ.nuːn.pɑː / chun-noon-pah. Sacred pipe.
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.
Carnevale. Italian / n. / kaʀ.ni.va:li: / kar-nee-var-lee. A time of merrymaking before Lent, beginning

on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on Shrove Tuesday
(the day before Ash Wednesday); purportedly from the Medieval Latin carne vale (‘flesh, farewell!').
Carpe diem. Latin / phrase / ˌkɑːrpeɪ ˈdaɪem / kar-pay dey-em. Make the most of the present
moment or opportunity. Lit. sieze the day.
Carte blanche. French / n. / kaʀt blɑ̃ / kaart-bloh. Lit. ‘white card’; being granted or invested with
power, authority to do as one wishes.
Caribberie. Australian Aboriginal (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’).
Catkuta. Lakota (Native North American) / n. / ʧɑːtkuːtɑː / chah-t'koo-tah. Seat or place of honour.
16
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.
Catvāri āryasatyāni / cattāri ariyasaccāni (ित्वारर आयहसत्यानन). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kʌtˈwɑːɹi

ˈɑː.jæ.sætˈjɑːnɪ / cat-wah-ree ah-ya-sat-yah-nee. Lit. ‘truths of the noble ones’; the ‘noble truths.’
Caveat. Latin / phrase / keɪvɪæt / ca-ve-at. ‘May he beware’; refers to a qualification or warning.
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).
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.
Chadō (茶道). Japanese / n. / ʧɑːdəʊ / chah-doh. The art or way of tea.
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).
Chairó (χαίρω). Greek / v. / kʰɑːi:rəʊ / ky-ee-roh. To rejoice; to be glad; to experience God’s grace.
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.
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.
Charmolypi (χαρμολύπη). Greek / n. / sɑːməʊˈlɪ.piː / sar-mo-lih-pee. Sweet or ‘joy-making’ sorrow;

mourning joy; happiness and sadness intermingled.
Charis (χαρις). Greek / n. / ˈkʰá.ris / khah-riss. Grace, kindness, beauty, nobility.
Chán (禪). Chinese / n. / t͡ʃ æːn / chan. The Chinese adaptation of dhyāna/jhāna (concentrated
attention; absorption; intense contemplation of the nature of the object of meditation).
Charro. Mexican Spanish / n. / ˈtʃɑ.ʀɔ / cha-ro. A skilled Mexican horseman or rancher, usually
dressed in an elaborate, traditional costume.
Chautauqua. Iroquois / v. / ʃəˈtɔːkwə / shu-taw-kwa. To bring together; to tie together; name given
to a lake in southwest New York, which provided the setting and name for an educational assembly
and eventual adult education and social movement in the United States.
17
Chiaroscuro. Italian / n. / kjarosˈkuro / kyar-oss-kour-oh. Contrasts of light and dark/shade (usually

pertaining to art).
Chic. French / adj. / ʃiːk / sheek. Elegant, stylish, fashionable.
Chiffon. French / n. / ʃi.fɔ / shi-foh. A light, sheer silk fabric or thin gauze.
Chiffonade. French / n. / ʃi.fɔ.nad / shi-fon-ahd. A slicing technique in which leafy green vegetables
are cut into long, thin strips.
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.
Ching (經). Chinese / n. / ʧɪŋ / ching / aka jīng. Rule, norm; plan; classic, great book; scripture.
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).
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.
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).
Chrysalism. English (new) / n. / ˈkrɪs.ə.lɪsm / kriss-uh-lissm. The amniotic tranquility of being indoors
during a thunderstorm; coined by John Koenig.
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.
Chutzpah. Yiddish / n. / ˈxʊts.pə / khutz-puh. From the Hebrew ḥutspâ (‫)חֻ צְ פָ ה‬, meaning insolence,
cheek, audacity. Nerve, effrontery, guts; sometimes used pejoratively.
Cirrus. Latin / n. / sir-əs / sih-russ. A curl, ringlet, or lock of hair; a tendril; the fringe of a garment;
used for light, fleecy clouds (from 1803).
Citta (धित्त). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / tʃɪ.ɖæ / chi’dta. Mind, consciousness, awareness; heart and mind
combined.
Claque. French / n. / ˈklak / klak. ‘A clap’; a group hired to applaud at a performance; a group of
sycophants.
Cocagne. French / n. / kɒ.kaɲ / kok-ang / aka Cockaigne (English). A mythical land of ease and plenty
(etymology uncertain).
18
Coda. Italian / n. / ˈkoːda / coh-dah. ‘Tail’; in music, a passage that brings a piece or a movement to
an end.
Coitus. Latin / n. / ˈkɔɪ.təs / koy-tss. Lit. coming, meeting, uniting together; attraction; magnetic
force; sexual union.
Colo. Portuguese / n. / ˈkɔ.lu / koh-loo. Area of body formed by chest and arms (used to refer to
embracing or cradling).
Compadre. Spanish / n. / kəmˈpɑːdreɪ / kom-pah-drray. Lit. ‘co-fathers’; godfather; a term of respect

and friendship for a man.
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).
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.
Connaisseur. French / n., adj. / kɔ.nɛ.sœʀ / koh-nay-sir. Lit ‘one who knows’; expert; borrowed as
connoisseur in English.
Connaître. French / v. / kɔ.nɛtʁ / kon-et-ruh. To know, in the sense of experiential knowledge (i.e., to
be personally familiar or acquainted with); in contrast to savoir, which pertains to abstract knowledge
(i.e., to know about a phenomenon).
Convivencia. Spanish / n. / kɑ̃ .vɪˈvɛn.siːə / koh-vih-ven-see-uh. Lit. co-habitation, but also

implying shared feelings, meanings and purpose.
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.
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.
Coup. French / n. / ku / koo. Lit. strike; a well-executed manoeuvre; a sudden tactical victory.
Coup de cœur. 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.
Craic. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / kræk / crack. Fun, revelry, good times; ‘what’s going on’.
19
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.
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.
Curglaff. Scottish / n. / kɜːglæf / kur-glaff. The bracing, shocking and/or invigorating feeling of
suddenly entering (e.g., diving into) cold water.
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.
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.
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.
Da'at (‫)דַּ֣עַ ת‬.

ַ Hebrew / n. / da:t / daaht. Knowledge through direct experience and relationship with
particular examples (as opposed to abstract categories).
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.
Dadirri. Australian Aboriginal (Ngangiwumirr) / n. / dəˈdɪ.ri / dah-dirrr-ee. A deep, spiritual act of

reflective and respectful listening.
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.
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.
َ
Damīr (‫)ضمي‬. Arabic / n. / dæ.mɪə / dah-meer. Conscience; inner self; heart; soul.
Dāna (िान). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / dɑː.nʌ / dah-nuh. Generosity, charity.
Dangubiti. Croatian / v. / dæŋ.gʊ.biːti: / dang-goo-bee-tee. ‘To lose the day’; to waste time; to
be unproductive or without purpose.
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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.
Das man. German / n. / das man / dass man. Lit. they-self; ‘the they’; people, anyone; one.
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).
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.
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.
Davka (‫)דווקא‬. Hebrew / int. / ˈdæv.kə / dav-kuh / aka dafke/a. Precisely, actually; even, in spite of;
contrary to expectations; a spirit of contrariness.
Daw. Tagalog / part. / ˈdaw / daw. It is said; so I was told.
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.
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.
Débonnaire. French / adj. / de.bɔn.ɛʀ / deh-bon-ayr. Charming, well-mannered; suave, smooth; easy-
going.
Deftig. Dutch / adj. / dɛf.təʜ / def-tukh. Dignified, ceremonious, formal, genteel.
Degrassé. English (new) / n. / də.græs.eɪ / duh-grass-eh. Entranced and unsettled by the vastness of
the universe; coined by John Koenig.
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.).
Décollage. French / n. / de.kɔ.laʒ / de-ko-lahj. ‘Take off’ ; an artistic technique, involving removing
pieces of an original image.
Se déhancher. French / v. / sə deɑ̃ ʃe / suh de-hon-shay. To sway or wiggle one's hips (e.g., while
dancing).
21
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.
Deliciate. English (old) / v. / də.lɪs.ɪeɪt / duh-liss-ee-ayt. Luxuriating, revelling in intense pleasure.
Dēmētēr (Δημήτηρ). Greek / pronoun / dᵻˈmiːtər / deh-mee-tuh. In Greek mythology, the Goddess of
grain (also the harvest, agriculture, fertility); known as Ceres in Roman mythology.
Dēmokratíā (δημοκρατία). Greek / n. / ði.mo.kraˈti.a / dthi-moh-kra-tee-ah. Force or power (krátos)

of citizens / the people (dêmos).
Denkmal. German / n. / ˈdɛŋk.maːl / denk-maal. Lit. think-sign or -mark; monument, memorial.
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).
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.
Desbundar. Portuguese / v. / dʒizbũˈdar / dez-bun-dar. Exceeding one’s limits; shedding one’s

inhibitions (e.g., in having fun).
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.
Desenrascanço. Portuguese / n. / ˌdɨ.zɐ̃j.̃ ʁɐʃ.ˈkɐ̃.sʊ / deh-zen-hass-can-so. Artful disentanglement

(e.g., from trouble); an improvised solution.
Despejo. Portuguese / n. / dʒisˈpeʒu / jiss-peh-zhu. Pertness and boldness (sometimes in a

pejorative sense); brightness; self-confidence; discomposure; lack of reserve or inhibition.
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.
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.
Dhāraṇā (िारणा). Sanskrit / n. / d̪ ʱɑːrʌn.jɑː / dhar-run-yah. Concentration; fixing and holding

attention (e.g., on a meditative object).
Dhárma/dhamma (िमह). 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 (िमह िक्र). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈd̪ ʱɑːmə.ʧʌk.ɽʌ / dhar-ma.chuk-ruh. Wheel

of dharma. A way of conceptualising, representing, and teaching the dharma.
ْ
Dhikr (‫)ذکر‬.
ِ Arabic / n. / ˈðɪ.kɘɾ / zthi-krr. Lit. remembrance; devout contemplation; worship,
particularly in the Sufi tradition (often involving music, singing, and dance).
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.
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).
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.
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.
Digestif. French / n. / diːʒɛˈstiːf / de-jest-eef. ‘Digestive’; a drink, typically alcoholic, normally served
after a meal.
Dikaiosuné (δικαιοσύνη). Greek / n. / ði.ke.owˈsju.ne̞ / thee-kay-oh-syoo-nay. Justice, righteousness,

justice.
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.
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.
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.
Dîos (δῖος). Greek / adj. / ˈði.os / dhee-oss. ‘Of Zeus’; heavenly, divine, noble; shining.
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.
Disfrutar. Spanish / v. / d̪ is.fɾuˈt̪aɾ / diss-froo-tar. Lit. ‘to receive the fruits of’; to benefit from; to
enjoy.
Divvientulība. Latvian / n. / dɪ.viːɛn.tjuːlɪ.bə / dih-vee-en-tyoo-lee-bah. Two aloneness; the

contented solitude of a couple.
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Diwali (दिवाली). Hindi / n. / dɪ.vɑːlɪ / dih-var-lee. Hindu festival of light (also observed by Jains, Sikhs,
and some Buddhists).
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.’
Dō (道). Japanese / n. / dəʊ / doh. Path or way (e.g., spiritual).
Dōjō (道場). Japanese / n. / dəʊ.ʤəʊ / doh.joh. Lit. place of the way/path; a room/hall in which
martial arts are practised.
Doch. German / particle / dɔx / dokhh. But, nevertheless, all the same, though, after all.
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).
Dǫkkálfar. Old Norse / n. / dɒk.æl.fɑː / dok-al-far. Dark elves (in Norse mythology); swarthy spirit
beings who live within/under the earth.
Don de soi. French / n. / dɔ̃ də swa / doh duh swah. Giving/donating oneself; self-sacrifice; altruism.
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’.
Doppelleben. German / n. / ˈdɒ.pələbɛn / dop-pelle-ben. Double life; dual life.
Dor. Romanian / n. / dɔː / dor. ‘I want you’; intense, bittersweet longing for a person, place or time.
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.
Dòu zhì (斗志). Chinese / n. / dəʊ t͡ʂɘɻ / doh jrr. Fighting spirit; the will and motivation to fight; a
battle of wits.
Doxa (δόξα). Greek / n. / ˈdok.sä / dok-sah. Common belief, popular opinion; behaviour or practice in
worship; glory.
Drákōn (δρᾰ́κων). Greek / n. / drá.kɔːn / drah-kohrn. Lit. sharp-seeing, or ‘one who sees’; origin of
term ‘dragon.’
Dreckly. Cornish / adv. / ʤrɛk.li: / jrek-lee. An unspecified time later; soonish, but not straight away;
like ‘mañana’ (but even less urgent).
Dreich. Scottish / adj. / driːç / dreek. Damp, gloomy, miserable weather; tedious, wearisome.
Dṛṣṭi/diṭṭhi (दृक्ष््). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / dʰrʃ.tʰɪ / dsh-tih. View, gaze, sight (as per samyak-dṛṣṭi, of the
Noble Eightfold Path).
24
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.
Dryad (Δρυάδες). Greek / n. / ˈdraɪ.æd / dry-ahd. A nymph of the forest in Greek mythology.
Duende. Spanish / n. / ˈdwe̞n.d̪ e̞ / de-wen-deh. A heightened state of emotion, spirit and passion
(often associated with art/dance).
Dugnad. Norwegian / n. / duːg.nɑːd / doog-nard. A collectively pursued/undertaken task; voluntary

community work.
Duḥkha/dukkha (िःु ख). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈdʊ.kʰɘ / duh-kuh. Dissatisfaction, discomfort, dis-ease;

suffering.
ُْ
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.
Duša (душа). Russian / n. / dʊˈʂa / doo-shah. Soul, spirit, heart.
Dvāpara Yuga (द्वापर युि). 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).
Dwaal. Afrikaans / n. / dwɑːl / dwahl. A dreamy, dazed, or absent-minded state.
E pluribus unum. Latin / phrase / iː ˈplɜːrɪ.bəs / ee plur-ib-oos oo-num. ‘Out of many, one’.
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.
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
Ego. Latin / pronoun / 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.
Ekleipsis (ἔκλειψῐς). Greek / n. / ɛk.liːp.sɪs / ek-leep-siss. An abandonment, a failing, a forseeking.
Ekstasis (ἔκστασις). Greek / n. / ékˈstaːsis / ek-stah-sis. The state of being or standing outside
oneself; trance, displacement; ecstasy, rapture.
Ehrenmal. German / n. / ˈeːrən.maːl / eer-en-maal. Lit. honour-sign or -mark; monument or

memorial (to honour something or someone).
25
Ehtii. Finnish / v. / eːti: / eh-tee. To have enough time.
Eid Mubarak (‫)يد مبارك‬. Arabic / inj. / iːd. muːbæ.rək / eed-mu-bah-rak. Blessed Eid (celebration);
'happy holidays'.
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.
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.
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.
Eidólon (εἴδωλον). Greek / n. / ˈaɪ.ðo.lon / eye-dtho-lon. Image; representation; reflection; phantom;

idol.
Eigentlichkeit. German / n. / ˈaiɡnt.lɪç.haɪt / iy-gnt-leesh-kiyt. Lit. ownedness, being owned, being

one’s own; often rendered as ‘authenticity.’
Eikón (εἰκών). Greek / n. / eːˈkɔ᷄ːn / aye-kone. Likeness; image.
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.
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).
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
Eirénegy. English (new) / n. / ɪˈreɪ.nə.ʤi: / iy-ree-nuh-gee. Tranquil energy; a feeling of peace and
calm that is nevertheless energised and ready for action.
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).
Eldamar. Quenya / ɛl.də.ma: / el-du-mar. ‘Home of the Eldar’; land of the immortal Elves in Lord of
the Rings.
Erklärungsnot. German / n. / ɛɐ̯ˈklɛːʁʊŋ.snɒt / ek-ler-ung-snot. ‘Explanation need’; needing to

quickly explain oneself.
Élan. French / n. / eɪˈlɒ̃ / ay-loh. Lit. spring, bound, dart; spirit, enthusiasm; style, grace; flash,
panache.
Élan vital. French / n. / elɑ̃ vi:tal / eloh vee-tal. Life force; life spirit; the self-organisation and
spontaneous morphogenesis of complex living systems.
Eleuthería (ἐλευθερία). Greek / n. / e.leu

͜ .tʰeˈriːa / el-yoo-theh-ree-ya. Freedom, liberty, licence.
26
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.
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.
Elmosolyodni. Hungarian / n. / ɛlməsɒljɒdniː / el-mu-sol-yod-nee. A micro-smile; the beginning of a

full smile.
Elohim (‫ֱֹלהים‬
ִ ‫)א‬. Hebrew / n. / ɛl.ɔːˈhɪm / el-or-him. Gods (plural), deities, angels, sacred
beings/messengers.
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.
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.
Émigré. French / n. / ˈem.ɪ.ɡreɪ / em-ee-grey. Someone who has left their own country to settle in
another, often for political reasons.
Empalagar. Spanish / v. / ɛm.pæ.læ.gɑː / em-pah-lah-gar. To be too sweet or rich (in taste).
Ēn (恩). Chinese / n. / ɜːn / uhn. Moral indebtedness; duty, obligation; repayment of a favour.
En pointe. French / n. / ɑ̃ pwɛ̃t / ah pwah. Supporting one's body weight on the tips of the
toes.
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).
Engentado. Spanish / v. / ɛn.xɛnˈtɑːdəʊ / en-khen-tah-doh. Lit. dazed or confused; used colloquially

to describe being 'peopled out', to wish for solitude.
Enkelt. Danish / n. / ɛn.kɛlt / en-kelt. Beauty through simplicity.
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.
En plein air. French / phrase / ɑ̃ plɛn ɛʀ / ohn-plen-ayrr. Outdoors; in the open air.
Enraonar. Catalan / v. / en.ra.oˈna / en-ra-oh-na. To discuss in a civilised, reasoned manner.
27
Ens amans. German / phrase / ɛnz ə.mænz / enz a-manz. ‘A loving being’; phrase used by Scheler to
describe the fundamental nature of human beings.
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.
S’entendre. French / v. / sɑ̃.tɑ̃ .dʀ / soh-toh-drruh. Lit. to hear one another or oneself; to agree; to
understand; to get on.
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.
Entrückt. German / adj. / ɛntˈrʏkt / ent-rookt. Enraptured and absent; transported into one’s own
universe; lost in thought; absentminded; meditative.
Enûma Eliš (𒂊𒉡𒈠𒂊𒇺). Akkadian / n. / ɛnuːm ɛlɪʃ / eh-noo-muh eh-lish. ‘When on high’; the
Babylonian creation myth.
Épaisseur. French / n. / ep.ɛs.œʀ / ep-ay-seur. Thickness; transparency/opacity.
Epidḗmios (ἐπιδήμιος). Greek / n. / ˌɛpɪˈd:mi:əs / eh-pee-dee-mee-uhs. Among or upon the people;

of one’s countryfolk.
Epíkouros (Ἐπίκουρος). Greek / p. / ˌɛpɪˈkjɔːrəs / eh-pee-koor-uhs. Lit. ally, friend, comrade; Greek
philosopher (341-270 BCE), as per Epicureanism.
Epipháneia (ἐπιφάνεια). Greek / n. / ɪˈpɪ.fə.ni:ə / ih-pih-fa-nee-uh. Manifestation; appearance;

revelation.
Epithymía (Ἐπιθυμίᾳ). Greek / n. / e.pi.θyˈmi.a / epi-thy-mia. Desire; sexual passion.
Epistēmē (ἐπιστήμη). Greek / n. / ɛpɪˈstiːmɪ / ep-e-stee-me. Knowledge or understanding (e.g., in a

scientific sense).
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.
Epesní. Czech / adj. / ˈɛpɛs.niː / epes-niyee. Great, perfect, exquisite, first-class.
Épos (ἔπος). Greek / n. / ˈe.pɔːs / eh-poss. Word; song; epic; a set or collection of poems on an epic
theme.
Equinoxium. Latin / n. / iːk.wɪ.nɒk.sɪəm / eh-kwee-nok-see-um. Equality of night (and day).
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.
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.
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Eostre. English (old) / n., p. / eɪ.əʊst.rə / eh-ost.ruh. Sunrise, dawn; an Anglo-Saxon goddess of
fertility and spring.
Ereignis. German / n. / ɛɐˈ|aiɡnɪs / err ihg-niss. Something ‘coming into view’; the realm in which the
‘truth of being’ is manifested.
Erfolgserlebnis. German / n. / ɜːˈfɒlks.ɜːliːb.nɪs / er-folks-er-leeb-niss. Lit. ‘success experience’; a

feeling of success, a sense of achievement.
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.
Erschlossenheit. German / n. / ɛɐˈʃlɔsn.haɪt / err-schloss-un-hite. World disclosure; the process by

which things become intelligible and meaningfully relevant to human beings.
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.
‫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.
Esperto/esperta. Portuguese / adj. / es̪ˈpɛr̺to̪ / esh-pear-toh. Skilled, expert; experienced, capable;

spirited; quick-witted.
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).
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).
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).
Ethikos (ἠθικός). Greek / n. / iθikós / ee-th’ee-koss. Habit, custom, usage; character, bearing.
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).
Eudaimonia (ευδαιμονία). Greek / n. / juːdᵻˈmoʊniə / you-de-moe-nia. Lit. 'good spirit'; fulfilment,

flourishing, being infused with divine grace.
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.
Eunegy. English (new) / n. / juːnə.ʤi / yoo-ne-jee. ‘Good energy’; positive vibes and vitality.
29
Eunoia (εὔνοια). Greek / n. / juːˈnɔɪ.ɑ / yoo-noi-ya. Good / beautiful thinking; a well mind.
Euphoría (εὐφορία). Greek / n. / e͜u.pʰo.rí.a / yoo-for-ria. Lit. being of ‘good bearing’; more recently
used to imply intense excitement or joy.
Eutrapelia (εὐτραπελία). Greek / n. / juːtræ.pɛˈliːɘ / yoo-trah-peh-liah. Wit, pleasantry, humour.
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.
Ex cathedra. Latin / phrase / ɛks kəˈθiːdrə / ex cath-eed-ruh. ‘From the chair (i.e., authority or
position’; authority derived from one's position.
Ex nihilo. Latin / phrase / eks-ˈnē-(h)ə-ˌlō / eks nu-hee-lo. From or out of nothing.
Exempli gratia. Latin / phrase / ɪgˈzɛm.pliː grætiːə / ex-em-plee grat-ee-uh. ‘For the sake of example’;
abbreviated as ‘e.g.’.
Ezüsthíd. Hungarian / n. / ɛz.uːst.ɪd / ez-oost-id. ‘Silver bridge’; the reflection of the moon on water.
Fā qì (发氣). Chinese / v. / fæ tɕʰiː / fah chee. Projecting qi to the exterior/outside of the body; can
also mean expressing anger.
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.
Famn. Swedish / n. / fæm / fam. The area or space within two arms, e.g., 'in my arms'. As a verb, att
famna – ‘to embrace’.
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.
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.
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.
Fargin. Yiddish / n. / fɑːgɪn / fah-gin. Ungrudging and overt (expressed) pride and happiness at
other's successes.
Feestvarken. Dutch / n. / feɪst.vɑr.kən / fayst-var-ken. Lit. party pig; someone in whose honour a
party is thrown.
30
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).
Fein. German / adj. / fain / fine. Fine, tender, noble, honourable, unique.
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).
Fēng yùn (風韻). Chinese / n. / fɤ́ŋ juːɛn / fung yoo-en. Charm; grace; elegant bearing.
Fernweh. German / n. / ˈfiɜːn.veː / fiern-vay. Lit. far/distant (Fern) pain/woe (Weh); the ‘call of
faraway places’; homesickness for the unknown.
Fiat. Latin / inj. / faɪæt / fy-at. ‘Let it be done’; a binding edict issued by a person in command.
Fianna. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / ˈfʲiə.n̪ ˠə / fee-en-ya. Small, semi-independent warrior bands in Irish
mythology.
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.
Fiere. Scottish / n. / fiːɜː / fee-urr. Companion, mate, pal, comrade.
Fiero. Italian / n. / ˈfjɛːro / fee-yeah-ro. Pride/satisfaction in one’s achievements (usually with the
implication of this feeling being deserved/warranted).
Fiesta. Spanish / n. / fɪˈɛstə / fee-ess-tah. A party, celebration.
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.
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
Fingerspitzengefühl. German / n. / ˈfɪŋɐʃpɪtsn̩ ɡəˌfyːl / fing-ah-shpitz-en-gu-foo-eh. Lit. ‘fingertip

feeling’; the ability to act with tact and sensitivity.
Firgun (‫)פירגון‬. Hebrew / n. / ˈfɪə.guːn / feer-goon. Ungrudging and overt (expressed) pride and
happiness at other's successes.
Fitra (‫)فطرة‬. Arabic / n. / fɪ.træ / fih-trah. Disposition; nature; instinct; used in religious discourse to
describe an innate purity and closeness to God.
Fjaka. Croatian / n. / fjâ.ka / fyah-kah. Relaxation of body and mind; sleepiness, drowsiness; the
‘sweetness of doing nothing’.
Fjellvant. Norwegian / adj. / fjɛlːvɑːnt / fyell-varnt. Being accustomed to being or walking in the
mountains.
31
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).
Flōra. Latin / n. / flʊə.rə / floor-uh. A Sabine-derived fertility goddess of flowers, youth, and spring.
Flygskam. Swedish / n. / fluːg.skʌm / floog-skum. ‘Flight shame’; being ashamed or embarrassed to

fly because of its negative impact on the environment.
Fluks. Afrikaans / adj. / fləks / fluhks. Hard-working, industrious; diligent, careful; deft, skilled.
Focaccia. Italian / n. / foˈkattʃa] / foh-kat-cha. A flat oven-baked Italian bread; from the Latin ‘focus’
(fireplace, hearth, place for baking).
Focolare. Italian / n. / fo.koˈlaːre / fo-co-lah-reh. Hearth; the fireplace at the physical / emotional
centre of a home.
Folkelig. Danish / adj. / fɒlˈkɪ.liː / foll-ki-lee. Folkish; belonging to the people; democratic national
spirit/sentiment; having broad popular appeal.
Forelsket. Norwegian / adj. / fɒˈɛls.ɡ̊ əð / for-elz-kut. Falling or being in love; forelskelse as a noun.
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.
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.
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.
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.’
Freizeitstress. German / n. / ˈfraɪ.tsait.strɛs / fry-ziyt-stress. Free-time stress; stress related to, or in

the context of, one’s leisure time.
Freudentaumel. German / n. / ˈfrɔy͜ dn̩ .tau

͜ ml ̩ / froyd-un-tau-mel. Lit. joy swash; being giddy or
delirious with happiness.
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’.
Friluftsliv. Norwegian / n. / friːluːftsˈliːv / free-loofts-leev. Lit. ‘free air life’; open-air living; living in
tune with nature.
Frimousse. French / n. / fʀimus / frree-moose. A sweet/cute little face.
Frisson. French / n. / fʀisɔ̃ / frree-soh. A sudden feeling of thrill, combining fear and excitement.
Frith. Gaelic (Scottish) / n. / frɪθ / frith. Deer forest.
32
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.
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.
Fukinsei (不均整). Japanese / n. / fuˈkɪn.seɪ / foo-kin-say. Natural / spontaneous asymmetry or

irregularity.
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.
Furūsiyya (‫)فروسية‬. Arabic / n. / fɜːruːsiːjæ / fur-oo-see-yuh. Equestrian martial exercise.
Fussgruss. German / n. / fəs.grəs / fuss-gruss. ‘Foot greeting’; a greeting involving touching feet (e.g.,
as opposed to a handshake).
Fussgruss. German / n. / fəs.grəs / fuss-gruss. ‘Foot greeting’; a greeting involving touching feet (e.g.,
as opposed to a handshake).
Fuubutsushi (風物詩). Japanese / n. / fu.bu.tsu.ʃi / foo-boo-tsoo-shi. Stimuli/phenomena that evoke

/ remind one of a particular season.
Fyrgebraec. Old English / n. / fɪə.gʌ.breɪk / feer-guh-braik. The crackling sound of fire.
Gadugi. Cherokee (Native North American) / n. / gæˈduːgiː / gah-doo-gee. Cooperative labour;

working together for the common good.
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.
Gaia (Γαῖα). Greek / n. / ˈɣɛ.a / kheh-a. Earth; the earth; in Greek mythology, the primordial Mother
Earth.
Gaman (我慢). Japanese / n. / gæ.mæɲ / gah-mahn. Patience, fortitude, endurance, self-

control/restraint.
Gambit. French / n. / ˈɡam.bət / gam-but. An action, typically entailing a degree of risk, that is calculated
to gain an advantage; in chess, an opening in which a player makes a sacrifice (usually a pawn) for the
sake of a compensating advantage.
Ganbaru (頑張る). Japanese / v. / ɡã̠mˈbɑːɾ̠ɯᵝ / gam-bar-ou. Lit. 'to stand firm'; to do one’s best.
33
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.
Gattara. Italian / n. / ɡäˈt̪ːäːrä / gah-tah-rah. A ‘cat lady’; a female, often elderly, who devotes time
to looking after stray cats.
Gaudere. Latin / v. / gaʊˈdɪə.riː / gau-deer-ee. To rejoice; to take joy in.
Gaupasa. Basque / n. / ɡawˈpas̺a / gao-pasha. Lit. to spend the night, or ‘all-nighter’; e.g., o spend
the night partying and to arrive home at dawn.
Geborgenheit. German / n. / ɡəˈbɔʁɡn̩ ˌhaɪ̯t / geh-bor-gen-hite. Feeling protected and safe from
harm.
Gedenkstätte. German / n. / ɡəˈdɛŋk. ʃtɛtə / guh-dengk-shtet-uh. Lit. place of remembrance,

memory, reflection; memorial, shrine.
Gedogen. Dutch / v. / ɣəˈdoːɣən / kheh-doh-khen. To tolerate, permit, condone; to not enforce

certain laws.
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.
Geisha (芸者). Japanese / n. / ɡeːɕa / ge-shuh. Artisan, performing artist; women who entertain
through performing the ancient traditions of art, dance and singing.
Geistig. German / adj. / ˈɡai.stɪç / gie-steesh. Spiritual; intellectual.
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.
Gemas. Indonesian / n. / ɡəˈmæs / guh-mass. A feeling of love or affection; the urge to squeeze
someone because they are so cute.
Gemen. Australian Aboriginal (Kriol) / part. / ge.mɛn / geh-men. A discourse marker to show that the
speaker believes something is imaginary, illusory, or hard to believe.
Gemeinschaftsgefühl. German / n. / ɡəˈmaɪ̯n.ʃaftsˌɡəˈfyːl / guh-miyn-shafts-guh-fuhl. Community

feeling; social interest.
Gemilut hasadim (‫)חֲ סָ ִדים גְ ִמילּות‬. Hebrew / n. / gɛ.miˈluːt ʜæ.sæˈdiːm / geh-mee-loot hah-sah-deem.
Acts of loving-kindness.
34
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.
Gemütlichkeit. German / n. / ɡəˈmyːtlɪçkaɪt / geh-moot-lish-kite. A feeling of comfort, cosiness,

homeliness. As adjective (Gemütlich): cosy, homely, comfortable.
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.
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.
Ġēol. Old English / n. / jeo

͜ ːl / yeoll. A pre-Christian mid-winter festival celebrated by the Germanic
peoples (known as Yule in modern English).
Ger (гэр). Mongolian / n. / ˈɡɛr / gurr. ‘Home’; yurt; tented dwelleing.
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).
Gestalt. German / n. / ɡəˈʃtalt / guh-shtalt. An overall pattern / configuration; the notion that the
whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
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).
Gezellig. Dutch / adj. / ɣəˈzɛl.əɣ / khe-zell-ikh): cosy, warm, intimate, enjoyable; often a shared
experience (with close others).
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).
Gigil. Tagalog / n. / ˈgʰiːˌgɪlː / ghih-gill. The irresistible urge to pinch/squeeze someone because they
are loved or cherished.
Giri (義理). Japanese / n. / gɪ.rɪ / gih-rih. Duty, obligation; a debt of honour.
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.
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.
Glas. Welsh / adj. / glæs / glass, Blue and/or green; also white, sparkling, dazzling, pristine, youthful.
Glasnost (гла́сность). Russian / n. / ˈglazˌnōst / glaz-nost. A process of engaging in open

discussion, relationships and/or governance.
35
Glissando. Italian / n. / glɪs.æn.dəʊ / gliss-and-oh. In music, a glide from one pitch to another.
Gloaming. Scottish / n. / ˈglō.miŋ / glow-ming. Twilght, dusk.
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).
Gnōmōn (γνώμων). Greek / n. / ˈnoʊmɒn / noh-mon. Lit. one who knows, examines, judges; the
vertical shadow-caster on a sundial.
Gnôsis (γνῶσις). Greek / n. / ɡˈnəʊ.sɪs / gnoe-sis. Knowledge; often implying initiate, secret or
esoteric wisdom.
Go (igo) ( 囲碁). Japanese / n. / gəʊ / go. Lit. surround game; a board-game originating in ancient
China.
Gökotta. Swedish / n. / ʤɜːkuːˈtæʰ / jer-koo-tah. Lit. 'early-morning cuckoo'; waking up early to hear
the first birds sing.
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.
Gōng hé (工合). Chinese / v. / gɒŋ.χɜː / gong-hur. Lit. work together; the basis for the anglicised term
gung-ho.
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.
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.
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).
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).
Gravamen. Latin / n. / ɡrəˈveɪ.mɛn / gruh-vay-men. ‘Things weighing down’; the basic element or
complaint of a lawsuit.
Grinagog. Old English / n. / grɪn.ə.gɒg / grin-uh-gog. Someone who is always grinning.
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.
36
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.
Grȳpus. Latin / n. / ˈɡrɪ.pʊs / grih-pus. A legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a
lion, and the head and wings of an eagle.
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.
Guān xì (關係). Chinese / n. / gwɒn.ɕiː / gwun-shee. Cultivating relationships; reciprocal connections;

networking; social karma.
Guwayu. Australian Aboriginal (Wiradjuri) / inj. / gʊ.weɪ.juː / goo-way-oo. In a little while; later; after
some time.
Guò yǐn (過癮). Chinese n./ ku̯ ɔ.jɪəɪn̥ / kwor-yi-in. Satisfaction of a craving; a highly pleasurable and
enjoyable experience.
Gula. Spanish / n. / ˈguːlæ / goo-lah. Gluttony, greed; indulgence; eating simply for the taste (i.e., not
from hunger).
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.
Gunnen. Dutch / v. / ˈɣən.ən / khun-un. To think that someone deserves something (good); to feel
happy for them getting it.
Guru (िुरु). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ɡʊɾʊ / goo-roo. A religious /spiritual teacher, guide, master, and/or
person of reverence.
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).
Habeas corpus. 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.
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.
Haecceitas. Latin / n. / hɛkˈsiːɪəs / hek-see-it-as. ‘Thisness’; the discrete qualities or characteristics of

something that make it unique.
37
Háidēs (Άͅδης). Greek / pronoun, n. / haː͜ j ́.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.
Haka. Māori / n. / ˈhɑːkə / ha-kuh. A ceremonial dance or challenge in Māori culture.
Han (한). Korean / n. / hæn / han. Sorrow, resentment, regret, possibly with a sense of patiently
waiting or hoping for amelioration.
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).
Hāngi. Māori / n. / ˈhaːŋi] / hang-ee. A traditional Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks
buried in an umu (pit oven).
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.
Haliai (Ἁλιαι). Greek / n. / ha͜l.i.eɪ / hal-ey-ay. A sea nymph (spirit) in Greek mythology.
Halal (‫)حالل‬. Arabic / n. / həˈlɑːl / huh-lahl. Allowed, permissible; in accordance with Islamic law
(especially relating to food).
Hallelujah (‫)הַ לְ לּויָּה‬. Hebrew / v., n. / ˌhælɨˈluːjə / ha-leh-loo-yuh. Lit. praise ye Yah (Yahweh); God be
praised; an expression of worship or rejoicing.
Hamsterkäufe. German / n. / hæm.stə.kaʊ̯ f / ham-stuh-kawf. ‘Hamster buying’ ; panic-buying and

hoarding of supplies.
Handeln. German / v. / ˈhæn.dəln / han-du-ln. To act or behave, encompassing all meaningful goal-
directed activities (inner and outer); to trade, bargain, negotiate.
Hankiainen. Finnish / n. / ɦan.kiɑi ̯.nen / han-kee-ah-nen. A thick, hard layer of snow (that can be
walked on).
Hansei (反省). Japanese / n. / hæn.saɪ / han-sy. Self-reflection, self-criticism, and plans for self-
improvement.
Hanyauku. Rukwangali / v. / hæ.æn.jɒ.kə / ha-ahn-yoh-kuu. To walk on toes across hot sand.
Hauora. Māori / n. / haʊ.ɔː / how-or-uh. A Māori philosophy of wellbeing, which comprises four
dimensions – Taha tinana (physical), Taha hinengaro (mental/emotional), Taha whanau (social), and
Taha wairua (spiritual).
Harikoa. Māori / n. / hæɾiˈkɔa / hah-ree-koa. Joyful, euphoric, delighted, exuberant, elated, thrilled,
ecstatic, jubilant.
38
Harmonía (ἁρμονία). Greek / n. / ɑːmaʊˈniːjə / ah-moh-nee-yuh. Concordance, union, agreement

(e.g., of sounds).
Hatha ( ठ). 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).
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).
Khavruta, Havruta, Chavruta (‫)חַ ְברּותָ 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.
Hé (和). Chinese / n. / hə: / hur. Harmony; harmonization; a concordance of elements.
Hedersmann. Norwegian / n. / ˈheə.dəʃ.mʌn / hair-dsh-mun. A man of honour, honesty, integrity.
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).
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.
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.
Hej. Czech / adv., interjection / ˈɦɛj / hey. Well, pleasantly, good; similar to English ‘Hey’.
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).
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.’
Herzensbildung. German / n. / hɛr.zẽ̞ɴˈbɪl.dʊŋ / her-zen-bill-doong. Education or building of the

heart; nobility of the heart.
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.
39
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.
Hết sảy. Vietnamese / phrase / hɛt seɪ / het say. Beyond excitement, beyond words; terrific,
splendid; a superlative experience.
Heyoka. Lakota (Native North American) / 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.
Hiányérzet. Hungarian / n. / hiːæn.jə.zɛt / he-an-yer-zet. The sense that something (often underfined
or unidentified) is lacking or missing.
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.
Hiếu. Vietnamese / n. / hiəw˧˩ / hee-ew. Filial piety; respect, reverence for elders.
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.
Hiraeth. Welsh / n. / hira.ɪ̯θ / heerr-ithe. Longing for one’s homeland, with nostalgia and wistfulness.
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.
Hlandinka. Czech / n. / ˈhˈlæ.dɪŋkə / h-la-din-kuh. ‘Water-level’; a perfect smooth pour of beer.
Hmunga. Lakota (Native North American) / v. / gmuːɛŋɑː / ghmuen-gah. To bewitch; to cause

sickness; to effect a mystery that is dreaded.
Hod (‫)הוד‬. Hebrew / n. / hʊd / hood. Majesty, splendour; the eighth sephirot in the Kabbalah
tradition, denoting the glory of creation.
Hokku (発句). Japanese / n. / hɒ.ku: / hoh-koo. ‘Starting verse’; the opening stanza of a renga (a
Japanese orthodox collaborative linked poem); some hokku began to appear as an independent
poem, and were renamed as haiku (by Masaoka Shiki).
Holacracy. English (new) /n. / həʊ.læ.cræ.si: / ho-lah-crah-see. A method of decentralized, self-

organized management and governance.
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.
Hoʻoponopono. Hawaiian / v. / hɒ | ˈɒ.pɒ.nɒ. pɒ.nɒ / hoh oh-poh-noh-poh-noh. A practice or

interaction of mutual forgiveness and restitution.
40
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.
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).
Hózhǫ́. Navaho (Native North American) / n. / hɔ̃.ʒɔ̃ / hoh-zho. Peace, balance, beauty and harmony.
Hrepenenje. Slovenian / n. / hɜ.rɛ.pə.nɛn.ʤeɪ / heh-rep-uh-nen-jay. Nostalgia for something that

hasn’t happened yet.
Huā niǎo huà (花鸟画). Chinese / n. / huːæ ni:aʊ huːæ / hoo-ah nee-ow hoo-ah. Bird and flower
paintings.
Hubris (ὕβρις). Greek / n. / hý.bris / hoo-briss. Extreme pride, arrogance, or overconfidence;

especially associated with behaviour that challenges or defies the gods.
Hugfanginn. Icelandic / adj. / ˈhuː.fʌŋ.gɪn / hoo-fun-gin. Lit. 'mind-captured', to be charmed or

fascinated by someone/something.
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.
Huya Ania. Yaqui (Native central American) / n. / huːjə əniːjə / hoo-ya ah-nee-uh.The ‘wilderness
world’; ‘nurturing life’; wild areas of nature.
Hwæt. English (old) / int. / hwæt / hwat. Hark; listen; hear me.
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.
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.
Hyggekrog. Danish/Norwegian / n. / ˈhʊːɡə.kʰʁɔwˀ / hhoo-guh/khrow. Lit. hygge-corner; a cozy nook

in a room where one can feel hygge.
Hypatia (Ὑπατίᾱ). Greek / p., adj. / haɪˈpeɪ.ʃə / hy-pay-shuh. Highest; supreme; Hypatia of Alexandria
(350–370 to 415) was an Ancient Greek mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher, and head of
the Neoplatonic school at Alexandria.
Hypomonē (ὑπομονή). Greek / n. / i.po.moˈni / ee-poe-moe-nee. Constancy, endurance, ‘standing

firm’.
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.
41
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.
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.
Ibasho (居場所). Japanese / n. / ɪ. Bæ.ʃ əʊ / ih-bah-sho. ‘Whereabouts’; a place where one

belongs, fits in, can be oneself.
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').
Id. Latin / pronoun / 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.
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.
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).
Ides. Latin / n. / aɪdz / iydz. In the Roman calendar, the first full moon of a given month (usually
around the 13th – 15th of the month).
Iduni. Yorobua / n. / ɪ.duːniː / ih-doo-nee. Intense, absolute, indescribable joy.
Iftar (‫)إفطار‬. Arabic / n. / ʾif.ṭā: / if-tar. ‘Break of a fast'; the evening meal with which Muslims end
their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.
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).
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).
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.
Ikebana (生け花). Japanese / n. / ɪkə.bæ.nə / ik-uh-ba-na. ‘Arranging flowers’; ‘making flowers

alive’; the Japanese art of flower arrangement.
42
Iki (いき). Japanese / n. / iːkiː / ee-kee. An aesthetic principle characterised by qualities including
simplicity, straightforwardness, sophistication, intelligence, spontaneity, originality and audacity.
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.
Iktsuarpok. Inuktitut / n. / ɪk.ˈt͡suɑː.pɒk / ik-tsua-pok. Anticipation one feels when waiting for
someone, and keeps checking if they're arriving.
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).
Imbolc. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / ɪˈmˠɔlˠɡ / im-olk. A Gaelic traditional festival marking the beginning of
spring (traditionally held on 1 February, about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring
equinox); possibly derived from the Old Irish i mbolc (‘in the belly’) or imb-fholc (‘to wash/cleanse
oneself’).
Imprimatur. Latin / n. / ˌɪmprɪˈmeɪtə / im-pri-mey-tur. ‘Let it be printed’ ; an authorization for a

document to be printed.
Inat. Serbain / n. / iːnæt / ee-nat. Proud, defiant stubbornness and self-preservation (sometimes to
the detriment of others and even oneself).
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.
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.
Inemuri (居眠り). Japanese / n. / ɪnə.mjʊə.ri: / ih-nu-myur-ee. Being ‘present while sleeping’;

napping in public.
Ingiogatzau. Sardinian / n. / ɪn.ʤɔːgæt.suː / in-joor-gat-soo. Being playfully happy; joyful joking and
playfulness.
Innig. German / adj., adv. / ˈɪn.ɪç / in-eekh. Heartfelt, tender; devoted, intimate; dear.
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.
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.
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.
ٰ َ َ
In sha' Allah (‫)إن ش َاء اّلل‬.
ِ Arabic / v. / ˌɪnʃˈɑ.lə / in-shall-ah. God willing ('may Allah wish it'), a hopeful
wish.
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.
43
͡
Intelligéncija (интеллигенция). Russian / n. / ɪnʲtʲɪlʲɪˈɡʲentsɨjə / in-tee-lee-gyen-sia. Educated
intellectuals with moral and social stance. Anglicised as Intelligentsia.
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.
Ippitsu (いっぴつ). Japanese / n. / ɪp.ɪt.suː / ip-it-sur-yoo. ‘One stroke painting’; a Japanese art form
in which paintings are completed in a single stroke of the brush.
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.
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.
Ishq (‫)عشق‬. Arabic / n. / ɪʃk / ishk. Fervent, true, all-consuming love.
Islam (‫)اإلسالم‬. Arabic / n. / ˈɪslɑːm / iss-lahm. Many meanings, including surrender, peace; the
religion of Muslims.
Iṣṭadevatā (इष्् िे वता). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ɪʃ.tʰʌ.deɪ.wʌ.tɑː / ish-tuh-day-wuh-tar. Reverence (iṣṭa) of

divine beings (devatā); deity meditation.
Istina (истина). Russian / n. / ɪs.tiːn.ə / iss-tee-nuh. Absolute, ultimate truth; used also in religious
context about God.
Īśvarapraṇidhāna (ईश्वरप्रणणिान). 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.
Itsenäisyyspäivä. Finnish / n. / its̠e̞ˌnæi ̯s̠yːs̠.pæi ̯.ʋæ / it-suh-niys-pai-vuh. Independence day.
Iwi. Native central American (Raramuri ra'icha) / n. / ɪ.wiː / ih-we. The soul or essence of all life.
Iwigara. Native central American (Raramuri ra'icha) / n. / ɪ.wiːgɑːrə / ih-we-har-ruh. ‘Shared breath’;
total interconnectedness and integration of all life, physical and spiritual.
Jaksaa. Finnish / v. / ˈjɑkˌsɑː / yak-sah. To have energy, enthusiasm, and spirit (e.g., for a task).
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.
Janid mernem (ջանիդ մեռնեմ). Armenian / phrase / ʤa.nit mɛr.nɛm / jah-nit mer-nem. Lit. ‘let me
die for/on your body’; I love you profoundly; I care for you intensely.
44
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.
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.
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.
Jatorra. Basque / adj. / xʌˈtɔː.rɑ / khuh-torr-ah. Genuine, nice, trustful, truthful, agreeable.
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.
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
Jeito. Portuguese / n. / ˈʒejtu / jay-too. Hack, solution; to find a way by any means (often
circumventing rules or social conventions).
Jeli. Mandinka / n. / ʤɛli / jeh-lee. Bard, historian, storyteller; singer, poet, musician; repository of
oral tradition; also known as a griot (from French).
͡ ŋ / chung. Deep affection, affinity, connectedness (may or may not

Jeong/jung (정). Korean / n. / tɕʌ̹
be romantic).
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.
Jī qíng (激情). Chinese / n. / ʤiː ʧɪŋ / jee ching. Passion, heat, ardour (often in a specifically romantic
or sexual sense).
Jì tuō (寄托). Chinese / v. / ʤi: tɕʰuo: / jee-tu-oh. To entrust; to place one faith or hope in someone
or something.
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’).
Jidaigeki (時代劇). Japanese / n. / ʒɪ.dɑiːge.ki: / jih-dy-geh-kee. ‘Era drama’; a genre of ‘period

drama’ (e.g., in film, television, video game, and theatre), often set during the Edo period (1603 to
1868).
45
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.
Jìn qû (进取). Chinese / adj. / ʤɪn tɕʰu / jin choo. Proactive; ambitious; constantly progressing;
forging ahead.
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.
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.
Jinn (‫)جن‬. Arabic / n. / ʤɪn / jin. Supernatural creatures in early pre-Islamic Arabian and later Islamic
mythology and theology.
Jijīviṣā (क्जजीववषा). Sanskrit / jɪj.vi:sa: / jij-vee-saa. The strong wish and desire to live and keep living.
Jodeln. German / n. / joːdəln / yo-duln. To utter the syllable ‘jo’ (which relates to joy); borrowed in
English as 'yodel'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jugaad (जुिाड). Hindi / n. / ʤuːˈgɑːd / joo-gaard. The ability to 'make do' or 'get by'; a 'hack' or
improvisation.
Juju
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.
46
Ka isu. Efik / int. / ka: ɪsuː / kah ih-soo. ‘Go on!’; an exhortation urging someone one; possible origin
of musical term ‘calypso’ (via kaiso).
Kaamos. Finnish / n. / ˈkɑːmo̞s̠ / kar-moss. Polar night; a months-long period of darkness over the
winter, north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle, when the sun does not rise over
the horizon.
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’)
Kabbalah (‫)קַ בָ לָה‬. Hebrew / n. / ka.ba'la / kah-bah-lah. Lit. received tradition; an estoreric spiritual
tradition within Judaism.
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.
Kæk. Danish / adj. / kɛk / kek. Spirited, bold, cheeky, cocky.
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.
Kagali. Cherokee / n. / kæ.gæ.li: / ka-ga-lee. ‘Bone moon’; the moon and month of February (so
named because food may be lacking).
Kaif (кайф). Russian / n. / kaɪf / kayf. Euphoric pleasure, and heightened satisfaction, but also often
with a sense of calmness.
Kairos (καιρός). Greek / n. / kɛˈros / keh-ross. The opportune, ideal, 'supreme' moment for decision
or action.
Kaitiakitanga. Māori / n. / kʌɪˈtɪə.kɪˌta.ŋə / ky-tee-uh-kee-tang-uh. Guardianship, stewardship; the

proactive process and practices of respecting, protecting and looking after the environment.
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).
Kaizen (改善). Japanese / n. / kaɪ.zɛn / kai-zen. Gradual, incremental (and often continuous).
improvement.
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.
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).
47
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.
Kani. Huehuetla Tepehua / n. / kæ.ni: / ka-nee. A delicious or beautiful odor.
Kalsarikännit. Finnish / n. / ˈkɑl.sɑ.riˌkæ.nːi / kall-sah-ree-kah-nee. Lit. underpants intoxication;

getting drunk at home, often underdressed and/or alone.
Kalyāṇa-mitratā/mittatā (कल्याण भमत्रता), Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kælˈjɑːnɘ mɪt.rɘˈtɑː / kal-yah-nuh mit-

ruh-tar. Lit. ‘auspicious compassion’; spiritual friendship.
Kama muta (काममूत). Sanskrit / v. / kæ.mæ muːtæ / kah-mah moo-tah. Moved by love; warm
transitory affection for a given person, object, or experience.
Kanso (簡素). Japanese / n. / ˈkæn.sɒ / kan-soh. Simple, plain; in art, refers to an elegant simplicity,
an attractive absence of clutter.
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.
Kaona. Hawaiian / n. / ka.ɒn.ə / ka-on-uh. Hidden meaning; concealed reference.
Kào pǔ (靠譜). Chinese / adj. / kaʊ.pu.uː / kow-pooor. Reliable, responsible; able to do things
without causing problems.
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).
Kapālabhāti (कपालभानत). 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.
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.
Karai (辛い). Japanese / adj. / kæ.raɪ / ka-ry. Spicy-hot (as opposed to temperature-hot).
Karfreitag. German / n. / kaːɐˈfrai.taːk / kar-frey-tak. ‘Sorrowful Friday’; Good Friday.
Karma/kamma (कमह). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈkɑːmə / kar-ma. Lit. action, work, or deed; a

theory/principle of causality, particularly with respect to ethical behaviour.
Karmānta/kammanta (कमाहन्त). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kʌ.mɑːn.tʌ / kuh-marn-tuh. Action, management,

administration (as per samyak-karmānta, of the Noble Eightfold Path).
48
Kapsoura (Καψούρα). Greek / n. / kæp.sɔːə ‘ kap-soor-uh. Crush, infatuation; intense passion; the
heady romantic feelings at the start of a relationship.
Karriyolyolmen. Australian Aboriginal (Bininj Kunwok) / v./ ga.ɾi.jol.jol.mɛn / gah-ree-jol-jol-men.

‘Let’s story’; to tell a story, or relate news.
Karuṇā (करुणा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kæ.rʉˈɳɑː / ka-roo-nar. Empathy, compassion, identifying with

the other's suffering.
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.
Kashrut (‫)כ ְַשרּות‬. Hebrew / n. / kaʃˈruːt / kash-root. Proper, legal, permissible; in accordance with
Jewish law (especially relating to food).
Kartería (Καρτερία). Greek / n. / kɑ.tɛˈrɪːə / ka-teh-ree-uh. Stubbornness; toughness.
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).
Kawsay. Quechua / n. / kɔːseɪ / kor-say. Life, living, existence; health, wellbeing; culture; energy.
َ
Kayf (‫)ك ْيف‬. Arabic / n. / keɪf / kayf. Pleasure, satisfaction; wellbeing; humour; mood; will.
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).
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.
Kayfabe. English (new) / n. / ˈkeɪˌfeɪb / kay-fayb. The portrayal of staged events as ‘real’ or ‘true’
(e.g., in professional wrestling).
Kefi (κέφι). Greek / n. / ˈkeə.fi / keh-fee. Joy, passion, enthusiasm, high spirits, frenzy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
49
Kephalópodes (κεφαλόποδες). Greek / n. / sɛ.fə.lə.pɒd / she-fe-le-pod. ‘Head feet’; any member of

the molluscan class Cephalopoda (characterized by bilateral body symmetry, a prominent head, and
a set of arms or tentacles modified from the primitive molluscan foot).
Kerasmata (Κεράσματα). Greek / n. / keər.æs.mæ.tæ / kayr-as-mah-tah. Treats or gifts kept on hand

at home in case of visitors.
Keren. Indonesian / adj. / kəˈrɛn / kuh-rren. Cool; modern; spirited; impressive; dashing.
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.
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 or deliverance as a result).
Khaos (χάος). Greek / n. / xáos / khah-oss. Chaos; in Greek mythology, the void preceding the birth
of the cosmos.
Kia kaha. Māori / inj. / kiːə ˈkɑːhɑ / kee-uh kar-ha. Be strong; stay strong; forever strong.
Kibitz. Yiddish / v. / ˈkɪ.bɪts / kih-bitz. To offer unwanted advice.
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).
Kimchi (김치). Korean / n. / ˈkɪm.tʃiː / kim-chee. A traditional Korean side dish of salted and
fermented vegetables (such as napa cabbage).
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).
Kisosen. Abenaki / p. / kɪ.səʊ.sɛn / kiss-o-sen. ‘Sun-bringer,’ a solar deity in Abenaki culture

(an eagle whose wings opened to create the day and closed to cause night).
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.
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.
Kleos (κλέος). Greek / n. / kliːɒs / klee-oss. Renown; glory; immortal fame; having one’s achivements
venerated in poetry.
Klexos. English (new) / n. / ˈklɛks.əʊs / klek-sohss. The art of dwelling on the past; coined by John
Koenig.
50
Kō (候). Japanese / n. / kəʊ / koh. Micro-season (with the year being divided into 72 different kō).
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.
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.
Koinōnía (κοινωνία). Greek / n. / kɔɪˈnəʊ.nɪə / coy-non-ee-uh. Fellowship, communion, joint

participation, connection, intimacy.
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.
Kocsi (szekér). Hungarian / n. / kɒk.si: (zɛ.kə) / kok-see (zek-kuh). ‘(Wagon) from Kocs’ (a town in
Hungary); origin of the word ‘coach’.
Kolyada (Колядá). Russian / n. / kɒl.ja.da / kol-ya-da. A pre-Christian Slavic and Baltic winter festival.
Komorebi (木漏れ日). Japanese / n. / kɒ.mɒˈre.bɪ / ko-mo-reh-bi. Lit. wood is ‘leaking’ sunlight;

dappled sunlight filtering through leaves.
Kopfkino. German / n. / ˈkɔp͡fˌkiːno / kokf-kee-noh. Lit. ‘head cinema’; the view from your ‘mind’s
eye’; subjective internal images or scenes.
Kosher (‫( )כשר‬Hebrew, n.): lit. right, proper, lawful; used to denote foods prepared in accordance
with Jewish dietary law; used more informally to denote something genuine and legitimate.
Kilig. Tagalog / n. / kɪˈliːɡ / kih-leeg. A feeling of butterflies arising from interacting with someone
one loves or finds attractive; exhilaration/elation (not necessarily related to romance).
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.
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.
Koko (考古). Japanese / n. / kɒ.kɒ / ko-ko. Weathered beauty; austere sublimity.
Kokoro (心). Japanese / n. / kəʊ.kəʊ.rəʊ / koh-koh-roh. Heart and mind (and even spirit) combined.
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.
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.
51
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).
Komorebi (木漏れ日). Japanese / n. / kɒ.mɒˈ ɹe.bɪ / ko-mo-reh-bi. Lit. wood is ‘leaking’ sunlight;
dappled sunlight filtering through leaves.
Konfliktfähigkeit. German / n. / kɒnˈflɪkt.feɪ.ɪç.haɪt / kon-flict-fay-ikh-hite. The ability to manage

interpersonal conflict constructively, without becoming personally involved.
Kos. Norwegian / n. / ˈkɔː.sʰa / kor-sa. Cosiness, warmth, intimacy; kose as a verb; koselig as an
adjective.
Kosmos (κόσμος). Greek / n. / ˈkós.mos / koss-moss. Lit. something ordered / an ordered system; the
world or universe as a complex and orderly system.
Kosmopolitês (κοσμοπολίτης). Greek / n. / ˈkós.mo.pɒˈlɪt.ɪs / koss-moh-poh-lit-iss. Citizen of the

cosmos (world, universe).
Кохати. Ukranian / v. / koˈxɑn.nʲɑ / koh-han-khya. To love passionately, intimately, romantically.
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.
Kraken. Norwegian / n. / kræ.kən / krah-kun. A legendary giant cephalopod-like sea monster in

Scandinavian folklore.
Krampusnacht. German / n. / kræm.pʊs.nɑxt / kram-puss-nakht. ‘Krampus night’; the night in

Central European folklore in which the Krampus (a horned, anthropomorphic figure, described as
half-goat, half-demon) visits children during the Christmas season to children who have misbehaved.
Krasosmutněn. Czech / n. /ˈkra.soˌsmut.ɲɛˌɲiː/ krra-soh-smut-niyeh-niyee. Beautiful sadness; joyful

blues.
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.
Kuài lè (快乐). Chinese / n. / ˌkwaɪˈlɘː / kwy-ler. Lit. fast/quick (kuài) cheer/joy (lè);
pleasure/satisfaction; hedonic happiness.
Kuchisabishii (口寂しい). Japanese / n. / ku:ʧi:sɑb:ʃi: / koo-chee-sa-bee-shee. Lit. ‘lonely mouth’; the

longing or craving to put something (e.g., food) in one’s mouth.
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.
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.
52
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.
Künstlerroman. German / n. / ˈkʏnst.lɐ.ʁoˌmaːn / koonst-lu-roh-man. ‘Artist's novel; a story about an

artist's growth to maturity.
Kur. German / n. / kuːɐ̯ / coo-ur. ‘Cure’; a prolonged period of recuperation at a health resort or spa.
Kuśala/Kusala (कुसल). Sanskrit/Pāli / n., adj. / kʊ.ʃʌlʌ / kuh-shull-uh. Virtue, goodness; skilful, ethical.
Kvell. Yiddish / v. / kvɛl / kvell. To feel strong and overt (expressed) pride and joy in someone's
successes.
Kwadi. Hunsrik / n. / kwa.di / kwah-dee. The laziness one feels after warming oneself in the sun on
cold days.
Kwanza[a]. Swahili / n. / kwɑn.zə / kwan-zuh. Lit. ‘first’, a contraction of the phrase matunda ya
kwanza, meaning ‘first fruits (of the harvest)’; an annual celebration of African-American culture,
created by Dr Maulana Karenga in 1966, held annualy from December 26 to January 1.
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?”).
Kyūdō (弓道). Japanese / n. / kjuːdəʊ / kyoo-doh. ‘Way of the bow’; the art of archery.
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.
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.
Labůžo. Czech / n. / ˈla.buː.ʒo / lah-boo-zhoh. Satisfaction; a favourable situation; enjoying or

savouring something; from labužník ('gourmet').
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.
Lagom. Swedish / n. / ˈlɑːˌɡɔm / laar-gom. Moderation; doing anything to just the right degree.
Laïcité. French / n. / laɪ.i:si.teɪ / ly-ee-sih-tay. The constitutional principle of secularism in France,

discouraging religious involvement in government affairs, and vice versa.
53
Laissez-faire. French / n. / le.se fɛʀ / ley-say fare. The tendency or willingness to leave things to take
their own course, without interfering.
Lakṣaṇa/lakshana (लक्षण). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈlʊk.ʃʊn.ə / look-shn-a. symptom, sign, quality,

attribute; ‘marks of conditioned existence’.
Lakshmi (लक्ष्मी). Sanskrit / p. / ˈlʌk.ʃmi / luk-shmee. Lit. ‘goddess who leads to one's lakshya (goal)';
one of the principle goddesses in Hinduism, goddess of wealth, fortune, love, beauty, joy and
prosperity.
Landvættir. Old Norse / n. / ˈlʌnt.vɛt.teə / lunt-veh-teear. Land spirits, wights, sprites (in Norse
mythology).
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).
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.
L’chaim (‫)לְ חַ יִ ים‬. Hebrew / phrase / ləˈxaɪ.iːm / luh-khai-im. Lit. ‘to life’.
Lebenskrankheit. German / n. / leːbnsˈkʁaŋkˌhaɪ̯t / lee-buns-krank-hite. Lit. life sickness/disease;

existential anomie; world-weariness; coined by Hermann Hesse.
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.
Leggiadria. Italian / n. / l ̺edd͡ʒäˈd̪ r̺iːä / led-jah-dree-ah. Gracefulness, loveliness, prettiness, elegance.
Lego. Danish / n. / lɛ.gəʊ / leh-go. ‘Play well’ (a contraction of ‘leg godt’).
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.
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.
Leib. German / n. / laɪ̯p / layp. The ‘lived body’ (in contrast to Körper, which refers to the physical
body).
Leitmotiv. German / n. / ˌlaɪt.moʊˈtiːf / leyt-moh-teef. ‘Leading motif’; a short, constantly recurring

musical phrase associated with a particular person, place, or idea.
54
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.
Lekker. Dutch / adj. / ˈlɛ.kər / leh-ker. Tasty (food); relaxed, comfortable; pleasurable; sexy.
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).
Lencten. Old English / n. / lɛŋk.tɛn / leng-ten. Springtime, spring; from the West Germanic
‘langitinaz’ (long days, or lengthening days).
Lepos. Latin/ n. / ˈlɛ.pɒ / leh-poh. Charm, grace, wit, elegance, allure.
Leussein (λεύσσειν). Greek / v. / leɪu:siːn / ley-oo-seen. To see something bright; to look upon
something luminous; to look with happiness and pride.
Levain. French / n. / lə.vɛ̃ / le-vah. Leaven; sourdough; an agent used to make dough rise.
Lex. Latin / n. / lɛks / leks. A system or body of laws; a particular law.
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.
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).
Lǐ (禮). Chinese / n. / liːi / lee-e. Etiquette, decorum, ceremony, custom, propriety.
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.
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.
Libertas. Latin / n. / ˈlɪ.bə.tɑs / lih-ber-tass. Liberty, freedom, independence.
Liêm chính. Vietnamese / adj. / liːɛm ʧɪn / lee-em chin. Honest; incorruptible; innocent; moral.
Liigud. Estonian / n. / liːgʊd / lee-gud. A celebration for completing a purchase.
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).
Linčarnica. Croatian / n. / lɪŋ.ʧɑːnɪ.kə / ling-char-nik-uh. A place for being lazy.
55
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.
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.
Listopad (листопад). Russian / n. / ˈlɪst.əʊ.pæd / list-oh-pad. Falling leaves.
Leitourgia (λειτουργία). Greek / n. / liːtʊərˈgiːə / lee-toor-gee-yuh. Lit. public service; a charitable

act; the work of the people; worship.
Libanos (λίβανος). Greek / n. / ˈli.βa.nos / li-va-noss. An aromatic resin used in incense and
perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia; known in English as Frankincense (from
French, meaning ‘high quality incense).
Livsnjutare. Swedish / n. / ˈliːf.sɘˌnjuːtɑ.reɪ / leef-suh-nyoo-ta-rey. Bon vivant; someone who loves

life and lives it to the full.
Ljósálfar. Old Norse / n. / ljouːs.æl.fɑː / lyoos-al-far. Light elves (in Norse mythology), who live in
Álfheimr (land of the elves).
Logos (λόγος). Greek / n. / ˈlo.ɣos / loh-yoss. Word, reason, plan; in theology, the principle of divine
reason and creative order.
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.
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. / ˈɫuː.dʊs / loo-dss. Game/play; used to denote playful, ‘game-playing’ love.
Luftmensch. Yiddish / n. / lʊft.mɛntʃ / looft-mentsh. ‘Air person’; someone more concerned with
intellectual or creative pursuits than practical issues.
Lus. Afrikaans / n. / lʊs / looss. Desire, craving; greed; fancy, cupidity; inclination, tendency.
Lust. German / n. / lʊst / loost. Pleasure, joy; desire, wish; satisfaction.
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.
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).
56
Mancando. Italian / adj., adv. / mä.kän.dō / man-kan-doh. Fading away; used as a direction in music.
Machatunim. Hebrew / n. / mæ.xæh.tu:nʌm / mah-cha-tuh-num. ‘Co-in-laws’; the parents of the

spouse of your child.
Machtwort. German / n. / ˈmaxt.wort / mahkt-v/wort. Power word; a word that encompasses or

condenses many meanings.
Madhyama marga / majjhima magga (मध्यम मािह). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈmʌdʰ.jʌ.mʌ ˈmʌɹːgʌ / mudh-
yuh-muh mur-guh. The middle way/path.
Maadoittuminen. Finnish / v. / ˈmɑːdoi ̯.tuːmɪ.ɛn / mah-doi-too-min-en. Grounding, earthing; rooting

oneself in nature.
Magari. Italian / adv. / maˈɡɑːri / ma-gah-ree. Maybe, possibly; hopeful wish, wistful regret; in my
dreams, if only.
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.
Madrugada. Spanish / n. / ma.ðɾuˈɣa.ða / madh-roo-ga-tha. The early hours of the morning before
dawn.
Maguš (‫)مجوس‬. Old Persian / n. / ˈma.ɣos / mahy-gus. Member of the Zoroastrian priesthood,
specialising in esoteric activities; a practitioner of magic, including alchemy, medicine, astrology and
astronomy.
Mahalo. Hawaiian / n./v. / maˈha.lo / ma-ha-lor. Thanks, gratitude, admiration, praise, respect.
Mahābhūta (म ाभूत). 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).
Maillard. French / adj. / maɪˈjɑː/ may-yar. Surname of French physician and chemist Louis Camille
Maillard (1878-1936), who identified the ‘Maillard reaction’ (a nonenzymatic reaction between
sugars and proteins that occurs upon heating and that produces browning of some foods, such as
meat and bread).
Maithuna (मैथुन). Sanskrit / n. / meɪ.θuːnə / may-thoo-nuh. A term used in Tantra, often translated
as ‘sexual union’ in a ritual context.
Maitrī/mettā (मैत्री). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / 'mait̪ɽi or mɛtˈtɑː / mi-tree or met-tar. Loving-kindness;

benevolence.
Majime (真面目). Japanese / adj. / mɑːd͡ʑ.mɛ / mah-jee-meh. Reliable, responsible, diligent;

seriousness, formality.
Makários (μακάριος). Greek / n. / maˈka:ri.u / mah-kah-ree-oo. Blessed, happy.
57
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.
Makrothumeó (μακροθυμέω). Greek / n. / mæk.rəʊ.θuːˈmeɪ.əʊ / mak-roth-oo-mey-oh. Patience,

forebearance; being long-suffering; slow to anger and avenge.
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.
Malu. Indonesian / n. / mɑːluː / mah-loo. Humility, modesty; shame, embarrassment; shyness,

bashfulness.
Mampemurruwurlmurruwurl. Australian Aboriginal (Murrinhpatha) / v. / mɐmpeˈmuɾuwuɭmuɾuwuɭ

/ mahm-peh-muhru-wil-muhru-wohl. To make someones’s hair beautiful.
Mana. Polynesian languages / n. / ˈmɑnə / ma-nuh. Spiritual energy / power, a sacred, impersonal
force.
Mana whenua. Māori / n. / ˈmɑnə ˈfɛnʊə / ma-nuh fen-ooa. The mana held by people who have
demonstrated moral authority / guardianship over a piece of land / territory.
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).
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.
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.
Mania (μανία). Greek / n. / ma.nía / mah-nee-ah. Madness, frenzy, possession.
Mañjuśrī (मञ्जश्र
ु ी). Sanskrit / pron. / mʌn.ʤʊʃ.riː / man-jush-ree. Lit. gentle glory, radiance; a
prominent Boddhisattva in Buddhism.
Manqué. French / adj. / mɑ̃k / mahnk. Lit. missing, loss of; failing to become or achieve what one
might have.
Manna (‫)מָ ן‬. Hebrew / n. / mæ.næ / mah-nah. Edible food that sustained Israelites in the wilderness;
spiritual food.
Mannvasanai. Tamil / n. / mæn.væ.sæ.naɪ / man-vah-sah-niy. Lit. earth smell; the scent of rain on
dry earth; cf. petrichor.
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.
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.
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Manaakitanga. Māori / n. / ma.naː kɪ.tʌɳɘ / ma-nah-ki-tung-uh. Hospitality, kindness, generosity,

support, respect, and care for others.
Mångata. Swedish / n. / ˈmoːŋˌɡɑːta / moo-on-gah-tah. Lit. moon (måne) road/street (gata); the
path of glimmering light that moonlight makes on water.
Mahnmal. German / n. / ˈmaːnˌmaːl / marn-marl. Memorial/monument to past tragedy (serving as a

warning against it being repeated).
Maraṇa smṛti/sati (मरण स्मनृ त). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʌ.rʌ.nʌ smrɪˈtiː / muh-ruh-nuh smrih-tee.
Meditation on (or awareness of) death/mortality.
Mardi Gras. French / n. / ˈmɑːdi: ˌɡrɑː / mar-dee grah. ‘Fat Tuesday’; events of the Carnival
celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and
culminating on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday).
Marduk (𒀭𒀫𒌓). Akkadian / n. / mɑːdək / mar-duhk. ‘Calf of the sun’; God from ancient
Mesopotamia, eventually head of the Babylonian pantheon.
Mārga/magga (मािह). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈmʌɹːgʌ / mur-guh. A spiritual path or way.
Marmotinto. Italian / n. / mɑːməʊ.tɪn.təʊ / mar-mo-tin-toh. ‘Sand painting’; the art of creating

pictures using coloured sand or marble dust.
Maienschein. German / n. / meɪ.ɪn.ʃaɪn / may-in-shiyn. ‘May shine’; the green-gold sunlight that
filters through young leaves in springtime.
Mazal tov (‫)מזל טוב‬. Hebrew / inj. / ˈmɑːzɘl tɒf / mah-zul-toff. Lit. 'good fortune'; a blessing of health
and happiness.
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.
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’.
Me yia (με γεια). Greek / int. / miː jeə / mee yee-uh. A congratulation / blessing for others.
Mea culpa. Latin / phrase / mā-ə-ˈku̇ l-pə / may-uh kal-puh. ‘Through my fault’; an acknowledgement
of having done wrong.
Mechaye. Yiddish / n. / mɛ.kʰaɪ.jɛ / meh-khy-eh. Joy, pleasure; something that gives great
joy/pleasure.
Meend (मीण्ड). Hindi / n. / miːnd / meend. A glide from one note to another.
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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.
Megillah. Yiddish / n. / məˈgɪ.lə / muh-gill-uh. A very detailed (often excessively so) story or
discourse.
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.
Melmastia (‫)مېلمستیا‬. Pashto / n. / mɛlˈmæs.tiʌ / mel-mass-tiah. Hospitality, moral obligation to

offer sanctuary and respect to all visitors.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Mensch. Yiddish / n. / mɛntʃ / mentsh. Derived from the German term for person; used to describe a
good human being in its fullest sense.
Menschenfanger. German / n. / mɛnt.ʃən.fɑŋɐ / ment-shun-fang-uh. ‘People catcher’; someone

unusually capable of leading, inspiring, and enthusing others.
Mentalizar. Spanish / v. / mɛn.tæ.l:ɪ.zɑː / men-tah-lih-zar. To get into a frame of mind; to make

aware.
Mentegetőzik. Hungarian / v. / mɛn.tə.gɛ.təʊ.zɪk / men-the-geh-toh-zeek. Making an apologetic

explanation or excuse.
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’.
Meraki (μεράκι). Greek / n. / mɛˈræk.iː / meh-rrack-ee. Ardour (in relation to one’s own actions and
creations).
Mercurius. Latin / p. / mɛrˈkʊrɪ.ʊs / mer-koo-ree-us. Roman god of travellers, messages,

communication, eloquence, boundaries, luck, trickery and thieves.
60
Meriggiare. Italian / v. / mɛ.rɪˈdʒeɑː.rɪ / me-rri-jah-rri. To rest at noon (in the shade).
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.
Merytoryczny. Polish / adj. / mɛ.rɪt.ɒr.ɪʤ.nɪ / meh-rih-toh-rij-nee. Essential; substantial; factual; on

the basis of merit.
Mésos (μέσος). Greek / n. / ˈme.sos / meh-soss. Mean; middle.
Messiah ( ַ‫)מָ ִׁשיח‬. Hebrew / n. / mɪˈsaɪə / mih-sy-ah. Lit. anointed one; savour, liberator, redeemer; a
king or high priest.
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).
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.
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.
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).
Mishpacha (‫)משפחה‬. Hebrew / n. / mə̇ shˈpäḵə / mush-pah-ke. Family; clan; tribe; kin; social group.
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.
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.
Milczeć. Polish / v. / miːl.ʧɛʧ / meel-chech. To keep quiet; to refrain from speaking.
Miliskovat. Czech / v. / ˈmɪ.lɪsˌko.vat sɛ / me-lis-koh-vat-seh. To kiss, hug, fondle; related to the Slavic
god of love, Milek.
Mīmēsis (μίμησις). Greek / n. / ˈmɪ.mɪ.sɪs / mih-mih-siss. Imitation; receptivity; artistic

representation.
Minerva. Latin / pronoun / mɪˈnɜːr.və / mih-ner-vuh. Roman goddess of wisdom, warfare, poetry,
medicine, commerce, and the crafts.
Minidewak. Potawatomi / n. / ˈmɪ.nɪ.də.wæk / mi-ni-de-wak. ‘They give from the heart’; a

ceremonial Potawatomi tradition of gift-giving, expressing generosity and gratitude.
Mirabelle. French / n., adj. / mɪ.rə.bɛl / mi-ruh-bel. Of wondrous beauty.
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Mir (мир). Russian / n. / ˈmir / meerr. Peace; world; community.
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.
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.
Mishloach manot (‫)משלוח מנות‬. Hebrew / n. / miʃˈlo.aχ maˈnot / mish-loah ma-not. Lit. ‘sending of
portions’; exchanging gifts of food and drink.
Mishpocheh. Yiddish / n. / mɪʃˈpɒ.kə / mish-poh-keh. ‘Family’; extended family or clan; the entire
family network.
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.
Mitzvah (‫)מצְ וָה‬.

ִ Hebrew / n. / ˈmɪts.və / mitz-vah. A commandment; a good deed (e.g., performed
out of religious duty).
Miyabi (雅). Japanese / n. / mɪ.jɑ.biː / me-yah-bee. Elegance, refinement; courtliness; impeccable

manners; the total disavowal of vulgarity or crudity.
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).
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.
Modimo. Setswana / n. / mɒ.diːməʊ / moh-dee-moh. God in Tswana culture; genderless supreme

being.
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.
Mojo. Creole (Gullah) / n. / məʊ.ʤəʊ / mow-joe. Lit. witchcraft; a magic charm or spell; sex
drive/appeal; personal magnetism or charm.
Mohamaatam. Telegu / n. / maʊ.hæ.mɑːəm / moh-har-maar-tum. Complaisance; hestitation,

tentativeness; shyness; willingness to please.
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.
Mokita. Kivila / n. / məʊ.kiːtæ / moh-kee-tah. A truth that everone knows but no-one talks about.
Mokṣa/moksha (मोक्ष). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈmoːk.ʃə / mok-shuh. Emancipation, liberation, release

(e.g., from saṃsāra).
62
Mokusatsu (黙殺). Japanese / v. / mɒ.kuːsæt.suː / mo-koo-sat-soo. To ignore or keep silent (e.g.,

when rejecting a bargaining offer).
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.
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.).
Mōrēs. Latin / n. / ˈmoːreːs / mor-ehs. Habit, usage, custom, manner.
Morgenfrisk. Danish / adj. / ˈmɔːn.frɪsk / morn-frisk. Lit. ‘morning-freshness’; feeling rested after a
good night's sleep.
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).
Morpheus (Μορφευς). Greek / p. / ˈmɔr.fi:əs / mor-fee-uss. ‘Fashioner’; shaper of form; God of sleep
and dreams in Greek mythology.
Morphō (μορφώ). Greek / p. / ˈmɔr.fəʊ / mor-fow. ‘The Shapely One’; a name of Aphrodite; a genus
of large tropical American butterflies.
Morriña. Galician / n. / moˈriɲa / moh-rreen-yah. Longing; homesickness; notalgia.
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.
Mot juste. French / n. / mo ʒyst / moh szhoost. Lit. just or fair word; the exactly right word or
phrasing.
Motirõ. Tupi-Guarini family / n. / mɒˈtɪə.rɒ / moh-teer-oh. Community work; doing or building

something good together; a productive gathering of people.
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.
Moũsai (Μοῦσαι). Greek / p. / mo᷇ːsaɪ / mooh-sai. The muses; goddesses in Greek mythology who
were the divine inspiration for knowledge and the arts.
Mousiké (μουσική). Greek / n., adj. / moːsi.kɛ᷄ / moo-sih-keh. Lit. ‘of the muses’; art forms of the
muses, especially music and lyrical poetry; basis for ‘music.’
Mu (無). Japanese / n. / muː / mooh. Negative, void, nothingness, non-being; used in Buddhism to
imply 'neither yes nor no'.
Muditā (मुदिता). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʊ.ɖɪˈtʰɑː / moo-de-tar. Sympathetic, vicarious happiness.
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).
63
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).
Muhabbet. Turkish / n. / muːhæ.bɪt / mu-hah-bet. Fondness, affection; small-talk, conversation; a

heart-warming conversation with loved ones.
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).
Muraqaba (‫)مراقبة‬. Arabic / n. / mʊə.rə.kʌ.bʌ / mooh-reuh-kuh-buh. Watchful attention; vigilance;

wakefulness; used for a form of Sufi meditation.
Musāvādā (मुसावािा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʊ.sɑː.wɑː.dɑː / moo-sah-vwah-dah. False speech (i.e.,

refraining from which is the fourth of the five precepts in Buddhism).
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.
Musique concrète. French / n. / myzik kɔ̃k.ʁɛt / moo-zik kon-kret. ‘Concrete music’; music
composition that utilizes recorded sounds as raw material.
Mustérion (μυστήριον). Greek / n. / muːsˈteɪ.riːɒn / moos-tay-ree-on. Mystery, secret; a secret

doctrine; a truth that requires initiation to experience/understand.
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).
Mutterseelenallein. German / n. / mʊtɐzeːlənʔaˈlaɪ̯n/mut-ter-see-len-al-lein. ‘Mother soul alone’;

completely, utterly alone.
Myötähäpeä. Finnish / n. / muːɜːtə.hæ.peɪ.ə / moo-er-tuh-hah-pay-uh. Vicarious embarrassment,

shame; a cringing feeling.
64
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.
Naat’áanii. Navaho / n. / nɑːtɑːni: / nar-tar-nee. Leader; peacemaker; someone who facilitates

development.
Nabocklish. Gaelic (Irish) / expression / neɪ.bɒk.liːʃ / nah-bok-lish. ‘Don’t worry about it.’
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).
Nachträglichkeit. German / n. / ˈnaːx.trɛːklɪç.haɪt / nark-tye-leekh-hite. Deferred action, retroaction,

‘afterwardsness’; retroactive attribution of meaning to earlier events.
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.
Nagapuri. Malay / n. / nʌ.gæ.pɔːriː / nah-gah-poor-ree. Sleeping dragon.
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.
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.
Naikan (内観). Japanese / n. / naɪ.kæn / ny-kan. Inside-looking; introspection; a structured method

of self-reflection developed by Yoshimoto Ishin.
Nakama (仲間). Japanese / n. / nɑːkɑːmɑː / nah-kah-mah. Best friend;close buddy; one for whom
one feels deep platonic love.
Nalu. Hawaiian / n., v. / na:luː / nar-loo. Wave, surf; to flow; to meditate, ponder, reflect.
Namaste (नमस्ते). 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'.
Nam jai (น้ำใจ). Thai / n. / næm.ʤaɪ / nam-jiy. Lit. water from the heart; selfless generosity and
kindness.
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Nân (‫)نان‬. Persian / n. / nɒːn / naan. Bread; now used in numerous cultures/languages to refer
specifically to round flatbreads usually baked in an oven.
Ñandutí. Guaraní / n. / nan.du.ti: / nan-doo-tee. ‘Spider web’; traditional Paraguayan lace.
Natsukashii (懐かしい). Japanese / adj. / nɑːt.suːkɑː ʃiː / naht-soo-kah-shee. Missed, precious,

yearned for, 'dear old ...'.
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.
Natura naturata. Latin / phrase / nəˌtjʊə.rə ˈnat.jʊr.a:tə / nuh-choor-rah nah-choor-ah-ta. ‘Nature

natured’; nature already created ; nature as a created, perfected entity or system.
Naz (‫)ناز‬. Urdu / n. / nʌz / nuz. Assurance, pride, confidence (arising from feeling unconditionally
loved).
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).
Nefelibata. Portuguese / n. / ne.fe.li.ˈba.tɐ / neh-fih-lee-bah-tah. ‘Clould-walker’; daydreamer;

someone who is independent and unorthodox.
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;
contrasted with wài jiā (externally-directed practices).
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.
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.
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.
Neprieinamas. Lithuanian / n. / nɛ. priːnɑːmæs / neh-pree-nah-mas. ‘Unreachable’; someone who is

very hard to seduce or win over.
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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.
Ngali. Australian Aboriginal (Jiwali) / pronoun / 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 nganthurraju (‘we all excluding you’).
Ngaliju. Australian Aboriginal (Jiwali) / pronoun / 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. Australian Aboriginal (Jiwali) / pronoun / 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. Australian Aboriginal (Jiwali) / pronoun / 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’).
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).
Nichtwollen. German / n. / nɪçtˈvɔlə / neekht-voh-ley. Non-willing, non-wishing, non-wanting.
Niksen. Dutch / v. / ˈnɪk.sən / nik-sn. ‘Nothinging’ (verbification of ‘nothing’); to do nothing; being or

doing without purpose; idling, loafing.
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.
Nirodha (ननरोि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / nɪ.rəʊd.hʌ / ni-rode-huh. Cessation; the third noble truth (that
duḥkha can be addressed by ceasing craving).
Nirvāṇa/nibbāna (ननवाहण). 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.
Niyama (ननयम). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / nɪˈjɑː.mʌ / nee-yah-muh. Lit. observances, positive duties;

recommended habits/practices for right living.
Nja. Swedish / int. / njɑː / nyah. Combining no (nej) and yes (ja); neither yes or no (or both yes and
no); expressing uncertainty.
Njuta. Swedish / v. / njʉː.ta / nyoo-ta. To deeply enjoy, to profoundly appreciate.
No pasarán. Spanish / phrase / nō-ˌpä-sä-ˈrän / no pah-sah-ran. ‘They [the enemy] shall not pass’.
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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).
Nocturne. French / n. / nɒkˈtɜːn / nok-turn. ‘Nocturnal’; a musical composition that is inspired by, or
evocative of, the night.
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.
Noël. French / n. / nɔ.ɛl / no-el. Christmas; good news; birthday; from the Latin natālis (“of or
relating to birth”).
Noh (能). Japanese / n. / nɒ / noh. ‘Skill’, ‘talent’; a form of classical Japanese dance-drama that has
been performed since the 14th century.
Nombrilisme. French / n. / nɔ̃.bʀi.lism / noh-bree-leezm, Lit. ‘bellybuttonism’ or navel-gazing; self-

centredness, self-absorption; egoism.
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.
Nous (νοῦν). Greek / n. / nuːs / nooss. Mind, understanding, reason, intellect.
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.
Nu. Egyptian / pronoun / nuː / noo. Deification of the primordial watery abyss in ancient Egyptian
religion.
Ñukemapu. Mapuche / n. / nuːkə.mɑːpu: / noo-kuh-ma-puh. ‘Mother Earth’; the natural world, with
which all beings are interconnected.
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.
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.
Nyaka (ন্যাকা). Bengali / adj. / naɪ.jæ.kə / niy-ah-kuh. Coy, coquettish; feigning ignorance (often used
pejoratively).
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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.
Odkoukat. Czech / v. / ɒd.kuːkæt / od-koo-kat. To learn by watching.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Ojalá. Spanish / v. / oxaˈla / oh-khah-lah. Derivation of In sha' Allah, God willing ('may Allah wish it');
a hopeful wish.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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On (恩). Japanese / n. / ɒn / on. A feeling of moral indebtedness, relating to a favour or blessing

given by others.
Onda. Spanish / n. / ɒn.dæ / on-dah. Lit. wave; the flow or current of something; an exclamation of
joy or excitement.
Ondinnonk. Iroquoian (Native North American) / n. / ɒn.diːnuːnk / on-dee-noonk. The secret,

innermost desires or wishes of the soul (e.g., as revealed in dreams).
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.
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).
Opia. English (new) / n. / ˈəʊ.pɪə / oh-pee-ah. The ambiguous intensity of eye-contact; coined by
John Koenig.
Oplodňovák. Czech / n. / ˈoplod.ɲoˌvaːk / oplod-niyoh-vaak. A slow, erotic dance; the word itself
relates to impregnation.
Oread (Ὀρειάς). Greek / n. / ɔːri.əd/ or-ee-uhd. A mountain nymph in Greek mythology.
Orenda. Huron / n. / ɔˈɹɛn.də / or-en-duh. Power, force (often with spiritual connotations).
Orgasmós (οργασμός). Greek / n. / ɔɾ.ɣa.ˈzmɔs / or-yaz-mos. Orgasm; climax; swelling, burgeoning;

excitement.
Origami (折り紙). Japanese / n. / ɒrɪˈgɑːmi / o-ree-ga-mee. ‘Folding paper’; the art of paper folding.
Orka. Swedish / v. / ˈɔrˌka / orr-kah. To have the energy for something; being resilient, spirited,
and/or enthused.
Osher (‫)אושר‬. Hebrew / n. / ɒʃuʁ / oh-shuh. Joy; contented happiness.
Otium. Latin / n. / əʊtɪəm / oh-tee-um. The condition of being in control of one’s own time; leisure,
free-time; ease, peace.
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.
Otožno. Slovenian / n. / ɒt.ɒʃz.nəʊ / oht-osh-no. Soft, gentle sadness or melancholy.
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.
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).
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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.
Overskud. Danish / n. / ˈɒwɐs.gud / oh-wuhs-good. Extra/excess energy; do have sufficient resources

to do something; profit (in an economic context).
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).
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.
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).
Paixnidi/pachnidi (Παιχνίδι). Greek / n. / pɛkʰˈniː.di / pekh-nee-dee. Game/play; used to denote

playful, ‘game-playing’ love.
Pala. Tagalog / part. / pæ.læ / pah-lah. An exclamation of surprise; contrary to expectation (i.e., as
opposed to what I assumed).
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.
Pan (Πάν). Greek / pronoun / 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.
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.
Panache. French / n. / pa.naʃ / pah-nash. Lit. plume (e.g., on a helmet); a stylish, original, confident,
even flamboyant way doing things.
Pāṇātipātā (पाणानतपाता). 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, e.g., in Buddhism).
Pañcaśīlāni/pañcasīlāni (पञ्िशीलानन). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / pʌn.ʧʌ ʃiːˈlɑː.nɪ / pun-shuh shee-lah-ni. Five

precepts (e.g., in Buddhism).
Państwo. Polish / n. / ˈpaɲ.stfɔ / pang-stfoh. A country, state; a household, family, married couple.
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
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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.
Papatūānuku. Māori / n. / pæ.pæ.tʊa:nɘ.ku: / pa-pa-too-ah.nu-koo. Mother earth.
Parakosmos (παράκοσμος). Greek / n. / pa.rá.kóz.mos / pa-ra-kos-mos. ‘Beside world’; an imaginary

world; realm of the imagination.
Parea (παρέα). Greek / n. / pæ.riːə / pah-rr-uh. A group of friends; company; informal party; revelry.
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.
Parole. French / n. / pa.ʀɔl / pah-rrol. Word, speech, promise, oath.
Pascha (Πάσχα). Greek / n. / pæ.ʃə / pa-sha. Resurrection Sunday; Easter;a transliteration of the
Aramaic pascha, from the Hebrew pesach (‘Passover’).
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.
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.
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.
Passeggiata. Italian / n. / päs.sād.jaːtä / pa-saj-yah-ta. A leisurely stroll/turn/walk.
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.
Pesaḥ (‫)פֶ סַ ח‬. Hebrew / n. / ˈpɛ.sɑːx / peh-sakh. ‘Passover’.
Pasthāna/paṭṭhāna (स्मत्ृ युपस्थान). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / pʌs.θɑːnʌ / puhs-thah-nuh. Conditions; setting

forth, going forward.
Páthos (πάθος). Greek / n. / ˈpæ.θɒs / pah-thoss. Suffering; emotion; experience.
Pau hana. Hawaiian / phrase / paʊˈha.nə / pow hah-nah. Lit. finished working, work done; valued
time after work (e.g., for socializing, relaxation, etc.).
Pena ajena. Spanish / n. / ˈpɛ.næ aˈxe.na / peh-nah ah-khen-nah. Pain (pena) for others (ajena);
vicarious embarrassment/shame; a cringing feeling.
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.
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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.
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.
Pertu. Hungarian / n. / ˈpeə.ty / pear-too. Lit. by/for you; a drinking or bonding ritual (signifying the
establishment or maintenance of friendship).
Peiskos. Norwegian / n. / paɪs.kɔːs / piys-kors. Lit. 'fireplace coziness, sitting in front of a crackling
fireplace enjoying the warmth.
Petitio principii. Latin / n. / pə.tē.tē.ō priŋ.ki.pē / peh-tee-tee-oh pring-kee-pay. ‘Postulation of the

beginning’; begging the question (i.e., assuming the conclusion).
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.
Phi (ϕεῖ). Greek / n. / pʰe᷇ː / fee / aka pheî. The 21st letter of the Greek alphabet; the symbol for the
‘golden ratio’ (1.618…).
Philia (ϕιλία). Greek / n. / ɸiˈli.a / fi-lee-ya. Friendship, platonic love (e.g., based on familiarity or
shared interests).
Philautia (ϕιλαυτία). Greek / n. / ɸᵻˈlɔːtɪə / fi-law-tia. Self-love (encompassing, in its benevolent

forms, self-respect, self-compassion, etc.).
Philotimo (φιλότιμο). Greek / n. / ɸɪlˈɔːtɪ.mɔ / fill-oh-tee-moh. ‘Love of honour;' the importance

of respecting and honouring friends/family.
Philoxenia (ϕιλοξενία). Greek / n. / ɸɪlˈɔːx.sen.ía / fill-oh-kh-sen-ia. Love of strangers, guests; a

hospitable act of welcome.
Phlox (φλόξ). Greek / n. / ˈflɒks / floks. ‘Flame’; a genus of 67 species of plants in the family
Polemoniaceae.
Phrónēsis (φρόνησις). Greek / n. / froʊˈniːsɪsː / froh-nee-siss. Practical wisdom; discernment;

wisdom and knowledge in determining ends and the means of attaining them.
Pianoforte. Italian / n. / pɪˈæ.nəʊ.fɔːteɪ / pee-an-oh-for-tay. Soft and loud; basis for ‘piano.’
Pietas. Latin / n. / ˈpi.e.taːs / pe-eh-tass. Familial affection; loyalty, patriotism; piety.
Pigg. Swedish / adj. / pɪg / pig. Alert, awake; refreshed, rested; spirited, energised.
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.
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Piliriqatigiinniq. Inuktitut / n. / pɪ.lɪ.rɪ.kæ.tɪg.i:niːk / pih-lih-ri-kar-tee-gee-nik. Working in a

collaborative way for the common good.
Pimashu. Innu / v. / pə.mɑːhuː / p-mah-oo. To move with the wind.
Pirouette. French / n. / pi.ʁ.wɛt / pih-ru-wet. ‘Whirl’; a non-traveling turn on one leg, of one or more
rotations.
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.
Pittiarniq. Inuktitut / n. / pɪt.ɪɑːniːk / pih-tee-ah-neek. Loving-kindness; being kind and good.
Pius. Latin / adj. / ˈpi.əs / pe-oos. Conscientious, upright, faithful, patriotic/dutiful, respectful,
righteous.
Plámás. Gaelic (Irish) / n., v. / ’plɔ:mɔ:s / plaw-mawse. Flattery, ingratiation, sweet-nothings; can
have the implication of being hollow or insincere.
Plié. French / n. / pli.je / plee-ay. ‘Bent’; a smooth and continuous bending of the knees outward
with the upper body held upright.
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.
͡
Pochemuchka (почемучка). Russian / n. / pə.tɕɪˈmu.t ͡
ɕkə / puh-chee-mooh-chuh. Someone (often a
child) who asks a lot of questions.
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).
Poiēsis (ποίησις). Greek / n. / poí͜ .ɛː.sis /poy-ee-sis. Productive and creative disciplines.
Poiētḗs (ποιητής). Greek / n. / poi ̯.ɛːtɛ̌ːs / poy-ee-tees. Maker, creator; author, poet
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.
Pole. Swahili / int. / pɔ.leɪ / poh-lay. Sorry; can also express empathy and understanding.
Polis (πόλις). Greek / n. / pó.lis / poh-liss. City-state; a body of citizens.
Politeia (πολιτεία). Greek / n / po.lý.ti: ə / poh-lee-tee-uh. The ways and reasons of a people to live
together; the whole order of social and political relationships in a polis.
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Polýtropos (πολύτροπος). Greek / adj. / po.lý.tro.pos / poh-lee-troh-poss. Much turned; of twists

and turns; much travelled, much wandered; wily, crafty.
Pomalo. Croatian / adv. / pǒ.ma.lo / po-mah-low. Take your time; maybe now, maybe later; take it
easy.
Poprawiny. Polish / n. / pɒ.prɑːviːnɛ / po-pra-vee-neh. A party/reception held the day after a

wedding (usually in the morning).
Porphúra (πορφύρα). Greek / n. / porˈɸy.ra / por-thur-uh. Tyrian purple, ‘Phoenician red/purple,

royal purple, imperial dye; a reddish-purple natural dye (secreted by several species of predatory sea
snails).
Poseidôn (Ποσειδῶν). Greek / pronoun / 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.
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).
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).
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).
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.
Prâgma (πρᾶγμα). Greek / n. / ˈpɾaɣ.ma / prag-mah. A deed, action, or ‘thing done’; used to denote
rational, ‘sensible’ love.
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).
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’).
Prajña/paññā (प्रज्ञ). Sanskrit/Pāli / prʌn.jɑː / prun-yah. Wisdom and experiential insight.
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.
Pratītya-samutpāda / paṭicca-samuppāda (प्रतीत्यसमुत्पाि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / praˈtiːt.ja

sa.mʊtˈpɑː.dɑ / prah-teet-yah sa-muut-pah-dah. Dependent origination; the law of conditionality.
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Pratyahara (प्रत्या ार). 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).
Pravda (пра́вда). Russian (and other Slavic languages) / n. / ˈprɑːv.dʌ / prrarv-duh. Truth and justice.
Prâxis (πρᾶξις). Greek / n. / pra᷇ːkʰ.sis / prakh-sis. Deed/action; the process by which a theory, lesson,
or skill is enacted, embodied, or realised.
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.
Presto. Italian / adj., adv. / ˈpre-(ˌ)stō / preh-stow. Suddenly, immediately, instantaneously; at a

rapid tempo (used as a direction in music).
Pretoogjes. Dutch / n. / prɛtˈoːx.jiːs / pret-oh-yeess. Lit. 'fun eyes'; the twinkling eyes of someone
engaging in benign mischief or fun.
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.
Pro bono. Latin / phrase / ˈproʊ ˈboʊ.noʊ / pro bo-no. ‘For good’; professional work done for free.
Proairesis (προαίρεσις). Greek / n. / prəʊˈɛrɪsɪs / pro-air-ee-sis. Lit. before (pro) choice (hairesis);
desiring reason, or ‘easoning desire; the ability to choose/decide.
Profanus. Latin / adj. / prɔˈfaː.nʊs / proh-far-noos. Lit. before (pro), i.e., outside, the temple (fanus);
secular, non-religious; origin of ‘profane.’
Prostor (простор). Russian / n. / ˈprɒst.stɔːr / proh-storr. Spaciousness, freedom, absence of

constraint.
Prōtógonos (Πρωτογόνος). Greek / n. / pɾoˈto.ɣo.nos / pror-tor-khor-nors. Lit. first-born; in Greek

mythology, the first ‘generation’ of deities.
Psalmós (ψαλμός). Greek / n. / sælˈmɒs / sal-moss. Scripture set to music (particularly a harp);
sacred music; later, scripture (not necessarily musical).
Psykhe (ψυχή). Greek / n. / psiːkʰɛ̌ / psee-keh. Mind; breath; life; spirit; soul.
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.
Puhpowee. Potawatomi / n. / pʌ paʊ.i: / puh-pow-ee. Rising, emergence; the force that causes
mushrooms to push up and appear overnight.
Pulchritudo. Latin / n. / pul.kʰriˈtuːdo / pool-kree-too-doh. Corporeal beauty and moral excellence.
76
Pundonor. Spanish / n. / pʌn.dɔ.nɔː / pun-doh-nor. Point of honour; adherence to a code of honour;

dignity; self-respect.
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.
Purim (‫)פּורים‬.
ִ Hebrew / n. / ˈpʊərɪm / poor-rim. An annual celebration in Judaism (commemorating
the saving of the Jewish people from a figure named Haman).
Putuwa. Australian Aboriginal (Gadigal) / n. / pə.tuːə / puh-too-uh. Warming one’s hands by the fire
while gently squeezing someone else’s hands.
Pyt. Danish / int. / ˈpɪd / pid. ‘Don’t worry about it’; ‘stuff happens’; ‘oh well’.
Qanglaagix. Aleut / n. / 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).
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.
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.
Qì (氣). Chinese / n. / tɕʰiː / chee. Lit. air, breath; ‘life force/energy’.
Qì chang (氣場). Chinese / n. / tɕʰiː ʧæŋ / chee chang. Energy field (e.g., between/surrounding
multiple people).
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.
Qì zhì (氣质). Chinese / n. / tɕʰiː t͡ʂɘɻ / chee jrr. Quality of character, disposition, style, charm,
attractiveness, magnetism.
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.
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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).
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.
Qualunquismo. Italian / n. / kwa.lunˈkwiz.mo / kwah-luhn-kwiz-moh. An attitude of apathy,

indifference or disgust towads politics.
Querencia. Spanish / n. / kɛˈɹɛnsɪə / keh-ren-sia. A place where one feels secure, from which one
draws strength.
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.
Quellenkritik. German / n. / kwɛl.ən.krɪ.tɪk / kwell-un-krih-tik. Source criticism; verification of

sources; the process of evaluating an information source.
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.
Quid pro quo. Latin / n. / ˌkwid ˌprō ˈkwō / kwid pro kwo. ‘This for [or instead of] that’; originally
implied substituting one thing for another; now a favour or advantage granted or expected in return
for something.
Quo vadis. Latin / phrase / kwō ˈvä.dəs / kwoh va-diss. Where are you going?; to what purpose?
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.
Quotīdiānus. Latin / adj. / kʷo.tiːdiˈaːnəs / kwo-tee-dee-ah-nus. Occuring daily; mundane, ordinary;

rendered in English (via French) as quotidian.
Qurʾān (‫)قرآن‬. Arabic / n. / kɔː|ɑːn / korr-ahn / aka Koran. Lit. recitation; the sacred scripture of
Islam.
Raaskia. Finnish / v. / ˈrɑːskiɑ / rah-skee-ah. To have the heart, courage to do something.
Raconteur. French / n. / ˌræ.kɒnˈtɜːʳ / ra-con-tur. A skilled oral story-teller.
Radah (‫)רדָ ה‬.

ָ Hebrew / v. / rɔːdɔː / raw-daw. To rule over; to have dominion over.
Rædwald. Old English / n., p. / ræd.wɑɫd / rad-wold. ‘Power in counsel’; 7th century king of East
Anglia.
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Rāga (राि). Sanskrit / n. / rʌ:gɘ / ruh-guh. ‘Coloring’, ‘dyeing’; in Indian classical music, a melodic
framework for improvisation, akin to a melodic mode.
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).
Ramen (拉麺). Japanese / n. / ˈrɑːmən / rah-men. ‘Pulled noodles’; Japanese noodle soup.
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.
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.
َ َ
Ramadan (‫)ر َمضان‬. Arabic / n. / ra.ma.dˤaːn / ra-ma-daan. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar,
observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
Ramé. Balinese / n. / ɹɑːˈmeɪ / rah-may. A lively and/or boisterous social occasion; an event that is
both chaotic and joyful.
Rasmia. Spanish / n. / ræz.miːə / razz-mee-uh. Eagerness, strength, activeness, courage, tenacity and
gracefulness.
Razmakh (размах). Russian / n. / ræz.mɑː / raz-mar. Sweep, span; amplitude; scope, range; scale.
Ṛddhi/iddhi (ऋद्धि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / rɪd. dʰɪ / rid-dhih. Lit. success, accomplishment, increase;
used in Buddhism to denote extraordinary (e.g., ‘psychic’) powers.
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.
Recherché. French / adj. / ʀ(ə)ʃɛʀʃe / suh-sher-shay. Rare, exotic, unusual; not understood or
appreciated by many people.
Að redda. Icelandic / v. / aːð ˈrɛdːa / arth red-dah. To save someone or fix something in a time
sensitive manner.
Regatta. Italian (Venetian) / n. / ɹɪˈɡæ.tə / ri-ga-ta. ‘Contention for mastery’; name of a boat race
held among gondoliers on the Grand Canal in Venice.
Reggae. Jamaican Patois / n. / ˈɹɛ.ɡeɪ / reh-gay. Ska. n. / ska: / skar. A musical genre originating in
Jamaica and associated with Rastafarianism, characterised by a heavy bass-line, and accentuation of
the off-beat (like ska, but usually slower; from the Jamaican Creole rege (rags; a quarrel).
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).
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Reiwa (令和). Japanese / n. / ɺ̠e̞ːɯɑː / ray-wah. Beautiful, auspicious, and orderly harmony and
peace.
Rén (仁). Chinese / n. / ɻɛn / ren. Humanity, benevolence; the positive feeling enjoyed by a virtuous
person through altruistic behaviour.
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.
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.
Rendezvous. French / n. / ˈrɑːn.deɪ.vuː / raan-day-voo. A meeting at an agreed time and place.
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).
Rè nào (熱鬧). Chinese / adj. / ɻɘɻ.naʊ / rerr-now. Lively; boisterous; bustling with noise and
excitement.
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.
Riposo. Italian / n. / riˈpɔso/ rre-poor-soh. Rest, repose; a nap; cf. siesta.
Resfeber. Swedish / n. / riːsˈfiːbrr / reess-fee-burr. Travel fever/bug; the feeling of excitement and
nervousness experienced by a traveller before undertaking a journey.
Retrouvailles. French / n. / ʀə.tʀu.vɑj / ruh-trroo-vy. Lit. 'rediscovery'; a reunion (e.g., with loved
ones after a long time apart).
Risqué. French / adj. / rɪˈskeɪ / risk-ay. Daring, edgy; suggestive; verging on indecent; often applies
particularly to humour.
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.
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).
Robustus. Latin / adj. / roːˈbʊs.tʊs / roh-buss-tuss. Lit. as strong as oak; tough, strong, hardy.
Rochnit. Czech / v. / ˈrox.ɲɪt sɪ / rokh-niyit-sih. Going through things; revelling in something. Refers
to the way a pig rummages through things.
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.
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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.
Romjul. Norwegian / n. / rɒm.juːl / rom-yool. ‘Christmas space’’; the period between Christmas and
New Year.
Rondo. Italian / n. / ɹɒn.dəʊ / ron-doh. A musical compostion in which an initial motif repeatedly
recurs; a training exercise in football in which players stand in a circle and pass the ball to keep it
away from their opponents.
Rōnin. Japanese / n. / rəʊ.nɪn / roh-nin. ‘Drifter’, ‘wanderer’; a samurai without a lord or master
during the feudal period of Japan.
Roosamanna. Estonian / adj./ ruːsə.mænə / roo-suh-mah-nuh. Lit. pink semolina; something or

someone that is overly naive, romantic or over-prettified.
Ṛta (ऋतिं). Sanskrit / n. / rə.tə / rh-t. Order, rule; truth; that which is properly or excellently joined;
the principle of natural order which regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe.
Rūpa (रूप ). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ruːpɘ / roo-puh. Matter, body, material form; in Buddhism, the first
skandha (i.e., the material body).
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.
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).
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.
Sabi (寂). Japanese / n. / sɑːbɪ / sa-be. Lonely, desolate, aged beauty.
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.
͡ / 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.
Sadaqah (‫)صدقة‬. Arabic / n. / sˤa.da.qa / suh-duh-kuh. Lit. justice, righteousness; generosity/charity

(mandated by justice); required righteous giving.
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Sādhana (सािना). Sanskrit / n. / sɑːdʌ.nʌ / sar-duh-nuh. Lit. realization, or ‘means of accomplishing

something’; exertion towards a spiritual goal; advanced meditation practices.
Sādhu (साि)ु . Sanskrit / n. / sɑːduː / sah-doo. Lit. a good man; a holy person; a religious ascestic,
renuncient; a monk.
Saikei (栽景). Japanese / n. / saɪ.keɪ / sy-kay. ‘Planted landscape’; the art of creating minaturised
landscapes, usually using living material (e.g., bonsai trees).
Sākṣī (साक्षी). Sanskrit / n. / sɑːk.ʃiː / sark-shee. Observer; witness; ‘pure awareness’.
Śakti/satti (शक्तत). 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.
Sakura (桜). Japanese / n. / sæ.kɔːrə / sah-koor-uh. Japanese cherry blossom (aka Prunus serrulata).
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.
Salām (‫)سالم‬. Arabic / n. / saˈlaːm / sah-lahm. Peace, harmony, wholeness, prosperity, welfare and
tranquillity; used also as a greeting/parting salutation.
ُ َ َ َّ
As-salāmu ʿalaykum (‫)السَل ُم َعل ْيك ْم‬. Arabic / inj. / asːaˈlaːmu ʕaˈlajkum / ah-sah-lah-mu kha-lay-koom.
Lit. peace be upon you; a standard form of greeting.
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.
Salsabil (‫)سلسبيل‬. Arabic / n. / sæl.sə.biːl / sal-suh-beel. Fresh, cool, pure water; a spring or fountain
in paradise.
Samādhi (समाधि). 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.
َ 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).
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.
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).
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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.
Sambo. Swedish / n. / sæm.buː / sam-boo. An unmarried couple that live together.
Saṃgha / saṅgha (सिंघ). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / 'sʌŋ.gʌ / sung-huh. Lit. assembly; a Buddhist

religious/spiritual community.
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.
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).
Saṃjñā/sañña (सिंज्ञा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sə̃.ɡnjaː / suh-gnyah. Perception, cognition.
Saṃkalpa/sankappa (सिंकल्प). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sũ.kʌl.pʌ / suhm.kul.puh. Resolve, determination;

purpose, intention (as per samyak-saṃkalpa, of the Noble Eightfold Path).
Samprajanya/sampajañña (सिंप्रज़न्ऩा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʌm.prʌ.ʤʌ.jʌ / sum-pruh-jun-yuh. Clear

comprehension; mindfulness imbued with a sense of spiritual progress.
Saṃsāra (सिंसार). 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.
Saṃskāra (सिंस्कार). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sə̃.skɑːrʌ / suh-skar-uh. Mental volitional formations, karmic

imprints, ‘conditioned things’.
Saṃtoṣa/santosa (सिंतोष). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sũ.təʊ.ʃʌ / suhm-toe-shuh. Complete/entire (saṃ)

contentment/satisfaction (toṣa).
Samudaya (समि ु ाय). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʌ.mʊˈdaɪ.jʌ / suh-moo-dye-uh. Origin, cause; the second
noble truth (that duḥkha has a cause, i.e., craving).
Samyak/sammā (सम्यक). Sanskrit/Pāli / n., adj. / sʌm. jʌk / sum-yuk. Right, correct, best.
Sanna (ᓴᓐᓇ). Inuktitut / p. / sæ.nə / sa-nuh. Goddess of the sea and marine animals in Inuit
mythology.
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.
Sanxian (三弦). Chinese / n. / sæn. ɕi.an / san-shee-an. ‘Three strings’; a traditional fretless Chinese
lute.
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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.
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).
Sarang (사랑). Korean / n. / sæˈrʌŋ / sah-rung. Strong love.
Saramā (सरमा). Sanskrit / p. / sə.rə.ma: / su-ru-mah. A mythological being in Hindu mythology

referred to as the female dog of the gods, and also as the mother of all dogs.
Satchitananda (सक्च्ितानन्ि). 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).
Satori (悟り). Japanese / n. / sɑːtəʊ.riː / sar-toh-ree. Understanding, comprehension; awakening,

enlightenment.
Sattva (सत्त्व). 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.
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).
Satya/sacca (सत्य). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʌt.jʌ / sut-yuh. Truth; truthfulness (in speech, thought, and
action); refraining from falsehoods or distortions.
Satyagraha (सत्याग्र ). Sanskrit / n. / sʌt.jʌ.grʌ.hʌ / sut-yuh’gruh-huh. ‘Holding firmly onto truth’;

nonviolent or civil resistance.
Satya Yuga (सत्य युि). 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.
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.
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.
Savoir. French / v. / sav.waʀ / sav-wah. To know, in the sense of abstract knowledge (i.e., to know
about a phenomenon); in contrast to connaître (experiential, personal familiarity).
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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.
Sawol. English (old) / n. / ˈsɑːwol / sah-wol. Soul; immortal principle; possibly from the Proto-
Germanic saiwala (potentially meaning ‘of the sea’).
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).
Scatenarsi. Italian / v. / skæ.tɛˈnɑːsiː / skah-teh-nar-see. To run wild; to rampage; to throw off one’s
shackles; to break free.
Schlemiel (‫)שלומיאל‬. Yiddish / n. / ʃləˈmiːl / shluh-meel. An incompetent, unlucky, clumsy or foolish

person.
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.
Schulbildend. German / adj. / ʃuːl.bɪl.dɘnt / shoo-bill-dnt. Inspiring or leading to the creation of

schools of thought.
Schwärmerei. German / n. / ʃvɛr.məˈrai / shver-mer-ay. Excessive or extreme enthusiasm or

sentimentality.
Schwellenangst. German / n. / ˈʃvɛlə.aŋst / shvell-uhn-ungst. Fear, anxiety relating to crossing a

threshold (literally or metaphorically).
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).
Sduk-al-bixw. Lushootseed / n. / s’dʌk.æl.bɪ.ʃɔː / sduk-al-bish-wl. ‘Strong people of status’; autonym

of the Snoqualmie people.
Sea Ania. Yaqui (Native central American) / 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.
Sébomai (σέβομαι). Greek / v. / ˈsɛb.ɔm.ɑiː / seb-ohm-aaee. To revere, to honour, to be in awe of.
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.
Seelisch. German / adj. / ziːlʊʃ / zee-loosh. Pertaining to the soul; spiritual; mental, psychological.
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Sehnsucht: German / n. / ˈzeɪnˌzuːxt / zeen-zukht. Life longings, intense desire for alternative paths
and states; lit. an ‘addiction’ (Sucht) to longing/pining (Sehn).
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).
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.
Selcouth. English (old) / adj. / ˈsɛlˌkuːθ / sell-kooth. Rare, strange, marvellous, wondrous.
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.
Selah (‫)סֶ לָה‬. Hebrew / n. / siːlɑː / see-lah. A pause for reflection; a musical interlude (e.g., in a
psalm).
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.
Semba. Kimbundu (Angola) / n. / sɛm.bə / sem-buh. A dance and musical style originating in Angola;
the name derives from the notion of touching bellies.
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).
Seny. Catalan / n. / seɪŋ / sayng. A blend of common sense and wisdom; a practical and even-keeled
judiciousness; insight, awareness, and integrity.
Sephirot/səphîrôṯ (‫)ס ִפירֹות‬.

ְ Hebrew / n. / /ˈsɛfɪrɒθ/ she-feer-ohth. Emanations; in the Kabbalah
tradition, the ten attributes/emanations through which Ein Sof manifests ‘him/itself’ in/as the
universe.
Serdeczność. Polish / n. / sɜːˈdɛʧ.nɜ / ser-dech-ny. Cordiality, warmheartedness, directness, and

sincerity. Serdeczny as an adj.
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).
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.
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.
Shalev (‫)שלֵו‬.
ָ Hebrew / n. / ʃɔːˈlɑːv / shaw-laarv. Calm, peaceful, quiet, at ease.
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Shalom (‫)שלֹום‬.
ָ Hebrew / n. / ʃɔːˈləʊm / shor-lome. Peace, harmony, wholeness, prosperity, welfare
and tranquillity; used also as a greeting/parting salutation.
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.’
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.
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).
Shatkarmas (ष्कमह). Sanskrit / n. / ʃæt. kɑːmə / shat-kar-muh. ‘Six actions’; a set of six Yogic
purifications of the body.
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.
Shê dé (舍得). Chinese / phrase / ʃʊəː dʊə / shur dur. To be willing and/or able to part with
something or let go.
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).
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.
Sheut (šwt). Egyptian / n. / ʃwɛt / shwet. Shadow, silhouette; the ever-present shadow of death; one
of five parts of the soul in Egyptian thought.
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.
Shibumi (渋味). Japanese / n. / ʃiːbuːmiː / shee-boo-mee. Simple, subtle, unobtrusive and effortless
beauty.
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).
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.
Shiv'ah (‫)שבעה‬. Hebrew / n. / ʃɪˈvʌʰ / shee-vuh. Lit. seven; the week-long period of mourning
prescribed in Judaism.
Shizen (自然). Japanese / n. / ʃiːzẽ̞ɴ / shee-zun. Naturalness, absence of pretence, contrivance, or

premeditation (e.g., in art).
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Schmooze. Yiddish / v. / ˈshmüz / shmooz. To chat in a friendly and persuasive manner, especially so
as to gain favor, business, or connections
Shmita (‫)שמיטה‬. Hebrew / n. / ʃmi:tə / shmee-tuh. ‘Release’; a sabbatical year; the seventh year of
the seven-year agricultural cycle mandated by the Torah for the Land of Israel, and still observed in
contemporary Judaism.
Shodō (書道). Japanese / n. / ɕo̞ːdəʊ / shoh-doh. ‘Way of writing’; Japanese calligraphy.
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.
Shōko (鉦鼓). Japanese / n. / ɕo̞ːkəʊ / shoh-koh. A small bronze gong, struck with two horn beaters,
used in Japanese gagaku.
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.
Shruti (श्रनु त). 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.
Shù (恕). Chinese / n., v. / ʃuː / shoo. Forgiveness (to forgive as verb); mercy; reciprocity.
Shuâng (爽). Chinese / adj. / ʃuːʌŋ / shoo-ung. To feel well; bright; pleasurable; crisp; frank;
invigorating; straight-forward.
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).
Sī weí (思维). Chinese / n. / siː weɪ / see way. Line or way of thinking; mental process; perspective.
Siddhārtha/siddhattha (भसद्िाथह). 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.
Siesta. Spanish / n. / sɪˈɛstə / see-est-a. A short nap, usually taken in the early afternoon.
Ṣifr (‫)صفر‬. Arabic / n. / sɪfr / sif-rr. Void; empty place; zero, cypher; possibly adaptation of Sanskrit
Sūnya; origin of ‘zero’ in English.
Siga siga (σιγά σιγά). Greek / adv. / siˈɣa siˈɣa / see-yah see-yah. Slowly, slowly (i.e., being
unhurried).
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.
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Śīla/sīla (शील). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʃiː.lʌ / shee-luh. Morality, ethics, virtue; custom, practice; conduct,
disposition, nature, tendency.
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.
Simpatía. Spanish / n. / sim.paˈtiːæ / sim-pah-tee-ah. Accord and harmony within relationships

and/or society.
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.
Sirimiri. Basque / n. / si.ɾi.ˈmi.ɾi / sih-ree-mih-ree. A very light mist of rain (that is often long-lasting).
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.
Sissonne. French / n. / si.sɔn / sih-son. A jump done from two feet to one foot (named after the
originator of the step).
Sisu. Finnish / n. / ˈsi.su / si-su. Extraordinary determination/courage, especially in the face of

adversity.
Sitzfleisch. German / n. / ˈzɪt͡sflaɪʃ / zitz-flysh. Lit ‘sitting flesh’; the ability or willingness to persevere
through tasks that are hard or boring.
Sjövættir. Old Norse / n. / ˈsjø.vɛt.teə / shyoor-veh-teear. Sea spirits, wights, sprites (in Norse
mythology).
Skandha(s)/ khanda(s) (स्कन्ि). 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.
Ska. Jamaican Patois / n. / ska: / skar. A musical genre originating in Jamaica, characterised by
accentuation of the off-beat.
Skank. Jamaican Patois / n., v. / skæŋk / skank. A rhythmic dance, involving swinging the arms while
bending the knees, especially to reggae or ska.
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).
Smeddum. Scottish / n. / smɛ.dʌm / smeh-dum. A fine powder; the strength or essence of a

substance; spirit; energy.
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.
Smṛti/sati (स्मनृ त). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / smrɪˈtiː / smrih-tee. Lit. ‘recollection’ or ‘remembrance’;

mindfulness/awareness of the present moment.
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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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Soirée. French / n. / swa.ʀe / swah-rray. A relatively cultured evening party, often centred around
music or conversation
Sophos (σοφός). Greek / n. / sof.os /sof-oss. Sage; wise old man; one who has attained wisdom.
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.
Soler. Spanish / v. / səʊˈleər / soh-lair. To usually do; to be in the habit of doing something.
Solivagant. Latin / n., adj. / səʊˈlɪvəɡənt / so-liv-a-gnt. Noun: A lone wanderer. Adjective:
characterised by lone wandering.
Sollen. German / v. / ˈzɔlən / zo-len. To be supposed to; to ought to.
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.
Solastalgia. English (neologisim) / n. / ˌsɒləˈstældʒə / sol-stah-jee-uh. Mental and existential distress

caused by environmental change; coined by Glenn Albrecht.
Solfeggio. Italian / n. / sɒlˈfɛd.ʒioʊ / sol-fed-jioo. A music education method used to teach aural
skills, pitch and sight-reading of Western music.
Sonder. English (neologism) / 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.
Sophia (σοφία). Greek / n. / soˈfi.a / soh-fee-ya. Wisdom.
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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.
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).
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.
Sprachgefühl. German / n. / ˈʃpʀaːχɡəˌfyːl / sprark-geh-fuul. Lit. ‘language feeling’; an intuitive sense

of what is linguistically appropriate; the character of a language.
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).
Sprezzatura. Italian / n. / ˌsprɪt.səˈt(j)ʊə.rə / spritz-uh-toor-uh. Nonchalance; art and effort are

concealed beneath a studied carelessness.
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.
Squillo. Italian / n. / skwi.lo / skwi-low. ‘Ring’, ‘blast’; the resonant, trumpet-like sound in the voices
of opera singers.
Śrīvatsa (श्रीवत्स). 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.
Staccato. Italian / n. / stæˈkæːtəʊ / stah-kah-toh. ‘Detached’; in music, a note of shortened duration,

separated from the note that may follow by silence.
Stammtisch. German / n. / ˈʃtam.tɪʃ / stam-tish. Regulars’ table; an informal meeting held on a

regular basis; a friendly get-together.
Startijenn. Breton / n. / stɑːt.ɪˈʒɛn / start-ih-zjen. A kickstart/boost of energy; also denotes

perseverance.
Status quo. Latin / phrase / steɪ.təs kwəʊ / stay-tuss kwo. The existing state of affairs.
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.
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Stimmung. German / n. / ˈʃtɪ.mʊŋ / shtee-moong. Mood, feeling; atmosphere; harmonisation,

imbrication.
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’.
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.
Stoá (στοά). Greek / n. / sto.a᷄ː / stor-ah. Lit. portico or porch; the basis for the philosophical school
of Stoicism.
Storgē (στοργή). Greek / n. / stoɹˈɣə / store-geh. Filial love; care and affection (e.g., between family
members).
Stūpa (स्तूप). Sanskrit / n. / stuːpɘ / stoo-puh. ‘Heap’; a mound-like or hemispherical structure

containing relics that is used as a place of meditation.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Sud’ba (судьба). Russian / n. / suːd.bɑ / suud-bah. Fate, destiny, fortune.
Suffragium. Latin / n. / sʌf rəˈdʒi: əm / suf-rah-jee-um. Plea, intecessionary prayer; ballot, vote; right
of voting; a voting tablet.
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.
Sukha (सुख). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʊˈkʰɘ / suh-kuh. Pleasure; ease; satisfactoriness (the antonym of
dukkha).
Sukhāvatī (सख ु ावती). Sanskrit / n. / suːkɑːvʌ.tiː / soo-kar-vuh-tee. Lit. Land of pure bliss or happiness;
a celestial ‘Pure Land’ in certain schools of Buddhism.
Sūkō (崇高). Japanese / n. / suːkəʊ / soo-koh. Sublimity, nobility, spirituality.
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Suminagashi (墨流し). Japanese / n. / suːmi.nə.gæ.ʃiː / soo-min-uh-ga-shee. ‘Floating ink’; the

Japanese art of water painting (marbling paper with water and ink).
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.
Sunao (素直). Japanese / adj. / suːnɑ.əʊ / soo-nah-oh. Meek, docile and submissive (in a positive,
deferential way); authentic, and honest with oneself.
Śūnyatā/suññatā (शून्यता). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʃʊn.jʌˈtɑː / shoon-yuh-tah. Emptiness; boundlessness;

boundarylessness; the idea that phenomena come into being dependent upon conditions.
Superego. Latin (new) / pronoun / 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.
Surāmeraya-majja pamādaṭṭhānā (सुरा-मेरय-मज्ज पमािठ्ठाना). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʊˈrɑː.meɪ.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).
Susegad. Konkani (Goa) / n. / suːsə.gæd / soo-suh-gad. A relaxed, laid-back attitude or way of life;
enjoying life to the fullest.
Sūtra/sutta (सुट््ा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈsu trə / soo-truh. Lit. thread, string; teaching, rule, aphorism.
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).
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.
Swara (स्वर). 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.
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.
Taarradhin (‫)تراض‬. Arabic / n. / ˈtæʜ.ræʜ.diːn / takh-rah-deen. A ‘win-win’; a positive agreement,

solution, compromise.
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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.
Ta'ârof (‫)تعارف‬. Persian / n. / t̪ʰɒːˈɾof / thar-rof. Politeness, social intelligence (e.g., in relation
to receiving/offering hospitality/gifts).
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).
Tachlit (‫)תכלית‬. Hebrew / n. / tæḵˈliːt / takh-leet. Purpose, aim; essence; in practical terms (aka
‘brass-tacks’); in reality, point of fact.
Tai (太). Chinese / n. / taɪ / ty. Great, greatest, supreme, ultimate.
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.
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.
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).
Taki onqoy. Quechua / n. / tæ.ki ɒn.kɔɪ / tah-kee on-koy. Dancing sickness; delirium caused by
dancing or singing.
Talanoa. Fijian / v. / tələnoːə / tuh-luh-nor-uh. To tell stories; to chat or gossip (in ways that can
serve as a ‘social adhesive’).
Talkoot. Finnish / n. / ˈtal.koːt / tahl-koort / aka talko (Swedish). A collectively pursued or

undertaken task; voluntary community work.
Tantra/tanta (तन्त्र). 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.
Tao (道). Chinese / n. / tʰaʊ / t/d-ao. All-powerful and pervasive power, path or way; the unfolding
dynamic process of reality itself.
Tapas (तपस ्). 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.
Taqdīr (‫)تقدير‬. Arabic / n. / tak.di:r / tak-deer. Appreciation, valuation, respect; estimation,

assessment, rating.
Tarab (‫)طرب‬. Arabic / n. / ˈtɑː.rɘb / tah-rrb. Musically-induced ecstasy or enchantment.
Tarbiya (‫)”تربية‬. Arabic / n. / tɑːbiːjɘ / tar-bee-yuh. Education; development; training; can refer to on-
going moral and spiritual development.
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Tarjeta. Finnish / v. / tɑːrˈjɛt.ɘ / tarr-yet-uh. To be able to withstand the cold (and function
effectively).
Tarruru. Australian Aboriginal (Ngarluma) / n. / tɑːrʊə.ru / tah-roor-ruh. Evening glow; dying down;
peace of mind.
Taṣawwuf (‫)التصوف‬. Arabic / n. / tʌˈsaʊf / tuh-souwf. Lit. one who wears wool; Arabic name for a
mystical, esoteric branch of Islam.
Tatemae (建前). Japanese / n. / tæ.tæ.meɪ / tah-tah-mey. Lit. façade, or pretext; feelings or opinions
one presents inpublic (contrasted with honne, i.e., true feelings).
Tathāgata-garbha (तथाित िभह). Sanskrit/Pāli / tʌtˈhɑːgʌ.tʌ gɑːrb.hɑ / tuh-tar-guh-tuh garr-bha. Lit.

‘one who has thus gone’; Buddha nature.
Tat Tvam Asi (तत्त्वमभस). 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.
Te (德). Chinese / n. / tɜː / ter / aka dé. Virtue; morality; integrity; inner power.
Techné (τέχνη). Greek / n. / ˈtékʰnɛː / tekh-nee. Craftsmanship; practical expertise.
Tegsh. Mongolian / n. / tɛgʃ / tegsh. The valorized condition of being in balance with the community
and the wider world.
ְ Hebrew / n. / teɪ hɒm / tay-hom. The deep, the abyss; the Great Deep of the
Tehom (‫)תהֹום‬.
primordial waters of creation in the Bible.
Teleios (τέλειος). Greek / n. / té.li:os / tel-ee-oss. Perfect; finished; brought to its conclusion;
complete; whole.
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.
Témenos (τέμενος). Greek / n. / té.me.nos / teh-meh-noss. A sacred enclosure; a piece of ground cut
or marked off.
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.
Tempus fugit. Latin / phrase / ˈtɛm.pəs ˈfuːʤɪt / tem-puss foo-jit. Time flies, flees, escapes.
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.
Tenku Ania. Yaqui (Native central American) / n. / tɛn.kuː əniːjə / ten-koo ah-nee-uh. The ‘dream
world’; the incomprehensible private world.
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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.
Tertulia. Spanish / n. / teɾˈtulja / terr-tool-ya. A social gathering or conversation, usually with literary
or artistic overtones.
Tesão. Portuguese / n. / teˈzãw / ter-zarw. Heightened sexual or sensual desire; turn-on; intense
arousal.
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).
Thalia (Θαλία). Greek / n., pron. / θɑːliːə / thar-lee-uh. Abudance; luxury; blooming life. One of three
charities (or graces) in Greek mythology.
Théasthai (θεᾶσθαι). Greek / v. / θe.əs.θaɪ / thee-uhs-thy. To behold; to gaze in astonishment.
Théatron (θέατρον). Greek / n. / θeə.trɒn / thee-uh-tron. A place for viewing; a stand from which to
behold a spectacle.
Themis (Θέμις). Greek / p. / ˈθiːmɪs / thee-miss. ‘That which is put in place’; divine law; ancient
Greek Titaness, personification of divine order, fairness, law, natural law, and custom.
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.
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!).
Tholtan. Gaelic (Manx) / n. / θɒl.tæn / tholl-tan. A ruined or abandoned building (often a house,
cottage or farm).
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.
Thumos/thymos (θυμός). Greek / n. / θyˈmos / thoo-moss. Spiritedness; carries connotations of flesh

and blood; also refers to the human desire for recognition.
Tiamat (𒀭𒋾𒊩𒆳). Akkadian / pronoun / 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).
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Tîeow (เทียว). Thai / v. / tiːaʊ / tee-ow. To wander or roam around in a carefree way.
Tiferet (‫)תפארת‬. Hebrew / n. / tifˈʔeʁ.eθ / tif air-eth. Beauty; balance; the sixth sephirot in the
Kabbalah tradition, integrating Hésed and Gevurah.
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.
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.
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.
Timshel (‫)תמשל‬. Hebrew / phrase / tɪm.ʃɛl / tim-shell. ‘Thou shall control’; ‘thou shall rule over’;
‘thou mayest”.
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.
Titânes (Τiτᾶνες). Greek / n. / ti.tanːɛs / tih-tah-ness. Titans; in Greek mythology, the second
generation of deities.
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.
Tiwonana. Chichewa / int. / tiːwɒnænə / tee-won-ana. ‘We will see each other’; goodbye, but with
the expectation that you will meet again.
Tizita (ትዝታ). Amharic / n. / tɪ.ziːtə / tih-zee-tuh. A bittersweet remembrance and longing for a time,
person, thing gone by.
Tjotjog. Javanese / v. / ʧəʊ.ʧəʊg / choh-chog. ‘To fit', accord and harmony within relationships
and/or society.
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).
ֹ֙ Hebrew / phrase / təʊ.huː wæ bəʊ.huː / toh-hoo w abo-hoo. ‘Unseen

Tohu wa-bohu (‫)תהּו ו ָֹ֔בהּו‬.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Treta Yuga (त्रेता युि). 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).
Tripti (तक्ृ प्त). Sanskrit / n. / trɪp.tɪ / trip-tih. Complete satisfaction (e.g., of sensual pleasures).
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).
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).
Trouvaille. French / n. / tʁu.vaj / tkhroo-vay. A lucky find; something good/valuable discovered by

chance.
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.
Trygghet. Swedish / n. / truːg.hiɜːt / trroog-he-ert. Security, safety, confidence, certainty, trust.
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.
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.
Tubli. Estonian / adj. / tʊb.liː / toob-lee. Having a good work ethic; capable, hardworking, diligent,
persistent, strong, good, fine.
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Tuka Ania. Yaqui (Native central American) / n. / tuːkə əniːjə / too-kuh ah-nee-uh. The ‘night world’;
the ‘magical world’.
Tuko pamoja. Swahili / n. / tuːkɘ pæˈməʊ.ʤæ / too-kuh pah-moh-jah. Lit. 'one place'; ‘we are
together’, community togetherness.
Tulukaruq. Yup'ik / pronoun. / 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).
Tūrangawaewae. Māori / n. / təˌrʌŋɡəˈwaɪwaɪ / tur-ranga-why-why. Lit. a place to stand; a place

where we feel rooted, empowered, and connected.
Tyvsmake. v. / ɕʉːv. smɔːkɛʰ / shoov-smor-keh / aka Tjuvsmaka (Swedish). Lit. sneak, thief (Tyv) taste
(Smake); to taste or eat small pieces of food (e.g., when cooking); cherry-picking the best morsels
(rather than to improve the meal).
Tzedaka (‫)צדקה‬. Hebrew / n. / sˤə.ðaːˈqaː / su-tha-khaa. Lit. justice, righteousness; generosity/charity

(mandated by justice); required righteous giving.
Tzniut (‫)צניעות‬. Hebrew / n. / tsniːuːt / tsnee-oot. Modesty, privacy, humility (e.g., in dress, speech
and behaviour).
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).
Uashtessiu. Innu (Native North American) / n. / uːɑːtɪ.ʃuː / oo-ah-tiss-oo. Trees are changing colour.
Ubuntu. Zulu (& Xhota) / n. / ʊˈbuːntʊ / uu-boon-tuu. Being kind to others on account of one’s
common humanity.
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).
Ukeireru (受け入れる). Japanese / v. / ʊk.eɪ.iːruː / oo-kai-ee-roo. To accept; to receive; to agree.
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.
Uffda. Norwegian / int. / uːf.tɑ / oof-tah / aka oofta, huffda. An expression covering a range of
feelings, including surprise, astonishment, weariness, dismay, and relief.
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Üfürük. Turkish / n. / ə.fɜːrɜːk / uh-fur-ruk. Exhaled breath.
Uisge beatha. Gaelic (Scottish) / n. / ˈɪʃ.kʲə ˈbʲa.hə / ish-k-ya bya-hu. ‘Water of life’; a rendering of the
Latin ‘Aqua vitae’ (used for alcohol in the Roman world); adapted into Gaelic by Irish monks in the
middle ages for distilled spirits (later rendered into English as ‘whisky’).
Uitbuiken. Dutch / v. / ˈəʊt.bɜːɣən / oat-ber-ghen. Lit. 'outbellying'; to relax satiated between

courses or after a meal.
Uitzieken. Dutch / v. / əʊt.ziːɣən / oat-zee-ghen. ‘Sick it out’; to wait out an illness and fully recover.
Ujamaa. Swahili / n. / u:jə.ma: / oo-juh-mar. ‘Familyhood’; community spirit and action; co-operative
economics.
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. Australian Aboriginal (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).
Umami (うま味). Japanese / n. / uːmɑːmiː / oo-mah-mee. A rich, pleasant, savoury taste.
Umarell. Italian / n. / um.aˈrɛl / um-ah-rel. ‘Little man’; a folk term originating into Bologna to
describe men of retirement age who pass the time watching construction sites (stereotypically with
hands clasped behind their back and offering unwanted advice).
Umay. Tagalog / n. / ə.meɪ / uh-may. To become weary or tired with something through overuse or
satiety.
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.
Umteyo. Xhosa / n. / ʌm.tiːjəʊ / um-tee-yo. ‘Shaking dance; a dance associated with Xhosa culture,
involving the rapid undulation or shaking of the thorax so that the spine appears to be rippling.
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.
Uns. Old English / 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.
Upaniṣads (उपननषद्). 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.
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Upapaduka (उपपािक
ु ). 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.
Upāya (उपाय). Sanskrit / adj. / ʊˈpaɪ.jʌ / oo-puy-uh. Skilfil, skilful means; expedient; that which is
conducive to flourishin; that which leads to enlightenment.
Upekṣā/upekkhā (उपेक्षा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / u.pɛkʰˈsɑː / oo-pek-sah. Equanimity, detachment;

calmness, balance.
Urangutan. Malay / n. / əˈɹæŋ.əˌtæŋ / uh-rang-oo-tang. Forest man; possibly bestowed on the ape
genus Pongo by Europeans.
Utakata (泡沫). Japanese / n. / uːtɑːkɑːtɑː / oo-tah-kah-tah. Lit. bubbles, foam; ephemerality,

transciency.
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.
Utepils. Norwegian / n. / ˈuːtəˌpɪlz / oo-tuh-pilz. Lit. outdoor lager; a beer that is enjoyed outside
(especially in the sunshine).
Utu (उत)ु . Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʊtʊ / uu-tuu. Seasons (as per utu-niyāma, i.e., the ‘law of the seasons,’
namely the regularity of environmental phenomena).
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.
͡ / 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.
Vācā (वािा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / wɑːk / vwahk. Speech, voice (as per samyak-vāc, of the Noble
Eightfold Path).
Vættir. Old Norse / n. / vɛt.teə / veh-teear. Nature spirits, wights, sprites (in Norse mythology).
Vague à l'âme. French / n., adj.. / væg ɑˈlɑːm / vag ah-lahm. Lit. vague soul, spirit; vague melancholy;
soul discomfort; gentle, wistful sadness.
Vāhana (वा न). 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’.
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).
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Vakidioot. Dutch / n. / ˈvɑk.i.diˌjoːt / vak-ih-dee-oot. ‘Profession idiot’; someone monomanically

obessed with the work they do.
Vajrayāna (वज्रयान). Sanskrit / n. / ˌvʌ.dʒrəˈjɑːnə / vid-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).
Vatnavættir. Old Norse / n. / vaht.nə.vɛt.teə / vaht-nuh-veh-teear. Water spirits, wights, sprites (in
Norse mythology); guardians of the specific waters
Vawe Ania. Yaqui / n. / væ.wi: / vah-wee. The ‘world under the water’; the ‘water world’.
Véda (वेि). 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.
Vedanā (वेिना). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / veɪ.dʌ.nɑː / vey-duh-nar. Feeling tone; fundamental valence of a

sensory object (pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral).
Vedānta (वेिािंत). 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.
Vedriti. Slovenian / v. / veɪd.riːtiː / ved-ree-tee. To clear up (i.e., the weather); to shelter from the
rain.
Veget. Czech / n. / ˈvɛ.gɛt / veh-get. A state of idleness; plain living; undisturbed rest; free time.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vesen. Icelandic / n. / vɛ.sɛn / veh-sen. Something that is more complicated or trouble than it
needs to be.
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Vèvè. Haitian Creole / n. / vɛ.veɪ / veh-vay. In Haitian Vodou, geometrical drawings that represent
the lwa (spirits).
Vibrato. Italian / n. / vɪˈbrɑ.toʊ / vi-bra-toh. A musical effect consisting of a regular, pulsating change
of pitch.
Vidunder. Swedish / n. / viːˈduːdə / vee-doon-duh. Miracle; prodigy; monster; an impressive or

threatening entity which inspires awe.
Viitsimine. Estonian / v. / viːt.sɪ.mɪ.neɪ / veet-sih-mih-nay. To not want to do something.
Vijñāna/viññāṇa (ववज्ञान). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / vɪg.njɑːnɘ / vig-yah-nuh. Consciousness, mind,

discernment.
Víðsýni. Icelandic / n, adj. / ˈvɪθ.siːniː / veeth-see-nee. A panoramic view; open-mindedness.
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.
Vinyāsa (ववन्यास). 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.
Vipāka (ववपाक). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / wɪˈpɑː. kʌ / vwih-pah-kuh. Ripening; the result, ripening or

maturation of karma.
Vipaśyanā/vipassanā (ववपश्यना). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / vɪ.pʌʃ.jʌ.nɑː / vih-push-yuh-nah. Insight; clear-

seeing; seeing ‘into’; cultivating awareness (e.g., into the nature of reality).
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.
Virtus. Latin / n. / ˈwir.tuːs / weer-toos. Valour, manliness, excellence, courage, character, and
worth.
Vīrya/viriya (वीयह). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / wiːr.jʌ / vweer-yuh. Energy, diligence, enthusiasm, effort.
Vískat. Czech / v. /ˈviːs.kat/ vees-kat. To play with somebody’s hair; originally, to look for lice.
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.
Vivax. Latin / adj. / ˈviːvaːks / vee-vax. Tenacious; durable; long-lived; vivacious; lively.
Vogue. French / n. / vōɡ / vowg. The prevailing fashion or style at a particular time.
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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.
Volta (βόλτα). Greek / n. / ˈvoltɒ / voll-tah. A leisurely stroll/turn/walk in the streets.
Volya (воля). Russian / n. / ˈvɔlʲə / voor-leh. Will, volition; power; pleasure; freedom, liberty.
Vorfreude. German / n. / ˈfoːa̯fʀɔɪ̯.də / for-fhroy-duh / aka voorpret (Dutch). Intense, joyful

anticipation derived from imagining future pleasures.
Vorlage. German / n. / ˈfoːɐ̯laːɡə / for-laarghe. Prototype, template; a prior version or manifestation

of a text.
Vōx. Latin / n. / vɔks / voks. Voice; word; speech; accent.
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).
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.
Vorhanden. German / adj. / foːɐˈhan.dən / foor-han-den. ‘Present at hand’; for Heidegger, the way
that objects, when not functioning properly, ‘stand out’ as objects.
Vybafnout. Czech / v. / vɪˈbæf.naʊt / vih-baf-nowt. To jump out and surprise someone by saying
‘boo’.
Vyāyāma/vāyāma (व्यायाम). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / wjɑːjɑː.mʌ / vyah-yah-ma. Effort, exercise, training

(as per samyak-vyāyāma, of the Noble Eightfold Path).
Wa (和). Japanese / n. / ɯɑ: / wah. Balance and harmony, particularly socially and interpersonally.
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’.
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.
Wagyl. Australian Aboriginal (Noongar) / n. / wæg.juːl / wahg-yool. ‘Rainbow serpent’; a snake-like

creator being, responsible for the creation of features of the landscape.
Wahnfried. German / n. / ˈvɑːn.friːd / varn-frreed. Peace, freedom (Friede) from illusion, delusion,
madness (Wahn).
104
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.
Wai-wai (ワイワイ). Japanese (Gitaigo) / n. / ɯɑɪ.ɯɑɪ / wa-iy wa-iy. The sound of children playing.
Wakinyan. Lakota (Native North American) / n. / wæk.ɪn.jæn / wah-kin-yan. The Thunderer or the
Thunderbird; a powerful sky spirit of Sioux mythology.
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.
Wanderlust. German n. / ˈvæn.dɛˈlʊst / van-deh-loost. Lit. desire (Lust) to hike (Wander). A

longing/desire/prediliction for travel and adventure.
Wari. Australian Aboriginal (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.
Washi (和紙). Japanese / n. / ɯɑːʃɪ / wah-shee. ‘Japanese paper'; paper that uses local Japanese
fiber and is made using traditional technqiues.
Wassail. English (old) / int., n. / ˈwɒ.seɪl / wah-sayl. Salutation meaning ‘be well’ or ‘be healthy’
(from from Old Norse ves heill).
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).
Weinseelig. German / adj. / vain.zeːliːɡ / viyn-zee-leeg. Lit. wine (Wein) soulfulness or feeling
(Seelig); merriment brought on by intoxication through drinking wine.
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.
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).
Weltanschauung. German / n. / ˈveltænʃaʊʊŋ / vell-tan-shao-ung. Lit. world (Welt) view

(Anschauung); an overarching/all-encompassing worldview or philosophy of life.
Weodmonað. English (old) / n. / wəʊd.mʌ.nəθ / weod-muh-nath. Weed-month; woad-month; grass-

month.
Wewene. Potawatomi / n. / wi:wɛ.ni: / we-weh-nee. In a good time; in a good way; properly;

sincerely.
Whakakoakoa. Māori / v. / wæ.kæ.kɔa.kɔa / wah-kah-koah-koah. To cheer up.
Whakapapa. Māori / n. / wæ.kæ.pæ.pæ / wah-kah-pa-pa. ‘Genealogy’; understanding how all beings

and processes are connected, particularly temporally.
105
Wicca. English (old) / n. / wɪ.kə / wih-kuh. Male witch, wizard, soothsayer, sorcerer, astrologer,
magician; now the label for a modern pagan religion.
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.
Willkür. German / n. / ˈvɪlkyːɐ / vill-kuah. Following/obeying the will; choosing to obey oneself;
arbitrariness, capriciousness.
Wissenschaft. German / n. / ˈvɪsn.ʃaft / viss-en-shaaft. The systematic pursuit of knowledge,

learning, and scholarship; science.
Woggabaliri. Australian Aboriginal (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’).
Wohlweh. German / n. / voːl.veː / vool-vey. Lit. well-pain; pain that is pleasurable (e.g., massaging
aching muscles).
Woke. English (new) / n., adj. / woʊk / woke. Social, political awareness; actively aware of systematic
prejudice and injustice; prominence attributed to Erykah Badu.
Womba. Bakweri / n. / wɒm.bə / wom-buh. The smile of a sleeping child.
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.
Wǔ xiá (武俠). Chinese / n. / wù.ɕjǎ / woo-shee-uh. ‘Martial heroes’; a genre of fiction concerning
the adventures of martial artists in ancient China.
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.
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.
Würfeln. German / v. / ˈvʏr.fl / ver-ferl. To cast/throw dice.
XáXu7cHoo. Lushootseed / n. / ʃæ.ʃuːk.ʧu / sha-shookt-chu. ‘Small great-amount-of-water’;

Duwamish name for Lake Union (this being small relative to Lake Washington).
106
Xenia (ξενία). Greek / n. / x.sen.ía / kh-sen-ia. Guest-friendship; the importance of offering

hospitality and respect to strangers.
Xiá (霞). Chinese / n. / ɕi.a /shee-ah. Rosy clouds at sunrise or sunset.
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.
Xiào (孝). Chinese / n. / ɕi.aʊ /shee-aow. Filial piety; family reverence.
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.
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.
Xìng fú (幸福). Chinese / n. / ɕɪŋ. fʊː / shing-fuu. Fortunate (xìng) blessing (fú); contentment; deep
happiness; blessedness.
Xīn (心). Chinese / n. / ɕɪn / shin. Heart and mind (and even spirit) combined.
Xìn (信). Chinese / n. / ɕɪn / shin. Truth/truthfulness; sincerity; trust/trustworthiness.
Xīn kǔ (辛苦). Chinese / n. / ɕɪn. kuː / shin-koo. Appreciation and recognition for others and their
efforts.
Xíng qì (行氣). Chinese / v. / ɕɪŋ tɕʰiː / sing chee. Volitionally (e.g., mentally) circulating or directing
qi.
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.
Xīn wèi (欣慰). Chinese / adj. / ɕɪn weɪ / shin way. Lit. happy, joyous (xīn), reassured, comforted
(wèi); delighted; gratified.
Xiū liàn (修煉). Chinese / n. / ɕɪ.u li.ɛn / see-oo lee-en. Spiritual training; self-cultivation; practising
asceticism or austerities.
107
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yesod (‫)יסוד‬. Hebrew / n. / jɪs.sɒd / yiss-sod. Foundation; the ninth sephirot in the Kabbalah
tradition, denoting the actual creation of the manifest world.
Yhvh (‫)יְהוָה‬. 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).
Yì (義). Chinese / n. / jiː / ee. Duty; justice; a moral disposition towards goodness.
Yidaki. Australian Aboriginal (Yolngu) / n. / ˈjɪ.da.ki / yih-dah-kee. Traditional Australian Aboriginal

instrument (widely referred to as a ‘didgeridoo,’ the name given by settlers).
Yillal. Australian Aboriginal (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.
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).
Yīn yáng (陰陽). Chinese / n. / ˈjiːnˈjʌŋ / yin-yung. Cloud/cloudy (Yīn), sun/sunlit (Yang); holistic
duality; dialectical (co-dependent) opposites.
Yindyamarra. Australian Aboriginal (Wiradjuri) / v. / jɪn.di.mæ.ræ / yin-dee-mah-rah. To show

respect; to go slowly; to take care; to think before acting.
Yo Ania. Yaqui (Native central American) / 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.
Yoga (योि). 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.
Yolnonotza. Nahuatl / v. / jəʊ.nəʊ.nəʊt.sə / yohl-no-nowt-sah. ‘To speak with one’s own heart’.
108
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’.
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.
Yuán fèn (緣分). Chinese / n. / juɛnˈfɛn / yoo-en-fen. A relationship ordained by fate/destiny; natural
affinity or chemistry.
Yuán man (圆满). Chinese / adj. / juɛnˈmæn / yoo-en man. Perfect; satisfactory; complete closure; a
happy ending.
Yūgen (幽玄). Japanese / n. / ˈjuː. gɘn / yoo-gn. Obscurity, cloudy impenetrability, unknowability,
mystery.
Yupana. Quechua / n. / ju:pæ.nə / yoo-pa-nuh. A type of abacus developed by the Incas.
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.
Załatwić. Polish / v. / zæˈlæt.viːʧ / zalat-veech. To deal with / take care of things, to sort things out,
to get a job done.
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).
Zastólʹje (застолье). Russian / n. / zɐˈstolʲje / zah-stoy-yeh. A feast; a festive meal; sitting at the
table, eating, drinking and talking with friends.
Zdravstvuite (здравствуйте). Russian / salutation, imperative / ˈzdrastvʊjtʲe / straas-voo-chyeh. Lit.

be healthy; good day, hello; a greeting.
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.
Zeitgeist. German / n. / tsait.ɡaist / ziyt.ɡiyst. The definition spirit / mood of the age.
Zen (禪). Japanese / n. / zẽ̞ɴ / zun. The Japanese adaptation of dhyāna/jhāna (concentrated
attention; absorption; intense contemplation of the nature of the object of meditation).
Zeus (Ζεύς). pronoun / 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.
109
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).
Zhì (智). Chinese / n. / t͡ʂɘɻ / jrr. Wisdom, perspicacity, knowledge.
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.
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.
Zohar (‫)זהַ ר‬. Hebrew / n. / zəʊ.hɑː / zoh-har. Lit. radiance, light, splendour; inner glow; a shining
forth; a foundational text of Kabbalah.
Zorbic. English (new) / adj. / zɔːbɪk / zor-bic. With a romantic, passionate and daring zest for life;
in the spirit of Alexis Zorbas (from ‘Zorba the Greek).
Zugunruhe. German / n. / tsuːk.uːn.ruːə / tsook-oon-roo-uh. Migration, move (Zug) agitation,

anxiety, restlessness (Unruhe): anxious behavior in migratory animals.
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'.
Zuhanden. German / adj. / tsuˈhan.dn / tsoo-han-dn. ‘Ready to hand’; for Heidegger, the way that
objects, when they’re working well, are like an extension of the body.
͡
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.
Zwischenraum. German / n. / ˈtsvɪ.ʃn.raum / zvish-en-raum. An open or empty space in or between

things.
110

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Lomas lexicography Provisional list – by alphabet April 2021

PROVISIONAL LEXICOGRAPHY – BY ALPHABET

Updated April 2021

Abbiocco. Italian / n. / abˈbjɔkko / a-bee-okk-o. Drowsiness following eating a (large) meal.

Abhimāna (अभभमान). Sanskrit / n. / ʌb.hi:mɑːnɑː / ub-he-mar-nar. A prideful attachment to the ‘I-

Abrasax (Αβραξας). Greek / n. / ab

Abschattung. German / n. / ˈʔap.ʃa.tʊŋ / ap-sha-tung. Shading, shadowing; adumbration; a faint

Adinnā-dānā (अदिन्निाना). Sanskrit/Pāli / v. + n. / 'ʌ.dɪ.nɑː.dɑː.nɑː / uh-dih-nah-dah-nah. Taking the

Adhiṣṭhāna (अधिष्ठान). Sanskrit / n. / ə.diː'stɑːnə / uh-dee-star-nuh. A benediction, blessing (in

Aktivansteher. German / n. / akˈtiːvan.steɪə / ak-tee-van-stay-uh. ‘Active queuer; someone who is

Aleatorik. German / n. / eɪ.lɪæ.tʊə.rɪk / ay-lee-a-tor-ik. Music in which an aspect of the composition

Aufforderungscharakter. German / n. / 'aʊ.fɔːdə.ruːŋz.kaˈraktɐ / ow-for-duh-roongz.kah-rak-tuh. Lit.

Afrodíti (Αφροδίτη). Greek / pronoun / a.fro.di.tiː / ah-froh-dee-tee. In Greek mythology, the

Agápē (ἀγάπη). Greek / n. / ˌæˈgɑː.piː / ag-ah'-pee. Selfless, unconditional, devotional love.

Akrásia (ακρασια). Greek / n. / æ.kræˈsi.a / ah-krah-see-ah. Weakness of will; lack of self-control.

Alétheia (ἀλήθεια). Greek / n. / ɑ.leɪˈθi.a / ah-lay-thee-ah. Truth; disclosure, ‘unclosedness’,

Alharaca. Spanish / n. / alaˈɾa.kə / al-ah-rahk-ah. An extreme or excessive behavioural

Ambedo. English (new) / n. / æmˈbiːdəʊ / am-bee-doh. A melancholic trance involving absorption in

Ambientamento. Italian / n. / ˈæm.bɪən.tə.mento / am-bee-en-tah-men-toh. Settling-in;

Amitābha (अभमताभ). Sanskrit / p. / ʌ.miːtɑːbʌ / uh-mee-tar-buh. Celestial Buddha of infinite light

Amour fou. French / n. / amuʀ fu / a-moor-foo. Mad/crazy/foolish love.

Amuse-bouche. French / n. / əˌmjuːzˈbuːʃ / u-myooz-boosh. ‘Mouth amuser’; a single, bite-sized hors

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

Anánkē (ἀνάγκη). n. / əˈnæŋ.kiː / uh-nang-kee. Necessity, compulsion, inevitability, fate.

Anātman/ anattā (अनात्मन ्). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑnˈɑːtmən / an-at-mn. Insubstantiality, lack of

Andreia (ἀνδρεῖα). Greek / n. / ˌʌnˈdreɪ.a / uhn-dray-yah. Courage, valour, heroism, gallantry;

Anima. Latin / n. / ˈa.ni.ma / ah-nih-mah. Soul; spirit; breath; mind.

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

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

Anschauung. German / n. / ˈæn.ʃaʊʊŋ / an-shao-ung. Sense perception; apprehension or immediate

Antaḥkaraṇa (अन्तःकरण). Sanskrit / n. / ʌn.tɘ.kʌ.rʌn.jɘ / un-tuh-ku-run-yuh. ‘Inner cause’; in Hindu

Anukampā (अनुकम्पा). Sanskrit / n. / ʌ.nuːkʌm.pɑː / uh-noo-kum-pah. Lit. harmonic vibration or

Apaixonar. Portuguese / v. / apaj.ʃoˈnar / ah-piy-shon-narr. To fall in love; to become passionate

Aparigraha (अपररग्र ा). Sanskrit / n. / ʌp.ʌriːgrʌ.hʌ / uh-puh-ree-gruh-huh. Non-possessiveness, non-

Apericena. Italian / n. / ap.eʀiˈʧeɪ.næ / ah-per-ree-chay-nah. A neologism to denote the recent trend

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

Aphrodíte (Αφροδίτη). Greek / pronoun / a.fro.di.tiː / ah-froh-dee-tee. In Greek mythology, the

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

Apramāda/appamada (अप्रमाि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʌ.prʌˈmːdʌ / uh-pruh-mah-duh. Earnestness,

Apramāṇa/appamaññā (अप्रमाण). Sanskrit/Pāli / n, adj. / æp.ræ.ɱɑːɳɘ / ap-ra-mah-na.

Aprīcus. Latin / adj. / ap.r:kʌs / a-pree-kus. Warmed by the sun.

Aptukulit. Mi’kmaw (Native North American) / v. / æpt.kə.lɪt / apt-kuh-lit. To return successfully

Aqilokoq. Inuktitut / n. / æ.kiːləʊ.kɒk / ah-kee-loh-kok. Gently falling snow.

Aradupopini. Tulu (India) / v. / æ.ræ.duːpɒ.piːniː / ah-rah-du-pop-ee-nee. To walk arm-in-arm or

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

Areté (ἀρετή). Greek / n. / aˈre.tɛ᷄ː / ah-reh-tay. Excellence; quality; virtue.

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

Asabiyyah (‫)عصبية‬. Arabic / n. / a.saːˈbiː.ja / ah-sah-bee-yah. Solidarity; group feeling; group

Ashtangika / atthangika (अष््ािंधिक). Sanskrit/ Pāli / n. / ʌʃ.tʌŋ.gɪ.kʌ / ush-tung-gee-kuh. Eightfold (as

Aṣṭamaṅgala (अष््मङ्िल). Sanskrit / n. / ʌʃ.tʌŋ.mʌŋ.gʌ.lə / ush-tung-mung-guh-luh. A collection of

Ātman/attā (आत्मन ्). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑːtmən / at-mn. Soul, breath, spirit.

Aufheben. German / v. / ˈaʊ̯ fˌheːbm / orf-hee-bn. Sublimation; to raise up, to

Auseinandersetzung. German / n. / aus|aiˈnan.dɐ.zɛt.sʊŋ / auss-eye-nan-der-zet-sung. Discussion,

Aútexoúsios (αὐτεξούσιος). Greek / adj. / ew.teˈxuːsi.os / ew- teh-khoo-see-oss. Mastery of oneself;

Avant-garde. French / n. / a.vɑ̃ .ɡaʀd / ah-von-gaard. Lit. fore-guard, vanguard, advance-guard;

Avatāra (अवतार). Sanskrit / n. / ʌ.vʌ.tɑːʀʌ / uh-vuh-tar-uh. Lit. ‘descent’; the incarnation or

Audeamus. Latin / phrase / ɔːdeɪ.mʌs / or-day-mus. ‘Let us dare’.

Augenmusik. German / n. / ˈauɡ.ən. mjuːzɪk / or-gen-myoo-zik. ‘Eye music’; graphical features of

Augenweide. German / n. / ˈauɡ.ən.vai.də / or-gen-vy-duh. A feast for the eyes; a beautiful,

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

Ayurnamat. Inuktitut / n. / ɪ.jɜːnæ.mæt / ih-yur-nah-mat. Stoicism; the possibility or approach of not

Baraka (‫)بركة‬. Arabic / n. / ˈbʌ.rʌ.kʌ / buh-ruh-kuh. Spiritual energy; ‘sanctifying power’.

Bariolage. French / n. / bæ.rɪɔ.laʒ / bah-ree-oh-laazge. A mixture or palette of colours; in music, a