Sometimes even the best high-quality translation is not enough — like when a miracle is in order. Every language has some words which just cannot be translated easily. A good translator will find the closest possible match or provide more context to convey a similar meaning. In true translation, it is the meaning that is important, rich with cultural understanding, and not simply the literal translation. However, in the instance of words which cannot truly be translated, it is usually best to check with the original authors and see if there is another word they would like to substitute.
Here are some of the least translatable words and (kind of) what they mean. A translator’s job is a challenging one, and when you consider these words, it is clear why a digital translator is often left wanting:
1. Waldeinsamkeit
In German, this loosely translates to being afraid of being left alone in the woods. Perhaps the Brothers Grimm are responsible for the necessity of this word. A translator might use a word like hylophobia, which is actually a fear of trees (not of forests in general or being left alone there), and then fill in the rest with context.
2. Papakata
In the Cook Islands, this means one leg is shorter than the other. There may be a medical term for this, like leg length alignment asymmetry or short leg syndrome, but it is a mouthful that only MDs would appreciate. It’s hard to know if the need for this term suggests that this infliction impacts an inordinately large number of people in the Islands or not, but it is one word which is so niche that it does not bridge translation gaps.
3. Aloha
In Hawaiian, aloha has many meanings from hello to goodbye to c’est la vie. While most English speakers can glean the general vibe of aloha, English has no real equivalent. However, there are a number of nonverbal translations for this word, like waves, handshakes, fist bumps and more.
4. Love
Love is a word you would think would have a direct translation in any language. But Hindi (and many other Indian dialects) has no direct translation for love. Some might suggest pyara (lovely) is the Hindi equivalent, but even strictly Hindi speakers will make English exceptions for love and many other English words.
5. Pura Vida
Similar to aloha in Hawaii, in Costa Rica this Spanish phrase literally translates to “pure life,” yet actually means hello, goodbye, doing well and more. However, it is so well-known among travelers that pura vida is making its way into American slang in some circles.
As you can see, translations are much more complex than they appear. Even within the same language it can be tricky — after all, how many meanings does run have in English? The answer: 179. Verbatim Solutions employs only the most knowledgeable translators and interpreters. Trust their high-quality translation skills to convey the meaning of your important documents.
