When it comes to learning languages, many people face the hurdle of attempting to translate words, only to find that the word doesn’t actually exist in English.
Spanish is a prominent example of this challenge, with many words having no direct translation in English.
Experts at online Spanish classes provider Preply explained: “Words that are considered ‘untranslatable’ often express emotions, situations, or cultural practices that are unique to the Spanish-speaking world.
“However, just because a word doesn’t have a direct translation, this doesn’t mean that it is difficult to learn. It just means that the language expresses certain ideas in a way that reflects the culture of its country of origin and is useful to those who speak it.”
The experts revealed some of these untranslatable words and shared some tips to help you incorporate them into your Spanish vocabulary.
Friolero/Friolera
Definition: Someone who is particularly sensitive to the cold.
We all know someone who is especially susceptible to chilly weather, and Spanish speakers actually have a word for this type of person.
But why don’t we have this word in our lexicon? This is likely because Spanish-speaking countries typically have warmer climates, meaning they may encounter individuals sensitive to cold weather more often.
For those struggling with remembering this word, note that the first syllable sounds similar to the English word “freezing,” which we use to describe cold conditions.
Anteayer
Definition: The day before yesterday.
When discussing something that happened two days ago, English speakers must use the slightly long-winded phrase “the day before yesterday.”
Spanish, however, has streamlined this into “anteayer,” combining “ante” (before) and “ayer” (yesterday).
If you’re curious why English doesn’t have a similar single word, it actually once did. The term “ereyesterday,” meaning “the day before yesterday,” was used roughly from the 16th to the 18th centuries, but it is now obsolete.
Morriña
Definition: A deep feeling of nostalgia or longing for one’s homeland.
You might think that “nostalgia” or “homesickness” can express this emotion, but they don’t capture the full depth that “morriña” conveys.
This word exists in Spanish because many Spanish people have experienced migration or separation from their home, leading to a uniquely bittersweet yearning that deserves its own term.
To remember it, associate “morriña” with the word “mourning”, a process you go through when you deeply miss something or someone.
Sobremesa
Definition: The relaxed time spent chatting after a meal.
Spanish culture has its own term for the custom of setting aside a specific period of time after a meal to unwind, socialise, and catch up.
Although similar customs exist in English-speaking countries, we don’t have a single-word equivalent; “sobremesa” literally translates as “upon the table.”
Madrugar
Definition: To wake up very early in the morning.
“Madrugar” exists in Spanish because, in many Spanish-speaking areas, especially rural ones, there used to be a tradition of rising early to make the most of the day.
While this word originally meant waking up exceptionally early, often before sunrise, nowadays, it generally refers to rising around 7 a.m.
Additionally, the time period after midnight but before dawn is called “madrugada,” another word that does not exist in English.
Achuchar
Definition: To hug or squeeze someone tightly in a warm, affectionate way.
Hugs can vary depending on factors such as how long it’s been since you last saw someone or your level of excitement.
The Spanish understand this nuance so well that they don’t only have the word “abrazo” (hug); they also use “achuchar” to describe a particularly tight, affectionate squeeze.
Estrenar
Definition: To use or wear something for the very first time.
In Spanish culture, the act of using or wearing something for the first time is often celebrated as a new beginning.
“Estrenar” encapsulates that moment of debut, making it easier for speakers to convey the excitement associated with something brand new.
Fiestero
Definition: A person who loves to party and enjoys socialising frequently.
While English speakers might simply say someone loves to party or is a ‘party animal’, the word “fiestero” encapsulates that personality in one simple and succinct term.
“Fiestero” reflects the bubbly, outgoing spirit common in many Spanish-speaking cultures. This word is simple to remember due to its similarity to the word ‘Fiesta’, meaning ‘Party’.