Discussion » Questions » Language » Which foreign language word, phrase, or concept doesn’t exist in your native tongue, and requires a long explanation to be understood?

Which foreign language word, phrase, or concept doesn’t exist in your native tongue, and requires a long explanation to be understood?

[~]

Posted - December 30, 2021

Responses


  • 10996
    Je ne sais quoi
      December 30, 2021 6:48 AM MST
    4

  • 2999
    Deep feelings like a heart felt thank you or a deep hurt someone put on you somehow, feeling of terror, loss of a loved one or deep regret.  

    Love and hate are also two that need an explanation.  They mean different things to different people. 


    This post was edited by Honey Dew at December 30, 2021 10:40 AM MST
      December 30, 2021 7:59 AM MST
    3

  • 44602
    I feel this is a trick question. How could anyone know that?
      December 30, 2021 8:35 AM MST
    3

  • 13277
    People whose native language is not English.
      December 30, 2021 9:12 AM MST
    3

  • 53503

     

      People who speak foreign languages would know something like that. People who study international linguistics would know something like that. People who enjoy word games would or might know something like that. People who are exposed to foreign languages and have inquired about something that they didn’t understand might know something about that. 

      The concept of “impossibility” occurs when one limits oneself to narrow thinking or not thinking at all.

      It’s not a trick question at all.
    ~

      December 30, 2021 9:20 AM MST
    3

  • 44602
    I guess I didn't make myself clear and possibly interpreted the question incorrectly. How would I, not being a student or speaker of any non-English langues, except for a smattering of German and Russian, know of any words, phrases or concepts that are not easily explainable in English?
      December 30, 2021 1:44 PM MST
    1

  • 53503

     

      If you know a spattering of any foreign language or languages, there have to be at least some words that don’t translate directly or literally to you native tongue. That’s another avenue by which you might be able to give a viable answer to the question.
    ~

      December 30, 2021 3:02 PM MST
    2

  • 44602
    I'll respond later. Gotta go.
      December 30, 2021 3:08 PM MST
    1

  • 53503

     

      No response required.
      ~

      December 30, 2021 10:59 PM MST
    1

  • 13277
    Yes.
      December 30, 2021 9:13 AM MST
    2

  • 13395
    Umm.. quelles chambers avez-vous de disponible a non dire motel? This post was edited by Kittigate at December 30, 2021 1:37 PM MST
      December 30, 2021 10:39 AM MST
    2

  • 13277
    Eh?
      December 30, 2021 12:30 PM MST
    2

  • 13395
    I had to correct 'quelled' to 'quelles due to my stupid auto correct.
      December 30, 2021 12:33 PM MST
    2

  • 13395
    It translates to 'do you have a room available in a no tell motel?'
      December 30, 2021 10:19 PM MST
    2