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Untranslatable: meaning, definitions and examples

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untranslatable

 

[ ʌntrænzˈleɪtəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

language barriers

The term 'untranslatable' refers to words, phrases, or concepts in one language that cannot be directly translated into another language without losing their original meaning or nuance. This often highlights cultural elements or unique expressions that do not have an equivalent in other languages.

Synonyms

indefinable, ineffable, inexpressible.

Examples of usage

  • The word 'hygge' is often considered untranslatable into English.
  • Many idioms are untranslatable, making them difficult for non-native speakers to understand.
  • Some emotions are so complex that they feel untranslatable across different cultures.
  • The concept of 'saudade' in Portuguese is frequently regarded as untranslatable.

Translations

Translations of the word "untranslatable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intraduzível

🇮🇳 अनुवादित नहीं किया जा सकता है

🇩🇪 unübersetzbar

🇮🇩 tidak dapat diterjemahkan

🇺🇦 неперекладний

🇵🇱 nieprzekładalny

🇯🇵 翻訳不可能な

🇫🇷 intraduisible

🇪🇸 intraducible

🇹🇷 çevirilemez

🇰🇷 번역할 수 없는

🇸🇦 غير قابل للترجمة

🇨🇿 nepřeložitelný

🇸🇰 nepreložiteľný

🇨🇳 无法翻译的

🇸🇮 neprevedljiv

🇮🇸 óþýðanlegur

🇰🇿 аударуға болмайтын

🇬🇪 არასამთვრალი

🇦🇿 tərcümə olunmaz

🇲🇽 intraducible

Etymology

The word 'untranslatable' is derived from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and the root word 'translatable', which comes from 'translate'. The Latin root 'translatio' means 'to carry across', 'transfer', or 'change'. The 'trans' part implies crossing from one language to another, while 'latus' refers to the past participle of 'ferre', which means 'to bear or carry'. Over the years, as linguistics evolved, the recognition of certain words and phrases being untranslatable became prominent, particularly in discussions surrounding cultural identity and communication. The use of 'untranslatable' serves to highlight not just language's structural aspects, but also the deep interconnectedness of language and culture, showcasing the limitations of translation in capturing the full essence and emotional weight of certain terms.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,600 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.