Undefinables

Jayus

(Indonesian) When someone tells a joke so badly, in such an awkward or not funny way, that you cannot help but laugh out loud.

Illustration by Jess Rotter

Universally relatable words from languages around the world — with no direct equivalents.

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Our Contributors

Jess Rotter Illustrator

Jess Rotter is an LA-based illustrator and artist. Rotter’s work has frequently featured in the Washington Post. Her clients range from Natalie Portman to Questlove.

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More Undefinables

Kerasmata
Kerasmata

Kerasmata

(Greek) Treats or gifts kept on hand at home in case of visitors.

Illustration by Shivani Parasnis
Yogasnuiver

Yogasnuiver

(Dutch) Literally, “yoga sniffer,” this is a nickname coined by a leading policeman for a person who lives a healthy life but indulges in partying hard on occasion.

Illustration by Jess Rotter
Hiányérzet

Hiányérzet

(Hungarian) The sense that something (often undefined or unidentified) is lacking or missing.

Illustration by Shivani Parasnis
Jijivisha
Jijivisha

Jijivisha

(Hindi) An intense desire to live life to the fullest, often referring to a person who lives with intense emotions and ambitious desires; seeking to thrive.

Illustration by Raissa Pardini
Ilunga

Ilunga

(Tshiluba) A person ready to forgive any abuse for the first time, tolerate it a second time, but never a third time.

Illustration by Shivani Parasnis
Sisu

Sisu

(Finnish) A blend of resilience, persistence, and sustained courage; the psychological strength to do what has to be done, regardless of cost or consequence.

Illustration by Ahonen & Lamberg
Berlenggang

Berlenggang

(Indonesian) To walk gracefully by, swinging your hands or hips.

Illustration by Shivani Parasnis
qīng ​tīng
qīng ​tīng

qīng ​tīng

(Mandarin) There’s ​tīng, “to listen,” and then there’s qīng ​tīng, “to listen attentively and/or respectfully.” It’s an elevated mode that highlights one’s alertness and courtesy.

Illustration by Jess Rotter
Nadryv
Nadryv

Nadryv

(Russian) A tear, rend, or break; an outburst of emotion or passion, often uncontrollable and possibly also irrational, when deeply hidden feelings are released.

Illustration by Shivani Parasnis
Tsundoku
Tsundoku

Tsundoku

(Japanese): The act of acquiring so many books that they pile up unread.

Illustration by Raissa Pardini

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Alfredo Paredes
Impressions

Alfredo Paredes

The designer on canyons, Amangiri, and finding silence in a villa built by Rudolf Nureyev.

Words by Alfredo Paredes, Illustration by Joanna Neborsky
How to Share Space Again
How To

How to Share Space Again

A gathering expert offers guidance on returning to a new kind of public life.

Words by T. Cole Rachel, Illustration by Niege Borges
Kerasmata
Undefinables
Kerasmata

Kerasmata

(Greek) Treats or gifts kept on hand at home in case of visitors.

Illustration by Shivani Parasnis
Vinyl
Why This?

Vinyl

The power of music we can actually touch.

WORDS BY IVY ELROD, ILLUSTRATION BY GIGI ROSE GRAY
Making the Move
Movement

Making the Move

Urbanites consider the freedom and fallout involved when making the leap from city to country.

Essay by Alexa Wilding, Film by Alexandra Brodsky and Mary Stuart Masterson
Yogasnuiver
Undefinables

Yogasnuiver

(Dutch) Literally, “yoga sniffer,” this is a nickname coined by a leading policeman for a person who lives a healthy life but indulges in partying hard on occasion.

Illustration by Jess Rotter
Hiányérzet
Undefinables

Hiányérzet

(Hungarian) The sense that something (often undefined or unidentified) is lacking or missing.

Illustration by Shivani Parasnis
Jijivisha
Undefinables
Jijivisha

Jijivisha

(Hindi) An intense desire to live life to the fullest, often referring to a person who lives with intense emotions and ambitious desires; seeking to thrive.

Illustration by Raissa Pardini
The Duotone
A Toast

The Duotone

A drink from London’s 🔶⬜️🔵, a bar with shapes for a name.

Words by Jessica Suarez, Photography by Grant Cornett
Nina Renata Aron
Impressions

Nina Renata Aron

The writer on the best secluded swimming spot and the food she thinks is better than pizza.

Words by Nina Renata Aron, Illustration by Hisham Akira Bharoocha
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