Voorpret

(Dutch) A build-up of anticipation, joy, or pleasure you feel ahead of the actual event, such as when you can’t help but dance while setting up for a party.

Illustration by Jess Rotter

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

MOST READ TRAVEL

Small

Arcana

Words by Nina Renata Aron, Photography by Mike Palmer

Small

Verana

Words and photography by Skye Parrott

A Moment

Space, Privacy, and Peace

Words by T. Cole Rachel, Photography by Mark Hartman

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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

What does the word yilugnta mean?

Yilugnta ይሉኝታ

(Amharic) A feeling of obligation to consider and defer to the opinion of others.

Illustration by Josef Minor

Oubaitori 桜梅桃李

Oubaitori 桜梅桃李

(Japanese) The idea that people, like flowers, bloom in their own time and in their own individual ways.

Illustration by Josef Minor

Hiányérzet

Hiányérzet

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

Illustration by Josef Minor

Curcol

Curcol

(Indonesian) A specific kind of droning or rant, this is when someone uses even the most neutral topic as an excuse to tell a loosely related story about their misery.

Illustration by Aaron Lowell Denton

Pasikaustęs

Pasikaustęs

(Lithuanian) Literally, “the one who has put a horseshoe on themself,” this is someone with all the right skills to be successful.

Illustration by Aaron Lowell Denton

Han

Han

(Korean) Sorrow, resentment, or regret, possibly with a sense of patiently waiting or hoping for amelioration.

Illustration by Aaron Lowell Denton

Empalagar

Empalagar

(Spanish) To get sick from something that’s too sweet or rich in flavor.

Illustration by Aaron Lowell Denton

Tampo

Tampo

(Filipino) A slang term for withdrawing affection from a person when one’s feelings have been hurt — a nonconfrontational and nonverbal form of receding to signify upset.

Illustration by Aaron Lowell Denton

Koi No Yokan

Koi No Yokan

(Japanese) The feeling of meeting someone and knowing that it’s inevitable that you will fall in love with them.

Illustration by Aaron Lowell Denton

Hankiainen

Hankiainen

(Finnish) Around February, when the sun returns for short visits above the horizon again, it melts the top of the snow just enough to make it hard. When the snow is solid enough to walk on top of a meter of it without falling in, it is hankiainen.

Illustration by Aaron Lowell Denton

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Douglas Stuart, author of “Shuggie Bain.” Photography by Daniel Dorsa

Second Acts

Weaving Wool, Weaving Words

Douglas Stuart, author of “Shuggie Bain,” on leaving fashion for literature.

words by sophie mancini, photography by daniel dorsa

What does the word yilugnta mean?

Undefinables

Yilugnta ይሉኝታ

(Amharic) A feeling of obligation to consider and defer to the opinion of others.

Illustration by Josef Minor

Photographer Allen Frame reflects on a life spent seeking the advice of psychics.

Future

From the Other Side

Photographer Allen Frame reflects on a life spent seeking the advice of psychics.

words by allen frame, illustration by vicki ling

The Power of Intention Setting

Habits of Tranquility

The Power of Intention Setting

Pivoting to an abundance mindset in this new year.

words by jenn tardif, photography by jessa carter

The ’70s Aesthetic Has Returned, and I’m Leaning Into the Groove

Wish List

The ’70s Aesthetic Has Returned, and I’m Leaning Into the Groove

From colored lenses to swirly sets, shearling to bling — four pieces fit for a disco queen.

words by sophie mancini, illustration by ahonen & lamberg

LifeLabs MegaWarm: The Best Winter Jacket

Hooked

The World’s Warmest Jacket

This deliciously pillowy puffer — made from 87% recycled materials — will keep you toasty all winter long.

words by sophie mancini, illustration by ahonen & lamberg

Chan Marshall of Cat Power by Greg Hunt

A Moment

Under the Covers

Musician Chan Marshall — better known as Cat Power — on the songs that call to her and what comes next.

words by t. cole rachel; photography by elinor carucci, patrick o'dell, and greg hunt

Growing Something New

Future

Growing Something New

How one woman is using seaweed to transform the American palate — and Maine’s oldest industry.

words by laura smith, photography by Bryan Derballa

Oubaitori 桜梅桃李

Undefinables

Oubaitori 桜梅桃李

(Japanese) The idea that people, like flowers, bloom in their own time and in their own individual ways.

Illustration by Josef Minor

The Evergreen

A Toast

The Evergreen

A drink from Funken Bar in Longyearbyen, Norway.

words by jessica suarez, photography by grant cornett