Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, bringing with it a flurry of emotions, not all of which are love. But it isn’t always easy getting those feelings out succinctly. No matter your relationship status, here are some non-English words and phrases that may help sum up what you’re feeling.
Queesting
Possible scenario: When you Netflix and chill but really just want to chill.
Why would you say, “Let’s have pillow talk,” or “Do you want to get in bed and chat?” when “queesting” exists in verb form solely for that purpose? It’s a Dutch word meaning, “to allow a lover access to one’s bed for chitchat.” Chitchat … right.
Gigil
Possible scenario: When you’ve been given a puppy as a gift … or find out your partner was cheating.
In case you’ve ever seen something so cute you just have to touch it, that’s ” gigil,” from the Tagalog language in the Philippines. Typically, one might think of the compulsion to pet a puppy or pinch a baby’s cheeks, but gigil also includes the urge to hit something that’s made you angry.
La douleur exquise
Possible scenario: When you’ve had too much red wine and dwell on being single.
Directly translated, the French phrase means “exquisite pain,” but that doesn’t convey the full force of the sentiment. It specifically refers to that pain you feel for wanting someone you can’t have. Yes, one could argue that’s unrequited love, but “la douleur exquise” sounds much more beautifully tragic.
Onsra
Possible scenario: When your partner admits they don’t like “Friends.”
As heartbreaking as it can be, love doesn’t always last. And while it’s potentially hard to admit that reality to a significant other, using ” onsra” might make it sound prettier. Onsra, from the Boro language of India, refers to that bittersweet moment when you love for the last time or realize your love won’t continue.
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Koi no yokan
Possible scenario: When you actually had a successful first date and are excited about date two.
Think love at first sight with a small dose of pragmatism. This Japanese phrase captures the feeling that you will fall in love with the person you just met , but not immediately during that moment.
Cafuné
Possible scenario: When you and your significant other have wrapped up Valentine’s Day activities — or foregone them completely — and are relaxing together.
This Portuguese term simplifies a small but affectionate gesture that doesn’t have a brief English meaning. Dictionary.com defines the word as “The act of caressing or tenderly running fingers through a loved one’s hair.”
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6 Romantic Sentiments That Don’t Translate to English originally appeared on usnews.com
