Tuesday, December 09, 2025

Nice News : Happiness, Scavenged by Joyful

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Untranslatable Words for Joy

A small collection of beautiful words from around the world that capture different shades of joy and contentment.


Word Origin Meaning
Joie de vivre French Keen or buoyant enjoyment of life.
Waldeinsamkeit German The feeling of solitude and peacefulness when alone in a forest.
Ayodele Yoruba Joy in the home.
Tarab Arabic Musically induced ecstasy.
Arbejdsglæde Danish Satisfaction and enjoyment derived from a good job or work.
Firgun Hebrew Happiness in another’s success; unselfish joy on behalf of someone else.
Schadenfreude German Enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others.
Gökotta Swedish Rising early in order to go listen to birds singing outside.
Ikigai Japanese The things that give zest and joy to life.
Hygge Danish A cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable.

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