Breaking the Myth: Why No Word Is Truly Untranslatable

Language is a tapestry of culture, identity, and expression. Over 7,000 languages exist worldwide, each offering unique perspectives and concepts.

Some words, however, are labelled "untranslatable" because they embody ideas that seem too nuanced or culturally specific to render in another language. But is that really true?

According to linguist Tom Scullin, every word can be translated—it just might require more syllables or explanation to capture its essence.

At VideoTranslatorAI, we embrace this philosophy and take it further with our AI-powered solutions. Whether it's an intricate cultural term or a word steeped in local dialect, our tools ensure nothing is lost in translation.

Today, we’ll explore what makes some words seem so challenging to translate and how modern AI-powered translators break down language barriers precisely and easily.

The Myth of Untranslatable Words

Tom Scullin’s idea challenges the common belief that some words simply cannot be translated.

While it’s true that certain terms capture highly specific cultural, emotional, or situational contexts, this doesn’t make them untranslatable. It just means they require more effort to explain in another language.

For example, the Danish word hygge conveys the feeling of warmth, coziness, and contentment often experienced in intimate or comforting settings. While no English word encapsulates all these nuances, phrases like “a sense of cozy togetherness” or “a warm, intimate atmosphere” can effectively convey the meaning.

In Indonesian, we find words like gotong royong, which reflect a deeply rooted cultural value of communal cooperation and mutual assistance. Translating this into English might require a phrase like “a spirit of working hand in hand for the common good.”

Similarly, jayus refers to a poorly delivered joke that becomes funny in its awkwardness–a concept easily understood but requiring explanation in another language.

Here are more examples of words often deemed untranslatable and how they break down:

• Japanese: Wabi-sabi – A worldview centred on accepting imperfection and finding beauty in simplicity. This could be translated in English as “appreciating the imperfect, transient nature of things.”
• Portuguese: Saudade – A deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that is absent but cherished. In English, it might be rendered as “a bittersweet yearning.”
• Arabic: Ya’aburnee – A heartfelt expression of love, meaning “You burry me,” symbolising a wish to die before the other person so as not to endure the pain of living without them.
• German: Schadenfreude – The joy derived from someone else’s misfortune, often translated as “malicious joy” in English.

These words demonstrate that while some languages may encode ideas in a single word, others may require full sentences or vivid descriptions. This doesn’t diminish the meaning—it enriches it.

By unpacking the cultural and emotional layers behind these terms, we can translate the words and the essence they carry.

Such examples remind us that translation isn’t just about substituting one word for another; it’s about capturing the soul of an idea and expressing it in a way that resonates across cultures.

AI-Powered Translation: A Modern Solution

Translation has evolved beyond mere word-for-word rendering. Today’s AI technology can grasp complex meanings, cultural nuances, and context-specific phrases.

At VideoTranslatorAI, we’ve developed an innovative dictionary feature that empowers users to store definitions of “hard-to-translate” words. This ensures greater accuracy and consistency, whether you’re working with everyday language or industry-specific terminology.

For example, if a user encounters the Indonesian word gotong royong–a spirit of mutual cooperation– they can define it in their own terms, such as “working together to achieve shared goal for the benefit of all.” This personalised definition is then stored in the system, allowing the AI to incorporate cultural nuances and user-specific context into its translation framework.

Over time, this feature enriches the system’s understanding of complex terms and ensures that future translations reflect both accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

This dynamic adaptability makes AI a powerful tool for bridging linguistic gaps, especially with culturally significant concepts.

Seamless Communication with VideoTranslatorAI’s  Multilingual Videoconferencing Tool

While translating words is one thing, fostering real-time understanding in conversation is another. VideoTranslatorAI’s multilingual videoconferencing tool bridges this gap, enabling seamless communication regardless of language differences.

Here’s what makes it a game-changer:

• Wide Language Support: Over 120 languages and 300 dialects, ensuring inclusivity.
• Synthetic Emotions: AI conveys tone and emotion to add depth to translations.
• Real-Time Communication: Break down language barriers instantly, ideal for personal and professional settings. 

Imagine an Indonesian parent communicating with a teacher in English or a businessman in Japan negotiating with a client in Swahili–all in real-time with emotional context preserved.

Conclusion: Building Bridges with Technology

Language is a living, evolving tool that connects us. No word is beyond translation when approached with the right mindset and technology.

With VideoTranslatorAI’s solution, we ensure that every concept finds its voice across languages, no matter how complex.

If you have any inquiries about our multilingual videoconferencing tool, do not hesitate to contact us at hello@videotranslator.ai!

Let’s embrace a world where no one is left lost in translation 🌏✨