Have you ever struggled to translate a word from another language because there’s simply no equivalent in English? If so, you’ve encountered a lexical gap. A lexical gap (also called a lacuna) is essentially a missing word. A concept that one language captures in a single term, but another language can only express with a phrase or explanation.
These so-called “untranslatable” words don’t mean you can’t convey the idea in another language. Just that there’s no one-to-one equivalent term. For translators and language lovers, lexical gaps are fascinating reminders of how language and culture shape each other. They can also pose challenges, often requiring translators to get creative by using loanwords, paraphrases or even footnotes to explain terms that have no direct translation.
Discover 6 examples spanning emotions, everyday experiences, and cultural concepts, showcasing the rich diversity of expression found in languages worldwide. And if you finish the list hungry for more, don’t worry! We’ve compiled 100 lexical gaps in our free downloadable PDF. Let’s dive in!
What are lexical gaps and why do they matter?
Every language has words that don’t exist in other languages, reflecting ideas or nuances particular to its speakers. For instance, English borrowed the German word ‘zeitgeist’ because no native English word captured ‘the spirit of the times’ so neatly. Lexical gaps matter because they highlight concepts a culture deems important enough to name.
From a translation perspective, recognizing lexical gaps is key to accurate and culturally sensitive communication. Translators often need to bridge these gaps with creative solutions. A literal translation won’t suffice if the target language lacks the term. Instead, they might borrow the word itself if it’s common enough, such as when English speakers use ‘schadenfreude’, describe the meaning in a longer form or offer an analogous expression. In professional settings, transcreation services offer a great natural solution when faced with lexical gaps and situations where entire phrases can’t quite carry the intended meaning.
The 3 types of lexical gaps
Phonological gaps
Definition: Phonological gaps are potential words that are permitted by the phonological (sound rules) of a language but do not exist as actual words.
Example: ‘Stealer’ comes to mind for an English example. It sounds and feels intuitive; however we use the word ‘thief’ instead.
Morphological gaps
Definition: Morphological gaps are words that could be formed according to a language’s grammatical rules but haven’t been created.
Example: It’s not ‘unpossible’ to think of one. 😄
Semantic gaps
Definition: Semantic gaps (or accidental gaps) occur when a language lacks a single word to express a specific meaning that exists in another language. Luckily, we can often borrow from another language.
Example: The examples listed in this article fit well into the definition of a semantic gap. One of my favorites not on our list is: ‘Boketto’. The Japanese term for the act of gazing into the distance without thinking.
6 Fascinating examples of lexical gaps
- Schadenfreude (German): Schadenfreude is the guilty pleasure one feels at another’s misfortune. Literally combining the German words Schaden (‘harm’) and Freude (‘joy’), this word perfectly encapsulates a feeling we might reluctantly recognize, but English has no direct equivalent, aside from obscure terms like epicaricacy, which never caught on. If you’ve ever chuckled witnessing Charlie Chaplin slip on a banana peel, schadenfreude is what you’re feeling.
- Saudade (Portuguese): Often cited as one of the most beautiful untranslatable words, saudade describes a deep, melancholic longing or nostalgia for someone or something absent. It could be a lost loved one, a place left behind, or even a past time in one’s life. In Portuguese and Brazilian culture, it’s a common theme in music and literature. Brazil even marks a ‘Day of Saudade’ every January to reflect on this poignant feeling.
- Hygge (Danish): This Danish (and Norwegian) word has made waves internationally, precisely because English lacks a tidy equivalent. Hygge (pronounced ‘HOO-guh’) describes a cozy, contented mood or atmosphere of comfortable conviviality. It’s that warm, snug feeling you get curling up with a blanket and warm drink on a rainy evening, or enjoying simple pleasures with close friends.
- Mamihlapinatapai (Yaghán): Hailing from the Indigenous Yagán language of Tierra del Fuego, mamihlapinatapai is famously known as one of the most succinct words, because it expresses something so specific. It refers to a look shared by two people, each wishing the other would initiate something that both desire but neither wants to begin. Imagine two friends on the couch, both eyeing the last slice of pizza. That hesitant glance between them is mamihlapinatapai. English can only describe this scenario with a whole sentence, but Yagán packs it into one magical word.
- Tsundoku (Japanese): Bibliophiles, this one’s for you. Tsundoku refers to the practice of acquiring books and letting them pile up unread. If you have ever bought a book (or ten) and never quite gotten around to reading them, you’re guilty of tsundoku. The word comes from Japanese 積 (tsun, ‘to pile up’) + 読 (doku, ‘to read’), hinting at a stack of reading.
- Meraki (Greek): From Greece comes meraki, a term that speaks to the soulful devotion one puts into an activity. To do something with meraki means to do it with passion, creativity, and love, leaving a piece of yourself in your work. When you pour your heart into something, the Greeks would say you’ve done it with meraki. In professional life, this concept highlights the pride and care in craftsmanship. It’s a reminder to infuse even routine tasks with a bit of heart and soul.
These six words are just the tip of the iceberg. Each reveal something about the culture it comes from, as well as what people value, how they experience emotions, or simply how they inject humor into life. Lexical gaps remind us that no language has a word for everything, and that’s okay.
Download our free copy of ‘100 lexical gaps you can’t help but share’
Lexical gaps show that there’s more than one way to see the world. Rather than viewing untranslatable words as obstacles, we should see them as opportunities. To embrace diversity, learn about other cultures, enrich our own vocabulary, and to exercise creativity in translation.
In a world with over 7,000 languages, there are thousands of these lexical gaps waiting to be discovered. As language professionals, we encounter these challenges and opportunities often, and we take pride in finding the right words and phrases to convey every nuance accurately.
We’ve highlighted 6 remarkable words here, but there are many more that could make you smile, nod in recognition, or wish English would borrow them next. To continue your exploration, we’ve compiled 100 Lexical Gaps into a free downloadable PDF. Download your copy today and tell us about your favorites on social media.
