From Hygge to Wanderlust: When Language Sparks Wonder

‘How do you say…?’ Getting familiar with the local language takes a trip to the next level. It’s practical, of course, and it also helps us to connect. But there's a whole other category of words and phrases, too – expressions that can transform our understanding of local culture, and even the world around us. Here are nine that might help you see things in a whole new light.

Je ne sais quoi

Language: French | Literal translation: “I don't know what”

'Je ne sais quoi' carries both meaning and emotion; it's a phrase alive with possibility (Photo: Getty Images)

“I don't know what”: rarely has a translation done such a disservice to the original. The English version is a pale shadow of the French je ne sais quoi, which can carry both meaning and emotion. Je ne sais quoi is alive with possibility – it captures that moment when you want to pinpoint why something (or someone) is special, but you can’t quite find the words. What you do have are the feelings.

Something with je ne sais quoi stands apart. It sparkles invisibly. Paris is perhaps the pinnacle of French je ne sais quoi, defying definition yet inspiring endless attempts by writers and travellers for countless centuries to capture its essence in words. Reach for je ne sais quoi when you just can’t put what you’re feeling into words. Travel is, after all, full of those moments.

Lagom

Language: Swedish | Literal translation: None

'Lagom' embodies the Swedish philosophy of avoiding excess (Photo: Getty Images)

Without a literal translation but conveying “just the right amount”, lagom embodies the Swedish philosophy of avoiding excess. Another common translation is “Not too much, not too little”, which might sound like a very narrow set of guidelines, difficult to adhere to: how do we define ‘too much’ and ‘too little’, after all?

With practice, finding the perfect balance gets easier. That said, travel can present a particular challenge to lagom: how to navigate an especially inviting display of cinnamon kanelbullar buns at that Stockholm bakery, or say no to just one more cute little smørrebrød open sandwich in this Copenhagen café? Arguably these are moments to swap lagom for another slice of ancient insight: carpe diem.

من سافر بلا زاد رجع بلا مراد (Man safar bila zad raja' bila murad)

Language: Arabic | Literal translation: "He who travels without provisions returns without purpose"

من سافر بلا زاد رجع بلا مراد is an Arabic idiom that expresses the importance of proper planning, especially when travelling (Photo: Getty Images)

From Amman to Casablanca and Riyadh to Abu Dhabi, exploration is a breeze in the Middle East and North Africa’s modern cities – just step out of your hotel, see where inspiration leads, and you’ll soon be tripping from breathtaking sight to hidden gem.

Strip these cities back to their original landscapes, however, clearing away the pavements and air conditioning, and things would be quite different. In the pre-skyscraper days, navigating the sun-baked desert environments of the MENA region required great skill, lore and endurance. That might explain an idiom like من سافر بلا زاد رجع بلا مراد, a nugget of Arabic wisdom about being prepared for life's journeys. After all, if you didn’t plan sufficiently well for a trip back then, you’d know about it.

Dolce far niente

Language: Italian | Literal translation: “Sweet doing nothing”

'Dolce far niente' can be thought of as the art of doing nothing (Photo: Getty Images)

Picture a typical holiday afternoon. Is it more likely to see you looking out at the waves, grazing on a pistachio gelato, or ticking off every sight you possibly can?

If it’s the latter, consider the wisdom of the Italian phrase dolce far niente, which translates literally as “sweet doing nothing”. If we’re interpreting it a little more poetically, we might call dolce far niente "the art of doing nothing", because there is a certain sophistication here. First, it’s not ‘just’ doing nothing: it’s slowing down and soaking things up so you appreciate them more.

And there’s also another dimension. What dolce far niente must not be conflated with or mistaken for is laziness. Like a sportsperson deliberately slowing the game down, or a creative going for an apparently aimless stroll, sometimes doing nothing prepares you for doing something – and doing it better. So when you sink deeper into your poolside sun lounger or linger for a few hours over lunch, remember this: you’re not wasting precious holiday time; you’re perfecting dolce far niente.

Wanderlust

Language: German | Literal translation: "Roam-desire"

'Wanderlust' is a widely recognisable word which can be defined as a deep desire to travel and roam (Photo: Getty Images)

One well-known trait of the German language is its use of compound words. Especially beautiful in its simplicity is Wanderlust, which is essentially ‘roam’, ‘hike’ or indeed ‘wander’ followed by ‘desire’.

All keen travellers are familiar with the nagging feeling of Wanderlust: the need to get away, to see the sunset over a different ocean, to savour new flavours. Because it is so evocative and conjures so many images, Wanderlust is a great deal more than the sum of its two parts. On a trip, there’s nothing sweeter than the knowledge you can give in to your every pang of Wanderlust, be it a sunset stroll along the beach or a spur-of-the-moment drink.

Pole pole

Language: Swahili | Literal translation: “Slowly, slowly”

Swahili is a language primarily spoken in East Africa, in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda (Photo: Getty Images)

Modern life is all go, go, go. Tasks to complete. Goals to accomplish. Even our holidays have something of the ‘to do’ list about them, as we treasure-hunt for hidden gems, haunted by the fear of missing out. Pole pole, Swahili for ‘slowly, slowly’, is the antidote, capturing a mindset of taking things easy and a deep-seated belief that everything will unfold in its own good time. It's a common expression in East Africa, particularly in Zanzibar, where it’s a perfect reflection of the relaxed island culture.

When travelling, pole pole’s wisdom can be balm. If you’re somewhere with public transport that doesn’t exactly run like clockwork, movable opening hours and chefs who won’t be rushed, pole pole should be your mantra. After all, if you’re fortunate enough to encounter a thatched-roof restaurant serving the freshest seafood, palms casting dappled shade, nature moving at its own unruffled pace, ask yourself, ‘What’s the hurry?’

Hygge

Language: Danish | Literal translation: None

'Hygge' is a Danish word which is closely related to the idea of cosiness (Photo: Getty Images)

Does the world have a more soul-nourishing five-letter word than hygge? Its closest translation in English is probably ‘cosiness’, yet that doesn’t do this quintessentially Danish concept justice.

For starters, ‘cosy’ evokes sheepskin rugs, soft cushions and crackling fires – it has a ‘warming’ quality – yet you can pursue hygge in any circumstances. On a hot, sunny day, you can be hyggelig by laying out a picnic blanket under a beautiful tree and enjoying an al fresco feast. That’s because hygge is all about curating experiences to be as soul-nourishing as they can possibly be, full of sensory pleasure, life-affirming emotions and easy social togetherness.

When travelling, it can be so easy to lose yourself in the ‘to do’ list of places to visit and sights to see. Reminding yourself to seek hygge rather than adhere to a schedule will redefine your trip.

Sobremesa

Language: Spanish | Literal translation: “Upon the table”

It's especially pleasant to practise 'Sobremesa' while we're on holiday, free of obligations (Photo: Getty Images)

Slow down, appreciate the moment, allow ‘what is’. These teachings might come from a modern mindfulness guide, but the Spanish have long practised their wisdom. Sobremesa refers to that period after a meal when we linger for the joy of it, to savour each other’s company, engage in deep conversation, laughter and debate, enriching our relationships as we do so.

As children, we’re often averse to hanging around at table after a meal. In that respect, sobremesa has the flavour of true wisdom: it’s something we need time, years, to take on board. Once adopted, however, we’re unlikely ever again to hurry away after a meal. For some Spaniards, it’s just as important as the food. Very occasionally, a sobremesa carries on so luxuriously long it simply transforms into dinner.

Thankfully, it’s especially pleasant to practise sobremesa when we’re on holiday, free of obligations, with no ‘to do’ list to get back to. Slowly sip that digestivo, let the dusk light fade, listen to the cicadas, and take your sweet time.

Saudade

Language: Portuguese | Literal translation: None

The Portuguese concept of saudade captures the many different shades of 'bittersweet' (Photo: Getty Images)

Travel is full of bittersweet moments. Bidding farewell to people you’ve become friendly with. Your final sunset meal at your favourite seafront restaurant. Looking out of the plane window as you descend towards your home airport, both happy and sad to be back.

The Portuguese concept of saudade captures the many different shades of 'bittersweet'. It’s an especially nuanced and subtle idea, thought to derive from Portugal’s maritime heritage. In centuries past, countless Portuguese citizens would set sail for a new life elsewhere, forever holding memories of home inside themselves. The painful joy of replaying these recollections, of loving a place you're ultimately glad to have left, is said to be the essence of saudade.

Today’s travellers know this feeling well. You can't return to every place you've ever adored, but recalling the good times you had there, the particular silhouette of the mountains, the little bar you probably couldn’t even find again if you tried, that’s saudade. 

Published: June 24, 2025

Last Updated: July 24, 2025