Glossary

To aid in pronunciation, I’ve rendered each word using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), as well as “regular” English. Where possible, I’ve sourced IPA renderings from established dictionaries. In other cases, I have crafted an approximate IPA-style transliteration myself, based on audio recordings and/or pronunciation guides for the language in question. Given regional dialects and other sources of diversity in speech, there is rarely a single canonical way to pronounce a given word—nor, where applicable, to convert words to romanized script—so all the phonetic guides should be considered approximate.

Abbiocco. Italian / n. / abˈbjɔk.ko / ah-byokk-oh.: The soporific and usually pleasant drowsiness that can follow a meal, especially a large one.
Adinnādānā (अिद्ननदाना). Sanskrit/Pāli / v., n. / 'ʌ.dɪ.nɑːdɑːnɑː / uh-dih-nah-dah-nah.: Taking the not-given (refraining from which is the second of Buddhism’s Five Precepts).
Ádvaita (अद्वैत). Sanskrit / n. / ʌd.vaɪ.tʌ / ud-vy-tuh.: Nondualism; the notion that there is only one reality, such that, for instance, the person and the sacred are not separate.
Aficionado. Spanish / n. / ə.fɪs.jəˈnɑːdəʊ / a-fis-yun-ah-doh.: Someone who is knowledgeable and/or enthusiastic about something; can have connotations of being an amateur, in a benign sense. Lit. “to inspire affection.”
Agápē (αγάπη). Greek / n. / ˌɑˈgɑːpiː / ag-ah-pee.: Selfless, unconditional, devotional love.
Ahiṃsā/avihiṃsā (अѥहंसा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / əˈhɪm.sɑː / uh-him-sah.: Non-harm; love.
Ājīva (अआजीव). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ɑːʤiːwʌ / ah-jee-vwuh.: Livelihood, work, mode of life; per samyak-ājīva (i.e., “right livelihood”), of the Noble Eightfold Path.
Akrásia (ακρασια). Greek / n. / ɑ.kræˈsi.a / ah-krah-see-ah.: Weakness of will; lack of self-control.
Alétheia (αλήθεια). Greek / n. / æ.leɪˈθi.a / ah-lay-thee-ah.: Truth, disclosure; “unclosedness,” “unconcealedness.”
Aloha. Hawaiian / int. / æˈləʊ.hæ / ah-loh-ha.: Hello and goodbye, with love and compassion; cognate with Māori aroha. Lit. the “breath of presence.”
Amour de soi. French / n. / amuʀ dɘ swʌ / a-moor-de-swuh.: Self-regard that is not contingent on others’ judgment. Lit. “love of oneself.”
Amour fou. French / n. / amuʀ fu / a-moor-foo.: Mad, crazy, foolish love.
Amour propre. French / n. / amuʀ ˈpʀɔ.pʀ / a-moor prrop-ruh.: Self-regard contingent on others’ judgment. Lit. “self-love.”
Ânanda (आनन्द). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑːnɘn.dɘ / ah-nun-duh.: Bliss, lasting contentment; spiritual, “unconditional” happiness.
Anánkē (ανάγκη). Greek / n. / ɑˈnæŋ.kiː / ah-nang-kee.: Necessity, compulsion, inevitability, fate.
Anātman/anattā (अनात्मन्). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ɑnˈɑːt.mən / an-at-mn.: Insubstantiality; lack of permanent self or soul.
Anitya/anicca (अѥनत्य). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / æˈniːt.jə / a-neet-yuh.: Impermanence; the notion that existence is transient and evanescent.
Apéritif. French / n. / ap.eʀ.it.if / ah-per-ree-teef.: A drink taken before dinner (and the social occasion involving this).
Aphaíresis (αφαίρεσις). Greek / n. / ɑ.fəˈriːsɪs / aff-uh-ree-sis.: Abstractive negation; to withdraw or take away, thereby revealing the truth.
Aphrodíte (Αφροδίτη). Greek / pronoun / a.fro.di.tiː / ah-froh-dee-tee.: In Greek mythology, the Goddess of love (also beauty, sexuality, procreation); known as Venus in Roman mythology.
Apramāda/appamada (अप्रमाद). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʌ.prʌˈmɑːdʌ / uh-pruh-mah-duh.: Earnestness, alertness, diligence, moral watchfulness.
Arbejdsglæde. Danish / n. / ˈɑːbaɪd̪ʱsˌglɪl / ar-bides-glil.: Pleasure or satisfaction derived from work. Lit. “work gladness.”
Areté (αρετή). Greek / n. / aˈre.tɛ᷄ː / ah-reh-tay.: Excellence, quality; virtue.
Arhat/arahant (अर्हत्). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑːhʌt / aar-hut.: A worthy or perfected individual; one who has attained enlightenment.
Aroha. Māori / v., n. / æˈrəʊ.hæ / ah-roh-ha.: To feel love, concern, compassion, empathy for someone; cognate with Hawaiian aloha.
Arrangiarsi. Italian / v. / a.ranˈʤaːsiː / a-rran-jar-see.: To make do, get by, get along.
Asabiyyah (ﻉﺹﺏیﺓ). Arabic / n. / a.saːˈbiːja / ah-sah-bee-yah.: Solidarity; group feeling or consciousness.
Āsana (आसन). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʌːsə.nə / uh-suh-nuh.: Yoga postures. Lit. “seat” or “sitting position.”
Ashtangika/atthangika (अष्टांिगक). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʌʃ.tʌŋ.gɪ.kʌ / ush-tung-gee-kuh.: Eightfold, per Buddhism’s Noble Eightfold Path.
Asteya (अस्तेय). Sanskrit/Pāli / v. / ʌ.steɪ.jʌ / uh-stay-uh.: Refraining from taking or appropriating the “not-given.” Lit. “non-stealing.”
Ataraxia (αταραξία). Greek / n. / ɑ.təˈɹæk.siə / at-tuh-rak-sia.: Robust and lucid tranquility; peace of mind; calmness.
Ātman/attā (आत्मन्). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈɑːt.mən / uht-mn.: Soul, spirit; breath.
Aufheben. German / v. / ˈaʊ̯fˌheːbən / orf-hee-bn.: To sublimate; to raise up; to remove, suspend, repeal, set aside; to negate and yet also preserve.
Aútexoúsios (αὐτεξούσιος). Greek / adj. / ew.teˈxuːsi.os / ew-teh-khoo-see-oss.: Mastery of oneself; exercising agency and free will.
Avos (авось). Russian / particle / ɐˈvosʲ / ah-voss.: Maybe, what if; faith, trust, hope; serendipity, destiny, fate.
Azart (азарт). Russian / n. / ɐˈzɑːrt / ah-zarrt.: Heat, excitement, ardor, fervor.
Bhakti/bhatti (भिकत). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / bʰʌʜk.tiː / bhahk-tee.: Fondness, attachment, homage, reverence.
Bhāvana (भावन). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / bʰhɑːwnɑː / bh-hav-nah.: Application, development, cultivation, practice, meditation.
Bīja (बीज). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / biːʤʌ / bee-juh.: Seed(s); per bīja-niyāma, the “law of seeds,” referring to causal patterns in the realm of organic phenomena.
Bildung. German / n. / ˈbɪl.dʊŋ / bill-doong.: Education, formation, acculturation, cultivation, development.
Bildungsroman. German / n. / ˈbɪl.dʊŋs ʁo.maːn / bill-doongs roe-mahn.: A coming-of-age story; a narrative of education or formation.
Binah (בינה). Hebrew / n. / bɪˈnæ / bih-nah.: Understanding; the third sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting the process or quality giving form to creation.
Bodhi (बोिध). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈbaʊ.di / boe-dee.: Enlightenment, awakening.
Botellón. Spanish / n. / bɒ.teɪˈjɒnː / boh-tay-yon.: A public gathering in which people socialize and drink alcohol. Lit. “big bottle.”
Brahman (ब्रह्मन्). Sanskrit / n. / ˈbrɑːˌmən / brah-mun.: The transcendent and immanent absolute reality; the supreme spirit that continually brings existence into being.
Brahmavihārā (ब्रह्मѥवहारा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈbrɑːˌmə vɪˈhɑːrə / brah-muh vi-har-ruh.: Qualities Buddhist practitioners are encouraged to cultivate. Lit. “abode or dwelling of Brahma” (the God of creation in Hindu theology).
Brav. German / adj. / braːf / brraaf.: Pleasant, earnest, well-behaved.
Buddha (बुद्ध). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / bʊˈdːʰə / bd-dha.: An awakened, enlightened being.
Byt (быт). Russian / n. / bɨt / bweet.: Everyday, daily, domestic, and/or private life; quotidian existence; material culture.
Bytie (бытие). Russian / n. / bɨtʲɪˈje / bweet-ee-yee-ah.: Being; authentic and/or spiritual existence.
Catvāri āryasatyāni / cattāri ariyasaccāni (चत्वािर आर्यसत्यानि). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kʌtˈwɑːɹi ˌɑːjʌ.sʌtˈjɑːnɪ / cat-vwah-ree ah-yuh-suht-yah-nee.: Buddhism’s four “Noble Truths.” Lit. “truths of the noble ones.”
Chán (禪). Chinese / n. / t͡ʃ æːn / chan.: Concentrated attention or absorption. The Chinese adaptation of dhyāna.
Charis (χαρις). Greek / n. / ˈkʰá.ris / khah-riss.: Grace, kindness, beauty, nobility.
Chokmah (חכמה). Hebrew / n. / xɒx.mæh / khokh-mah.: Wisdom; the second sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting the primary force in the process of creation.
Chōros (χῶρος). Greek / n. / ˈkʰɔːrɒs / khor-ross.: A place; usually denotes the quality of the place.
Chutzpah. Yiddish / n. / ˈxʊts.pə / khutz-puh.: Insolence, cheek, audacity; nerve, effrontery, guts; may be used pejoratively.
Citta (िचत्त). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / tʃɪ.ɖæ / chih-dtha.: Mind, consciousness, awareness; heart and mind combined.
Craic. Gaelic (Irish) / n. / kræk / crack.: Fun, revelry, good times; “what’s going on.”
Cwtch. Welsh / v., n. / kʊtʃ / kutch.: As verb: to hug or cuddle (transitive); to get cozy (intransitive). As noun: a hug or cuddle; a sanctuary; a safe, welcoming place.
Cynefin. Welsh / n. / ˈkʌ.nᵻ.vɪn / kun-uh-vin.: Haunt, habitat; a place where one feels one ought to live; the relationship one has with the place where one was born and/or feels at home.
Dadirri. Australian Aboriginal (Ngangiwumirr) / n. / dəˈdɪ.ri / duh-dir-rree.: A deep, spiritual act of reflective and respectful listening.
Dāna (दान). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / dɑːnʌ / dah-nuh.: Generosity, giving; charity.
Dasein. German / v., n. / daːzaɪn / dah-zine.: Martin Heidegger’s term for a human being, capturing the view that people always exist in a context. Lit. “being here/there.”
Das man. German / n. / das man / dass man.: People, anyone; one. Lit. “they-self” or “the they.”
Dēmētēr (Δημήτηρ). Greek / pronoun / dᵻˈmiːtər / deh-mee-tuh.: In Greek mythology, the goddess of grain, harvest, agriculture, fertility; known as Ceres in Roman mythology.
Desbundar. Portuguese / v. / dʒizbũˈdar / dez-bun-dar.: Exceeding one’s limits; shedding one’s inhibitions (e.g., in having fun).
Desenrascanço. Portuguese / n. / ˌdɨ.zɐ̃j̃.ʁɐʃˈkɐ̃.sʊ / deh-zen-hass-can-so.: Artful disentanglement (e.g., from trouble); an improvised solution.
Dharma/dhamma (धर्म). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈd̪ʱɑːmə / dhar-ma.: Law; what is established; principles of the universe; guidelines for action; teachings (often refers to the Buddha’s teachings in particular).
Dhyāna/jhāna (ध्यान). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˌgn'jɑːnæ / gn-yaa-na.: Intense, concentrated attention and absorption (e.g., regarding the nature of an object of meditation); cultivated and valorized states of mind (which can be ordered in a developmental sequence).
Duende. Spanish / n. / ˈdwe̞n.d̪e̞ / de-wen-deh.: A heightened state of emotion, spirit, and passion, often associated with visual art, music, and dance.
Dugnad. Norwegian / n. / duːg.nɑːd / doog-nard.: A collectively undertaken task; voluntary community work.
Duḥkha/dukkha (दुःख). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈdʊ.kʰɘ / duh-kuh.: Dissatisfaction, discomfort, dis-ease; suffering.
Duša (душа). Russian / n. / dʊˈʂa / doo-shah.: Soul, spirit, heart.
Ego. Latin / n. / ˈɛ.ɡɔ / eh-go.: I, me, we; used by translators of Freud to represent the German Ich, referring to the construct of self.
Ein sof (אין סוף). Hebrew / n., adj. / ɛnˈsɒf / en-soff.: In the Kabbalah tradition, refers to the pure, transcendent essence of God, prior to manifestation in/as the cosmos. Lit. “unending or infinite.”
Ekstasis (ἔκστασις). Greek / n. / ékˈstaːsis / ek-stah-sis.: The state of being or standing outside oneself; trance, displacement; ecstasy, rapture.
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים). Hebrew / n. / ɛl.ɔːˈhɪm / el-or-him.: God; deities, angels; sacred beings or messengers.
Ēn (恩). Chinese / n. / ɜːn / uhn.: Moral indebtedness; duty, obligation; repayment of a favor.
Engelengeduld. Dutch / n. / ˈɛŋ.gɘ.lɘnˌɣɘ.dʊlt / eng-uhl-uhn-kher-dult.: Great patience. Lit. “angelic patience.”
Enraonar. Catalan / v. / en.ra.oˈna / en-ra-oh-nha.: To discuss in a civilized, reasoned manner.
Enthousiasmos (ἐνθουσιασμός). Greek / n. / en.θu.si.asˈmos / en-thoo-sias-mous.: The state of being inspired, possessed, or driven by a divine being or force.
Epistēmē (ἐπιστήμη). Greek / n. / ɛ.pɪˈstiːmɪ / ep-e-stee-me.: Knowledge or understanding (e.g., in a scientific sense).
Epithymía (ἐπιθυμίᾳ). Greek / n. / e.pi.θyˈmi.a / ep-e-thy-mee-ah.: Desire; sexual passion.
Ereignis. German / n. / ɛɐˈ|aiɡnɪs / err ihg-niss.: Something “coming into view”; the realm in which the “truth of being” is manifest.
Érōs (ἔρως). Greek / n., pronoun / ˈe.rɔːs / eh-ross.: Desire; passionate love; in Greek mythology, the God of desire (or love). Known as Cupid in Roman mythology.
Erschlossenheit. German / n. / ɛɐˈʃlɔsn.haɪt / err-schloss-un-hite.: World disclosure; the process by which things become intelligible, meaningful, and relevant to human beings.
Ethikos (ἠθικός). Greek / n. / i.θi.kós / ee-thhee-koss.: Habit, custom, usage; character, bearing.
Eudaimonia (ευδαιμονία). Greek / n. / juːdᵻˈmoʊ.niə / yoo-de-moe-nee-uh.: Being infused with divine grace; fulfilment, flourishing. Lit. “good spirit.”
Eunoia (εὔνοια). Greek / n. / juːˈnɔɪ.ɑ / yoo-noi-ya.: Good or beautiful thinking; a well mind.
Euphoría (εὐφορία). Greek / n. / ju.pʰo.rí.a / yoo-for-ree-ah.: Intense excitement or joy. Lit. being of “good bearing.”
Fein. German / adj. / fain / fine.: Fine, tender; noble, honorable; unique.
Fernweh. German / n. / ˈfiɜːn.veː / fiern-vay.: Homesickness for the unknown; the “call of faraway places.” Lit. “far pain.”
Fiero. Italian / n. / ˈfjɛːɹo / fee-yeah-ro.: Pride and satisfaction in one’s achievements, usually with the implication that this satisfaction has been earned.
Fingerspitzengefühl. German / n. / ˈfɪŋ.ɐ.ʃpɪts.n̩.ɡəˌfyːl / fing-ah-shpitz-en-gu-foo-eh.: The ability to act with tact and sensitivity. Lit. “fingertip feeling.”
Firgun (פירגון). Hebrew / n. / ˈfɪə.guːn / feer-goon.: Ungrudging and overt pride and happiness at another person’s success.
Flâner. French / v. / flɑ.ne / fla-nay.: Leisurely strolling. Flâneur (noun): one who strolls.
Folkelig. Danish / adj. / fɒlˈkɪ.liː / foll-ki-lee.: Folkish; belonging to the people; democratic national spirit or sentiment; having broad popular appeal.
Fremdschämen. German / n. / ˈfʀɛmtˌʃɛːmən / fremt-shay-mn.: Being embarrassed or ashamed for someone else; vicarious embarrassment; a cringing feeling.
Frimousse. French / n. / fʀi.mus / frree-moose.: A sweet or cute little face.
Fukinsei (不均整). Japanese / n. / fuˈkɪn.seɪ / foo-kin-say.: Natural and spontaneous asymmetry or irregularity.
Gaia (Γαῖα). Greek / n., pronoun / ˈɣɛ.a / kheh-uh.: Earth; in Greek mythology, the primordial Mother Earth.
Gaman (我慢). Japanese / n. / gæ.mæɲ / gah-mahn.: Patience; fortitude, endurance; self-control, restraint.
Ganbaru (頑張る). Japanese / v. / ɡã̠mˈbɑːɾ̠ɯᵝ / gam-bar-ou.: To do one’s best. Lit. “to stand firm.”
Ganzheit. German / n. / ˈgænz.haɪt / ganz-hite.: Unity; integrated whole; undivided completeness; total and complete.
Gemilut hasadim (גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים). Hebrew / n. / gɛ.miˈluːt ʜæ.sæˈdiːm / geh-mee-loot hah-sah-deem.: Acts of loving-kindness.
Geborgenheit. German / n. / ɡəˈbɔʁ.ɡn̩ˌhaɪ̯t / guh-bor-gn-hite.: Feeling protected and safe from harm.
Gemütlichkeit. German / n. / ɡəˈmyːt.lɪç.kaɪt / guh-moot-lish-kite.: A feeling of comfort, coziness, hominess. Gemütlich (adjective): cozy, homey, comfortable.
Genki (元気). Japanese / adj., n. / 気gɛŋ.kiː / geng-kee.: Being healthy, energetic, and full of life. Lit. the origin of ki (cognate with qi—see below).
Gestalt. German / n. / ɡəˈʃtalt / guh-shtalt.: An overall pattern or configuration; the notion that the whole is greater or other than the sum of its parts.
Gevurah (גבורה). Hebrew / n. / gɘ.vuːˈrɘ / guh-voo-rruh.: Power, might; judgment; the fifth sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting the enactment of justice.
Geworfenheit. German / n. / gɘˈvɔːfɘn.haɪt / guh-vor-fuhn-hite.: “Thrownness”; the condition, characteristic of human existence, of being thrown into contexts not of one’s choosing.
Gezellig. Dutch / adj. / ɣəˈzɛl.əɣ / khe-zell-ikh.: Cozy, warm, intimate; enjoyable; often a shared experience.
Gigil. Tagalog / n. / ˈgʰiːˌgɪlː / ghih-gill.: The irresistible urge to pinch or squeeze someone because they are loved or cherished.
Gōng fu (功夫). Chinese / n. / gɒŋ.fuː / gong-foo.: Acquisition of a skill, particularly with investment of time and effort; more recent usage refers specifically to martial arts. Lit. “work” or “achievement.”
Guān xì (關係). Chinese / n. / gwɒn.ɕiː / gwun-shee.: Cultivating relationships; reciprocal connections; networking; social karma.
Guò yǐn (過癮). Chinese / n. / gwɔ.jɪəɪn̥ / gwor-yiin.: Satisfaction of a craving; a pleasurable experience; to act to one’s heart’s content.
Gunnen. Dutch / v. / ˈɣən.ən / khun-un.: To think that someone deserves something good; to feel happy for others when they are deservedly rewarded.
Guru (गुरु). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ɡʊ.ɾʊ / goo-roo.: A religious or spiritual teacher, guide, master; a revered person.
Hachnasat orchim (הכנסת אורחים). Hebrew / n. / ɦax.na.ʃat ɔːxɪm / hakh-nash-at orh-khim.: Welcoming or “bringing in guests”; offering hospitality and respect to strangers.
Han (한). Korean / n. / hæn / han.: Sorrow, resentment, regret; possibly with a sense of patiently waiting or hoping for amelioration.
Háidēs (Άͅδης). Greek / n., pronoun / ha͜ːj́.dɛːs / har-dees.: The underworld; in Greek mythology, the God of the underworld, death, the dead, and riches. Known as Pluto in Roman mythology.
Halal (حلال). Arabic / n. / həˈlɑːl / huh-lahl.: Allowed, permissible; in accordance with Islamic law, especially relating to food.
Hallelujah (הַלְּלוּיָהּ). Hebrew / v., n., int. / ˌhæ.lɨˈluːjə / ha-leh-loo-yuh.: “God be praised”; an expression of worship or rejoicing.
Hatha (हठ). Sanskrit / n., adj. / hʌ.θə / huh-thuh.: A branch of yoga focusing on the practice of āsana (postures) and vinyāsa (dynamic transitions). Lit. “force, effort, exertion.”
Havruta (חַבְרוּתָא). Hebrew / n. / χavˈʁu.ta / khav-roo-tah.: The practice of paired or shared learning, usually of religious texts, and the bond that may develop as a result. Lit. “fellowship.”
Hod (הוד). Hebrew / n. / hʊd / hoewd.: Majesty, splendor; the eighth sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting the glory of creation.
Hózhǫ́. Navaho / n. / hɔ̃.ʒɔ̃ / hoh-zho.: Peace, balance, beauty, harmony.
Heimlich. German / adj. / ˈhaɪ̯m.lɪç / hime-lisch.: Pertaining to the home; comfortable, familiar, known; secretive, clandestine.
Hésed (חֶ֫סֶד). Hebrew / n. / ˈʜɛ.sɛd / khe-sed.: Loving-kindness, mercy; faithfulness, loyalty; goodness; salvation; the fourth sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting the love of creation.
Hiraeth. Welsh / n. / hira.ɪ̯θ / heerr-ithe.: Longing for one’s homeland, with nostalgia and wistfulness.
Hugfanginn. Icelandic / adj. / ˈhuːfʌŋ.gɪn / hoo-fun-gin.: To be charmed or fascinated by someone or something. Lit. “mind-captured.”
Hygge. Danish/Norwegian / n. / ˈhʊːɡə / hhoo-guh.: A deep sense of place, warmth, friendship, contentment. Hyggelig (adjective): enjoyable, warm, friendly, pleasant.
Hypomonē (ὑπομονή). Greek / n. / i.po.moˈni / ee-poe-moe-nee.: Patience; constancy; endurance; “standing firm.”
Id. Latin / n. / ɪd / id.: It or that; used by translators of Freud to represent the German Es, referring to instinctual drives.
Ikigai (生き甲斐). Japanese / n. / iːkiːgɑiː / ee-kee-gaee.: A “reason for being”; meaning, purpose in life. Lit. “life result, worth, use, or benefit.”
Iktsuarpok. Inuit / n. / ɪk.ˈt͡suɑːpɒk / ik-tsua-pok.: Anticipation felt while waiting for another’s arrival, often involving checking on their progress.
In sha' Allah (إِن شَاءَ اَللّٰه). Arabic / int. / ˌɪn.ʃˈɑ.lə / in-shall-ah.: God willing; a hopeful wish. Lit. “may God wish it.”
Iṣṭadevatā (इष्ट देवता). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ɪʃ.tʰʌ.deɪ.wʌ.tɑː / ish-tuh-day-vwuh-tar.: Reverence of divine beings; deity meditation practice.
Janteloven. Danish/Norwegian / n. / ˈjan.d̥əˌloʋˀən / yan-deh-low-ven.: A set of rules discouraging individualism. Lit. “laws of Jante,” from novelist Aksel Sandemose.
Jeito. Portuguese / n. / ˈʒej.tu / jay-too.: Hack, solution; to find a way by any means, often circumventing rules or social conventions.
Joie de vivre. French / n. / ˌʒwɑː də ˈviːvrə / jwa-de-vee-vruh.: Zest for life; exuberance, ebullience; the knack of knowing how to live. Lit. “joy of living.”
Jouissance. French / n. / ʒˈwi.sɑ̃s / szh-wee-sonse.: Physical or intellectual pleasure; delight, ecstasy; an orgasm.
Kabbalah (קַבָּלָה‎‎). Hebrew / n. / ka.ba'la / kah-bah-lah.: An esoteric spiritual tradition within Judaism. Lit. “received tradition.”
Kalyāṇa-mitratā/mittatā (कल्याण मित्रता). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kælˈjɑːnɘ mɪt.rɘˈtɑː / kal-yah-nuh mit-ruh-tar.: Spiritual friendship. Lit. “auspicious compassion.”
Kāmesu micchācāra (कामेसुमिच्छाचारा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kɑːmeɪ.sʊ mɪk.hɑːʧɑːrʌ / kar-may-soo mik-har-char-uh.: Misconduct or unwholesome behavior concerning sexual or sensual activity, refraining from which is the third of Buddhism’s Five Precepts.
Kanyininpa. Pintupi / v. / ˌkæn.jɪnˈɪn.pə / kan-yin-in-puh.: An intimate and active relationship between provider and recipient of care. Lit. “to hold.”
Karma/kamma (कर्म). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈkɑːmə / kar-muh.: A theory or principle of causality, particularly with respect to ethical behavior. Lit. “action, work, deed.”
Karmānta/kammanta (कर्मान्त). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kʌ.mɑːn.tʌ / kuh-marn-tuh.: Action, management; administration; per samyak-karmānta (i.e., “right action”), of the Noble Eightfold Path.
Kartería (καρτερία). Greek / n. / kɑ.tɛˈrɪːə / ka-teh-ree-uh.: Stubbornness; toughness.
Karuṇā (करुणा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / kæ.rʉˈɳɑː / ka-roo-nar.: Empathy, compassion; identifying with the others’ suffering.
Kashrut (כַּשְׁרוּת). Hebrew / n. / kaʃ.ruːt / kash-root.: Proper, legal, permissible; in accordance with Jewish law, especially relating to food.
Kefi (κέφι). Greek / n. / ˈkeə.fi / keh-fee.: Joy, passion, enthusiasm; high spirits; frenzy.
Keter (כתר). Hebrew / n. / ˈkɛ.teə / keh-tair.: The first sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting the initial impulse of Ein Sof to manifest in the world. Lit. “crown.”
Khaos (χάος). Greek / n. / xáos / khah-oss.: Chaos; in Greek mythology, the void preceding the birth of the cosmos.
Kilig. Tagalog / n. / kɪˈliːɡ / kih-leeg.: The feeling of “butterflies” arising from interacting with someone one loves or finds attractive; exhilaration and elation, not necessarily romantic. Lit. “shaking” or “trembling.”
Kintsugi (金継ぎ). Japanese / n. / kɪn.tsʊ.gi / kin-tsu-gi.: The art of repairing broken pottery using gold; metaphorically, rendering flaws and fault-lines beautiful and strong. Lit. “golden joinery.”
Koev halev (כואב לי הלב). Hebrew / v. / xəʊv xæ.lɛv / khoh-ev hah-lev.: Empathy, compassion; identifying with the other’s suffering. Lit. “the heart aches.”
Koi no yokan (恋の予感). Japanese / n. / ˈkɔi.nɒ.jɒ.kæn / koee-nor-yo-kan.: Premonition or presentiment of love; the feeling, on meeting someone, that falling in love is inevitable.
Koinōnía (κοινωνία). Greek / n. / kɔɪˈnəʊ.nɪ.ə / koy-non-ee-uh.: Fellowship, communion; joint participation; connection, intimacy.
Koko (考古). Japanese / n. / kɒ.kɒ / ko-ko.: Weathered beauty; austere sublimity.
Kokusaijin (国際人). Japanese / n. / kɒ.kuːsɑiːʤiːn / koh-koo-sah-ee-jeen.: Someone who is cosmopolitan, flexible, and open-minded. Lit. “international person.”
Konfliktfähigkeit. German / n. / kɒnˈflɪkt.feɪ.ɪç.haɪt / kon-flict-fay-ikh-hite.: The ability to manage interpersonal conflict constructively, without becoming personally involved.
Kos. Norwegian / n. / ˈkɔːsʰa / kor-sa.: Coziness, warmth, intimacy. Koselig (adjective): cozy, snug, warm, intimate, enjoyable.
Koyaanisqatsi. Hopi / n. / ˌkɔɪ.ɑːnɪsˈkɑːtsiː / koy-an-iss-kah-tsee.: Nature out of balance; a dysfunctional state of affairs that calls for another way of living.
Kuài lè (快乐). Chinese / n. / ˌkwaɪˈlɘː / kwy-ler.: Pleasure, satisfaction; hedonic happiness. Lit. “quick joy.”
Kvell. Yiddish / v. / kvɛl / kvell.: To feel strong and overt (expressed) pride and joy in someone’s success.
Lakṣaṇa/lakshana (लक्षण). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈlʊk.ʃʊn.ə / look-shn-uh.: Symptom, sign; quality, attribute; “marks of conditioned existence.”
L’chaim (לְחַיִּים). Hebrew / phrase / ləˈxaɪ.iːm / luh-kha-eem.: A toast to another’s well-being. Lit. “to life.”
Lǐ (禮). Chinese / n. / liːi / lee-e.: Etiquette, decorum; ceremony, custom.
Līlā (लीला). Sanskrit / n. / liːlɘ / lee-luh.: In Hinduism, reality as the outcome of creative play by the divine. Lit. “game” or “play.”
Livsnjutare. Swedish / n. / ˈliːf.sɘˌnjuːtɑ.reɪ / leef-suh-nyoo-ta-rey.: Bon vivant; someone who loves life and lives it to the fullest.
Logos (λόγος). Greek / n. / ˈlo.ɣos / loh-yoss.: Word, reason, plan; in theology, the principle of divine reason and creative order.
Ludus. Latin / n. / ˈɫuːdʊs / loo-dss.: Used to denote playful/game-playing forms of affection. Lit. “game” or “play.”
Magari. Italian / adv. / maˈɡɑːri / ma-gah-ree.: Maybe, possibly; hopeful wish, wistful regret; in my dreams, if only.
Mahābhūta (महाभूत). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʌ.hɑːbʰuːtɘ / muh-har-bhoo-tuh.: Great elements or forces; the dimensions or components comprising the physical world: air, fire, water, and earth.
Mahalo. Hawaiian / n., v. / maˈha.lo / ma-ha-lor.: Thanks, gratitude; admiration, praise; respect.
Maitrī/mettā (मैत्री). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / 'mai.t̪ɽi / my-tree.: Loving-kindness; benevolence.
Majime (真面目). Japanese / adj. / mɑːd͡ʑ.mɛ / mah-jee-meh.: Reliable, responsible, diligent; serious, formal.
Makrothumeó (μακροθυμέω). Greek / n. / mæk.rəʊ.θuːˈmeɪ.əʊ / mak-roth-oo-mey-oh.: Patience, forbearance; being long-suffering; slow to anger and avenge.
Malchut (מלכות). Hebrew / n. / mɒl.ʜuːt / mal-hoot.: Realm; the final sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting the “finished product” of the manifest cosmos itself.
Mamihlapinatapai. Yagán / n. / ˈmæ.mi.læ.pɪ.næ.tæˌpai / mah-me-lah-pee-nah-tah-pie.: A look between people expressing unspoken but mutual intent.
Mana. Polynesian languages / n. / ˈmɑ.nə / ma-nuh.: Spiritual energy or power; a sacred, impersonal force.
Mana whenua. Māori / n. / ˈmɑ.nə ˈfɛ.nʊ.ə / ma-nuh fen-oo-uh.: The mana held by people who have demonstrated moral authority and guardianship over a territory.
Manaakitanga. Māori / n. / ma.naːkɪ.tʌɳɘ / ma-nah-ki-tung-uh.: Hospitality, kindness, generosity, support; respect and care for others.
Mania (μανία). Greek / n. / ma.nía / mah-nee-ah.: Madness, frenzy, possession.
Mantra (मन्त्र). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʌn.trʌ / mun-truh.: A meaningful word, phrase or sound serving as an object of focus in meditation. Lit. “mind tool.”
Maraṇa smṛti/sati (मरण स्मृति). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʌ.rʌ.nʌ smrɪ.tiː / muh-ruh-nuh smrih-tee.: Meditation on, or awareness of, death and mortality.
Mārga/magga (मार्ग). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈmʌɹːgʌ / mur-guh.: A path, road, or way; can specifically denote a spiritual path.
Mazal tov (מזל טוב). Hebrew / int. / ˈmɑːzɘl tɒf / mah-zul-toff.: A blessing of health and happiness. Lit. “good fortune.”
Melmastia (مېلمستیا). Pashto / n. / mɛlˈmæs.tiʌ / mel-mass-tiah.: Hospitality; the moral obligation to offer sanctuary and respect to all visitors.
Memento mori. Latin / n. / məˌmen.təʊ ˈmɔːri / meh-men-toh moor-ee.: An object or symbol that reminds or warns of death and mortality.
Mensch. Yiddish / n. / mɛntʃ / mentsh.: A good human being in the fullest sense.
Meraki (μεράκι). Greek / n. / mɛˈræ.kiː / meh-rrack-ee.: Ardor, especially for one’s own actions and creations.
Meriggiare. Italian / v. / mɛ.rɪˈdʒeɑːrɪ / me-rri-jah-rri.: To rest at noon, often in the shade.
Mésos (μέσος). Greek / n. / ˈme.sos / meh-soss.: Mean; middle.
Mir (мир). Russian / n. / mir / meerr.: Peace; world, community.
Mishloach manot (משלוח מנות). Hebrew / n. / miʃˈlo.aχ maˈnot / mish-lo-ah ma-not.: Exchanging gifts of food and drink, specifically during the Purim holiday. Lit. “sending of portions.”
Mitzvah (מִצְוָה). Hebrew / n. / ˈmɪts.və / mitz-vuh.: Commandment; technically an action performed in fulfillment of religious duty, but also used colloquially in reference to good deeds generally.
Mokṣa/moksha (मोक्ष). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈmoːk.ʃə / mohk-shuh.: Emancipation, liberation, release (particularly from saṃsāra).
Mono no aware (物の哀れ). Japanese / n. / mɒ.nɒ.nɒ.ɐ.wɐ.ɾeɪ / mo-no-no-uh-wah-ray.: Pathos; appreciating the transiency of the world and its beauty.
Morgenfrisk. Danish / adj. / ˈmɔːn.frɪsk / morn-frisk.: Feeling rested after a good night’s sleep. Lit. “morning-freshness.”
Muditā (मुदिता). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʊ.ɖɪˈtʰɑː / moo-de-tar.: Sympathetic, vicarious happiness.
Musāvādā (मुसावादा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / mʊ.sɑːwɑːdɑː / moo-sah-vwah-dah.: False speech, refraining from which is the fourth of Buddhism’s Five Precepts.
Naches. Yiddish / n. / ˈnʌ.xəs / nuh-khuz.: Joyful pride in the successes of another, often one’s progeny or student.
Netzach (נצח). Hebrew / n. / neɪ.tsæx / nay-tsakh.: Endurance, eternity; fortitude, triumph; the seventh sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting the endurance of Ein Sof in the act of creation.
Nirodha (निरोध). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / nɪ.rəʊd.hʌ / ni-rode-huh.: Cessation; the third Noble Truth, holding that duḥkha can be addressed by overcoming craving and attachment.
Nirvāṇa/nibbāna (निर्वाण). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / nɪəˈwɑːnə / nir-vwah-nuh.: Release from saṃsâra; “ultimate” happiness; total liberation from suffering. Lit. “extinguished” or “blown out,” as a flame.
Niyama (नियम). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / nɪˈjʌːmʌ / nee-yuh-muh.: Recommended habits or practices for right living. Lit. “observances, positive duties.”
Njuta. Swedish / v. / njʉːta / nyoo-ta.: To enjoy deeply; to appreciate profoundly.
Ohanami (お花見). Japanese / n. / əʊ.hæ.næ.mi / oh-ha-na-me.: The culturally valued activity of gathering to appreciate flowers, particularly cherry blossoms. Lit. “flower viewing.”
Omoiyari (思いやり). Japanese / n. / o.moi.jɑ.ri / oh-moy-yah-rih.: Altruistic sensitivity; an intuitive understanding of others’ desires, feelings, and thoughts; action resulting from this understanding.
Orenda. Huron / n. / ɔˈɹɛn.də / oh-ren-duh.: Power, force; often with spiritual connotations.
Orka. Swedish / v. / ˈɔrˌka / orr-kah.: To have energy for some task; being resilient, spirited, enthused.
Otsukaresama (お疲れ様). Japanese / int. / o.tsu.kɑ.rɛ.sa.mɑ / oh-tsoo-kah-reh-sah-mah.: Expression of thanks for another’s work; gratitude and appreciation.
Ouranus (Οὐρανός). Greek / n., pronoun / oːra.nós / oo-rah-nohs.: Sky; heaven; in Greek mythology, the deity of the sky/heavens, son and/or husband of Gaia.
Paixnidi (Παιχνίδι). Greek / n. / pɛkʰˈniːdi / pekh-nee-dee.: Used to denote playful or game-playing forms of affection. Lit. “game” or “play.”
Pāṇātipātā (पाणातिपाता). Sanskrit/Pāli / v. / pɑːnɑːtɪ.pɑːtɑː / pah-nah-ti-pah-tah.: Harming or killing living beings, refraining from which is the first of Buddhism’s Five Precepts.
Pañcaśīlāni/pañcasīlāni (पञ्चशीलानि). Sanskrit/Pâli / n. / pʌn.ʧʌ.ʃiːˈlɑːnɪ / pun-suh-shee-lah-ni.: The five Precepts of Buddhism.
Passeggiata. Italian / n. / päs.sādˈjaːtä / pa-saj-yah-ta.: A leisurely stroll, turn, walk.
Philautia (ϕιλαυτία). Greek / n. / ɸᵻˈlɔːtɪ.ə/ fi-law-ti-uh.: Self-love, encompassing self-respect, self-compassion, and so on.
Philia (φιλία). Greek / n. / ɸiˈli.a / fi-lee-ya.: Friendship; platonic love.
Philotimo (φιλότιμο). Greek / n. / ɸɪlˈɔːtɪ.mɔ / fi-loh-tee-moh.: The importance of respecting and honoring friends and family (and the wider community). Lit. “love of honor.”
Phrónēsis (φρόνησις). Greek / n. / froʊˈniːsɪsː / froh-nee-siss.: Practical wisdom; discernment; mental capacity to determine ends and means of attaining them.
Pneuma (πνευμα). Greek / n. / pné͜u.ma / pnyoo-mah.: Air, wind; breath; spirit, life-force.
Pneumatikós (πνευματικῶς). Greek / adj. / pnɛβ.mɑ.tiˈkos / pnev-mah-tee-kose.: Spiritual; pertaining to the spirit; being with or of the spirit of God.
Poseidôn (Ποσειδῶν). Greek / pronoun / po.se͜e.dɔ́͜ɔn / por-seh-dorn.: In Greek mythology, God of the ocean, earthquakes, storms, and horses. Known as Neptune in Roman mythology.
Prâgma (πρᾶγμα). Greek / n. / ˈpɾaɣ.ma / prayj-mah.: A deed, action, or “thing done”; used to denote rational, “sensible” love.
Prāṇa (प्राण). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / prɑːnɑː / prah-nah.: Air, wind; breath; spirit, life-force.
Pratītya-samutpāda / paṭicca-samuppāda (प्रतीत्यसमुत्पाद). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / praˈtiːt.jʌ sʌ.mʊtˈpɑːdʌ / pruh-teet-yuh suh-muut-pah-duh.: Dependent origination; the law of conditionality.
Prâxis (πρᾶξις). Greek / n. / pra᷇ːkʰ.sis / prakh-sis.: Deed or action; the process by which a theory, lesson, or skill is enacted, embodied, or realized.
Prōtógonos (Πρωτογόνος). Greek / n. / pɾoˈto.ɣo.nos / pror-tor-khor-nors.: In Greek mythology, the first generation of deities. Lit. “first-born.”
Purim (פּּוּרים). Hebrew / n. / ˈpʊərɪm / poor-rim.: An annual celebration in Judaism (commemorating the saving of the Jewish people from a figure named Haman).
Qì (氣). Chinese / n. / tɕʰiː / chee.: Air, wind; breath; spirit, life-force.
Qì gōng (氣功). Chinese / n. / tɕʰiː gɒŋ / chee-gong.: A practice of developing mastery over body and mind. Lit. “breath work.”
Querencia. Spanish / n. / kɛˈɹɛn.sɪ.ə / keh-ren-si-uh.: A place where one feels secure and from which one draws strength.
Ramé. Balinese / n. / ɹɑːˈmeɪ / rah-may.: A lively, boisterous social occasion.
Rén (仁). Chinese / n. / ɻɛn / ren.: Humaneness, benevolence; the positive feeling attending altruistic behavior.
Rūpa (रूप). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ruːpɘ / roo-puh.: Matter, body, material form; in Buddhism, the first skandha, referring to the material body.
Sabi (寂). Japanese / n. / sɑːbɪ / sah-bee.: Lonely, desolate, aged beauty.
Sadaqah (صدقة‎‎). Arabic / n. / sˤa.da.qa / suh-duh-kuh.: Generosity or charity, as mandated by justice; required righteous giving. Lit. “justice, righteousness.”
Salām (سلام). Arabic / n., int. / saˈlaːm / sah-lahm.: Peace, harmony, wholeness, prosperity, welfare, tranquility; used also as a salutation.
Salon. French / n. / sa.lɔ̃ / sall-ohh.: Cultural events or groupings, usually devoted to literature and art, and often run by a female host. Lit. “lounge” or “sitting room.”
Samar (سمر). Arabic / v. / ˈsa.mar / sah-mahrr.: To sit together in conversation in the evening.
Śamatha/samatha (शमथ). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʃʌ.mʌ.θʌ / shuh-muh-thuh.: Slowing or calming down; one-pointed meditation (e.g., as a means to calm the mind). Lit. “pacification” or “rest.”
Saṃgha/saṅgha (संघ). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈsə̃.gʌ / suhm-ghuh.: A Buddhist community. Lit. “assembly.”
Saṃjñā/sañña (संज्ञा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sə̃.ɡnjaː / suhm-gnyah.: Perception, cognition; in Buddhism, the third skandha.
Saṃsāra (संसार). Sanskrit/Pâli / n. / ˌsə̃ˈsɑːrə / suhm-sah-ruh.: Cyclic, circuitous change; a theory of rebirth; the nature of conventional existence. Lit. “wandering” or “world.”
Saṃskāra (संस्कार). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sə̃ˈskɑːrʌ / suhm-skar-uh.: Mental volitional formations; karmic imprints; “conditioned things”; in Buddhism, the fourth skandha.
Saṃtoṣa/santosha (संतोष). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sə̃.təʊ.ʃʌ / suhm-toe-shuh.: Complete contentment and satisfaction.
Samudaya (समुदाय). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʌ.mʊˈdaɪ.jʌ / suh-moo-dye-uh.: Origin, cause; Buddhism’s second Noble Truth, specifying craving and attachment as the cause of duḥkha.
S’apprivoiser. French / v. / sˌapʀiˈvwa.ze / s-a-prre-vwa-zay.: In the context of a relationship, a mutual process of learning to trust and accept the other. Lit. “to tame.”
Satya/sacca (सत्य). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʌt.jʌ / sut-yuh.: Truth; truthfulness in speech, thought, and action; refraining from falsehoods or distortions.
Saudade. Portuguese / n. / sɐwˈða.ðɨ / sow-dha-dh.: Melancholic longing; nostalgia; dreaming wistfulness.
Savoir-être. French / n. / sav.waʀ.ɛtʀ / sav-wah-et-ruh.: Knowing how carry oneself; “soft” interpersonal skills. Lit. “knowing how to be.”
Savoir-faire. French / n. / sav.waʀ.fɛʀ / sav-wah-fare.: The ability to behave in a correct and confident way across a variety of situations. Lit. “knowing how to do.”
Savoir-vivre. French / n. / sav.waʀ.viv.ʀ / sav-wah-veev-ruh.: Familiarity with norms and customs; refinement. Lit. “knowing how to live.”
Sehnsucht. German / n. / ˈzeɪnˌzuːxt / zeen-zukht.: Life longings; intense desire for alternative paths and states. Lit. an “addiction” to longing.
Sébomai (σέβομαι). Greek / v. / ˈsɛb.ɔm.ɑiː / seb-ohm-aaee.: To revere, honor; to be in awe of.
Seijaku (靜寂). Japanese / n. / ˌseɪˈdʒɐ.kə / say-ja-kuh.: Quiet tranquility; silence, calm, serenity, especially in the midst of activity or chaos.
Shalom (שָׁלוֹם). Hebrew / n., int. / ʃɔːˈləʊm / shor-lome.: Peace, harmony, wholeness, prosperity, welfare, tranquility; used also as a salutation.
Shinrin-yoku (森林浴). Japanese / n. / ʃɪn.ɹiːjɒk.ə / shin-ree-yok-uh.: Appreciating or “bathing” in the restorative power of nature. Lit. “bathing” in the forest.
Shiv'ah (שבעה). Hebrew / n. / ʃɪ.vʌʰ / shee-vuh.: The weeklong period of mourning prescribed in Judaism. Lit. “seven.”
Siesta. Spanish / n. / sɪˈɛs.tə / see-est-uh.: A short nap, usually taken in the early afternoon.
Shù (恕). Chinese / n., v. / ʃuː / shoo.: Forgiveness/to forgive; mercy; reciprocity.
Siddhārtha/siddhattha (सिद्धार्थ). Sanskrit/Pāli / n., pronoun / sɪd.dɑːr.θʌ / sid-dar-thuh.: One who has achieved an aim or object.
Siga siga (σιγά σιγά). Greek / adv. / siˈɣa siˈɣa / see-yah see-yah.: Being unhurried. Lit. “slowly, slowly.”
Śīla/sīla (शील). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʃiːlʌ / shee-luh.: Morality, ethics, virtue; custom, practice; conduct, disposition, nature, tendency.
Simpatía. Spanish / n. / sim.paˈtiːæ / sim-pah-tee-ah.: Accord and harmony within relationships and society generally.
Sisu. Finnish / n. / ˈsi.su / si-soo.: Extraordinary determination and courage, especially in the face of adversity.
Sitzfleisch. German / n. / ˈzɪt͡s.flaɪʃ / zitz-flysh.: The ability or willingness to persevere through tasks that are hard or boring. Lit. “sitting flesh.”
Skandha(s)/khanda(s) (स्कन्ध). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈskʌn.dʌs / skun-duss.: Aggregate(s), heap(s), grouping(s); used to describe the five “elements” that constitute the human being.
Smṛti/sati (स्मृति). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / smrɪ.tiː / smrih-tee.: Mindfulness or awareness of the present moment. Lit. “recollection” or “remembrance.”
Soirée. French / n. / swa.ʀe / swah-rray.: A relatively cultured evening party, often centered on music or conversation.
Solivagant. Latin / n., adj. / səʊˈlɪ.və.ɡənt / so-liv-a-gnt.: A lone wanderer; characterized by lone wandering.
Sophia (σοφία). Greek / n. / soˈfi.a / soh-fee-ya.: Wisdom, knowledge.
Sóphrosuné (σωφροσύνη). Greek / n. / sɔːpʰroˈsý.nɛ / sor-phro-sy-neh.: Excellence of character and soundness of mind; leads to other beneficial qualities, such as moderation and self-control.
Storgē (στοργή). Greek / n. / stoɹˈɣə / store-geh.: Filial love; care and affection (e.g., between family members).
Sukha (सुख). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ˈsʊ.kʰɘ / suh-kuh.: Pleasure; ease; satisfactoriness; antonym of duḥkha.
Sumud (ﺻﻣﻮﺩ). Arabic / n. / sɘˈmuːd / suh-mood.: Steadfastness, perseverance; a determined struggle to persist.
Śūnyatā/suññatā (शून्यता). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʃʊn.jʌˈtɑː / shoon-yuh-tah.: Emptiness; boundlessness, boundarylessness; the idea that all phenomena arise dependent on conditions, and have no intrinsic identity.
Superego. Latin (new) / n. / ˈsʊ.pɛr ˈɛ.ɡɔ / su-per eh-go.: Used by translators of Freud to represent the German Über-Ich, referring to internalized societal norms and values. Lit. “above I.”
Surāmerayamajja pamādaṭṭhānā (सुरामेरयमज्ज पमादठ्ठाना). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / sʊˈrɑːmeɪ.rʌ.jʌ.mʌ.ʤʌː pʌ.mɑːdʌt.hɑːnɑː / soo-rah-may-ruh-yuh-muh-juh puh-mah-dut-hah-nuh.: Intoxicating and/or unmindful states resulting from consumption of alcohol or other drugs, refraining from which is the fifth of Buddhism’s Five Precepts.
Ta'ârof (تعارف). Persian / n. / t̪ʰɒːˈɾof / thar-rof.: Politeness; social intelligence (e.g., in exchanging hospitality and gifts).
Taarradhin (تراض). Arabic / n. / ˈtæʜ.ræʜ.diːn / takh-rah-deen.: A win-win; a solution or compromise in which both parties are satisfied.
Tài jí [Tai chi] (太極). Chinese / n. / taɪ tɕʰiː / ty-chee.: A martial art involving slow, deliberate movements. Lit. “supreme” or “ultimate” force/energy.
Talanoa. Fijian / v. / tə.lə.noːə / tuh-luh-nor-uh.: To tell stories; to chat or gossip in ways that can serve as a “social adhesive.”
Talkoot. Finnish / n. / ˈtal.koːt / tahl-koort.: A collectively undertaken task; voluntary community work.
Tao (道). Chinese / n. / tʰaʊ / t/d-ao.: Omnipotent and all-pervasive creative/generative power; path or way; the unfolding process of reality itself.
Tarab (طرب). Arabic / n. / ˈtɑːrɘb / tah-rrb.: Singing, chanting; musically induced ecstasy or enchantment.
Tathāgatagarbha (तथागतगर्भ). Sanskrit/Pāli / tʌtˈhɑːgʌ.tʌ gɑːrb.hɑ / tuh-tar-guh-tuh garr-bha.: Buddha nature. Lit. “one who has thus come/gone.”
Tat Tvam Asi (तत्त्वमसि). Sanskrit / phrase / tʌt.twʌm.æsiː / tut-twum-ah-see.: A central expression of Ádvaita philosophy, articulating the oneness of ātman and Brahman. Lit. “Thou Art That.”
Techné (τέχνη). Greek / n. / ˈtékʰnɛː / tekh-nee.: Craftsmanship; practical expertise.
Þetta reddast. Icelandic / phrase / ˈθæ.tæ ˈrɛtːast / tha-ta reht-ust.: “It will all work out ok”; used especially when circumstances are not promising.
Tertulia. Spanish / n. / teɾˈtul.ja / terr-tool-ya.: A social gathering or conversation, usually with literary or artistic overtones.
Thymós (θυμός). Greek / n. / θyˈmos / thoo-moss.: Spiritedness; connotes flesh and blood.
Tiferet (תפארת). Hebrew / n. / tifˈʔeʁ.eθ / tif-air-eth.: Beauty, balance; the sixth sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, integrating Hésed and Gevurah.
Titânes (Τiτᾶνες). Greek / n. / ti.tanːɛs / tih-tah-ness.: Titans; in Greek mythology, the second generation of deities.
Tithadesh (תתחדש). Hebrew / int. / tɪt.xa.dɛʃ / tit-kha-desh.: Spoken to someone who has acquired a new possession or positive change in circumstances. Lit. “get new.”
Tjotjog. Javanese / v. / ʧəʊ.ʧəʊg / choh-chog.: To fit; harmony within relationships and society at large.
Toska (тоска). Russian / n. / tʌˈskaː / tuh-skah.: Longing, often for one’s homeland; nostalgia, wistfulness.
Tuko pamoja. Swahili / n. / tuːkɘ pæˈməʊ.ʤæ / too-kuh pah-moh-jah.: Community togetherness. Lit. “we are one/together.”
Tūrangawaewae. Māori / n. / təˌrʌŋ.ɡəˈwaɪ.waɪ / tur-rang-uh-why-why.: A place where one feels rooted, empowered, and connected. Lit. “a place to stand.”
Tzedaka (צדקה‎‎). Hebrew / n. / sˤə.ðaːqaː / su-tha-khaa.: Generosity or charity mandated by justice; required righteous giving. Lit. “justice,” “righteousness.”
Ubuntu. Zulu/Xhosa / n. / ʊˈbuːn.tʊ / uu-boon-tuu.: Being kind to others on account of one’s common humanity.
Uitbuiken. Dutch / v. / ˈəʊt.bɜːɬən / oat-ber-ghen.: To relax satiated between courses or after a meal. Lit. “out-bellying.”
Upaniṣads (उपनिषद्). Sanskrit / n. / ʊˈpə.n̪ɪ.ʂəd̪ / oo-puh-nee-shuud.: The foundational texts of what is now referred to as Hinduism; the concluding sections of the four Védas. Lit. “sitting down near.”
Upekṣā/upekkhā (उपेक्षा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / u.pɛkʰˈʃɑː / oo-pek-shah.: Equanimity, detachment; calmness, balance.
Utu (उतु). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / ʊtʊ / uu-tuu.: Seasons, per utu-niyāma, the “law of the seasons”: the regularity of environmental phenomena.
Vācā (वाचा). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / wɑːkə / vwah.kuh.: Speech, voice; per samyak-vāc (i.e., “right speech”), of the Noble Eightfold Path.
Vedanā (वेदना). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / veɪ.dʌ.nɑː / vwey-duh-nar.: Feeling tone; valence of a sensory object (pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral); in Buddhism, the second skandha.
Vijñāna/viññāṇa (विज्ञान). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / vɪg.njɑːnɘ / vwig-yah-nuh.: Consciousness, mind; discernment; in Buddhism, the fifth skandha.
Vinyāsa (विन्यास). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / vɪnˈjɑːsə / vwin-yah-suh.: A form of yoga centered on dynamic movement between āsana. Lit. “to place in a special way.”
Vipaśyanā/vipassanā (विपश्यना). Sanskrit/Pāli / n. / vɪ.pʌʃ.jʌ.nɑː / vwih-puhsh-yuh-nah.: Insight; clear-seeing, seeing into; cultivating awareness (e.g., of the nature of reality).
Vorfreude. German / n. / ˈfoːa̯.fʀɔɪ̯.də / for-fhroy-duh.: Joyful anticipation derived from imagining future pleasures.
Wabi (侘) Japanese / n. / ɯɑːbɪ / wah-bee.: Imperfect, rustic, remote, weathered beauty.
Wabi-sabi (侘寂): Japanese / n. / ɯɑːbɪ sɑːbɪ / wah-bee sah-bee.: Imperfect and aged beauty; the aesthetics of impermanence and imperfection.
Wanderlust. German / n. / ˌvæn.dɛˈlʊst / van-deh-loost.: Desire or predilection for travel and adventure. Lit. “desire to hike.”
Weltanschauung. German / n. / ˈvel.tæn.ʃaʊʊŋ / vell-tan-shao-ung.: An overarching worldview or philosophy of life.
Weltschmerz. German / n. / ˈvelt.ʃmeəts / velt-shmerts.: World-weariness, world-hurt; causeless melancholy.
Willkür. German / n. / ˈvɪl.kyːɐ / vill-kuah.: Following or obeying the will; choosing to obey oneself; arbitrariness, capriciousness.
Xenia (ξενία). Greek / n. / x.sen.ía / kh-sen-ia.: Guest-friendship; the importance of offering hospitality and respect to strangers.
Xiào (心). Chinese / n. / ɕi.aʊ / shee-aow.: Filial piety; family reverence.
Xīn (心). Chinese / n. / ɕɪn / shin.: Heart, mind, spirit.
Xìn (心). Chinese / n. / ɕɪn / shin.: Truth, truthfulness; sincerity; trust, trustworthiness.
Xìng fú (幸福) (Chinese, n. / ɕɪŋ.fʊː / shing-fuu.: Contentment; deep happiness. Lit. “fortunate blessing.”
Yesod (יסוד). Hebrew / n. / jɪs.sɒd / yiss-sod.: Foundation; the ninth sephirot in the Kabbalah tradition, denoting the creation of the manifest world.
Yì (義). Chinese / n. / jiː / ee.: Duty; justice; a moral disposition toward goodness.
Yīn-yáng (陰陽). Chinese / n. / jiːn.jʌŋ / yin-yung.: Holistic duality; dialectical, co-dependent opposites. Lit. “cloudy sun.”
Yoga (योग). Sanskrit / v., n. / jəʊ.gʌ / yoh-guh.: A psychophysical system of spiritual training and development. Lit. “to yoke, add, join, unite, attach.”
Yūgen (幽玄). Japanese / n. / ˈjuːgɘn / yoo-gn.: Obscurity, cloudy impenetrability, unknowability, mystery.
Zanshin (残心). Japanese / n. / zã̠n.ɕɪn / zan-shin.: A state of relaxed mental alertness, especially in the face of danger or stress. Lit. “remaining or enduring heart-mind.”
Zen (禪). Japanese / n. / zẽ̞ɴ / zun.: Concentrated attention or absorption. The Japanese adaptation of dhyāna.
Zeus (Ζεύς). Greek / pronoun / zɛ.us / zeh-oos.: In Greek mythology, the God of sky, thunder, law, order, and justice; supreme deity of the Olympian Gods. Known as Jupiter in Roman mythology.
Zhì (智). Chinese / n. / t͡ʂɘɻ / jirr.: Wisdom, perspicacity, knowledge.