Relationships

These Beautiful Foreign Words Describe 10 Types Of Love You Didn't Know You Felt

by Sean Abrams
Expedia

If you're like me, conveying emotions isn't exactly your forte.

Sure, I know what happiness and affection feel like, but that doesn't mean I'm the best at openly expressing those things.

I mean, you can hug someone. You can kiss someone. You can tell 'em straight up that you love 'em. But how else can I get my point across?

Well, in almost every culture, the expression of love is universal. Everyone has the capacity to love others, and a lot of us share the struggle of how to properly explain it.

Because sometimes, those three words don't always get the job done.

That's why travel website Expedia developed "Language of Love" as a way to help speak from the heart, even when you just can't get the right phrase out.

So to help us all get a little more educated on the language of love, they selected 10 words from different languages that describe specific love-related feelings you get, like when you're too shy to make a move or when you're anxiously waiting for your date to arrive.

Each word is also paired with a colorful illustration that depict different emotions of that, to be honest, you've probably been displaying publicly all this time.

"Mamihlapinatapei"

Expedia

To shy to go in for that kiss and make a move? Well, there's this beautiful Chilean word for that.

Translation: "A meaningful, wordless look shared between two individuals who want to initiate something, but are scared to make the first move."

"Cwtch"

Expedia

Who knew a hug could have such a deep meaning in Welsh?

Translation: "A hug — a safe haven given to you by the one you love."

"Ya'aburnee"

Expedia

This Arabic word is coming in hot with all the feels.

Translation: "Used to express the hope that your loved one outlives you, so you don't have to endure the pain of living without them."  The literal English translation is "you bury me."

"Forelsket"

Expedia

Anyone down for some skydiving? The people of Norway understand that "head over heels" feeling.

Translation: "A eutrophic feeling experienced when you start falling in love."

"Iktsuarpok"

Expedia

Pacing around and impatiently awaiting your date's arrival? The people of Greenland have a word for that.

Translation: "That feeling of anticipation when waiting for someone to come over to your home."

"Viraag"

Expedia

Do you think they have FaceTime in India?

Translation: "The emotional pain felt due to being away from the one you love."

"Cafune"

Expedia

I would typically do this to a large dog, but hey, to each person in Brazil their own.

Translation: "The motion of running your fingers through your beloved's hair."

"Oodal"

Expedia

Have Sri Lankans heard of make-up sex, too?

Translation: "The act of fake-sulking after getting into a trivial argument with your loved one."

"Gigil"

Expedia

This Filipino word is also the first one that sounds surprisingly appropriate.

Translation: "The desire to pinch or squeeze something (or someone) that is overwhelmingly cute."

"Flechazo"

Expedia

Even the Spanish know about that creepy, flying baby in a diaper!

Translation: "That feeling you've been struck by Cupid's arrow (when you have an intense connection with someone)."

What we've come to learn is that our native English language may not provide the exact word to fully express what we want to get across. But that doesn't mean the word doesn't exist.

Hopefully, by using "Language of Love," you'll be inspired to express a little more of yourself (and broaden your vocabulary, too) when it comes to all things emotions.

Don't be scared. Tell 'em how you really feel.