An "Untranslatable" Word?

[Hornbein]

I don't know that any word is truly untranslatable, but I'd say the more words it takes to explain the meanings of a foreign word is a measure of translatability. So how about the common Indonesian word biji. It is usually translated as "seeds", but actually it means "a collection of things that are pretty much the same" like seeds of the same variety. So the buttons on your shirt are biji. Screws are the hardware store are biji. But beware, there is also buah. That means "fruit" and also can mean "a collection of things that are pretty much the same." It depends one whether the things remind one more of seeds or of fruit, I guess. Are hen's eggs biji or buah or can they be either? I'll have to ask someone.

There is also a nice complex near here called Biji World. That's different, it's just a single thing. I guess it is metaphorically considered to be a seed that will grow in influence. Like other Asian languages, there is usually no distinction between singular and plural forms.

Then there is bunga, which usually means "blossom" but also can mean "interest on a loan or deposit." Bunga can also mean a flower but flowers are seldom seen in eastern Asia.

 

[sbrothy]

For some reason I always hear that the Danish word "hygge" (coziness), "hyggeligt" (cozy) is a unique Danish word and concept, because obviously the 5-6 millions inhabitants of Denmark are the only people who came up with having a nice time with family and friends?!

I've never understood this!

EDIT: It's a little the commandment: "Honor thy parents!" Because no exasperated parent could possibly have thought of that of themselves!