Language Corner

Tehya's Japanese Corner

過労死 (かろうし) karoushi - death from overwork

“Gigil"  - the feeling you have when something is so cute you want to bite/squeeze it. Often said or expressed with a squeal.

Asli's Turkish Corner

"Yakamoz" is the shimmering moonlight that’s reflected on the water at night. It evokes a very romantic response in the Turkish language and is considered one of the most beautiful words in the world.

João Paolo's Brazilian Portugese Corner

"Ginga" (pronounced like jin-ga) is a Brazilian Portuguese phrase that refers to a cool way of moving. Someone who has ginga moves in a free and loose way that’s impressive and can perhaps be compared to the English term of “swagger.” A footballer (soccer player) or jiu-jitsu practitioner can be said to have ginga when they move.

Jerry's Mandarin Chinese Corner

”默契” (mo Qi)

Translates to silent agreement

But it’s more like we understand each other really well

How many times do you think of a witty response too late? The French have an expression for that - “l’esprit d’escalier” which is directly translated to “staircase wit."

Bonus:

"La vache !" Directly translated, this means "the cow!" but it is used to express surprise, both good and bad, in a milder way than swearing.

C’est vachement bien - it’s really good 

Vachement - really really (stronger than vraiment and used more often)

Pat's Hawaiian Corner

"Kuleana" is a unique Hawaiian phrase that functions as both a value and practice. Loosely translated it means “responsibility.” It stands for reciprocity between a person and a thing. For example, Hawaiians have to care for their land, and in return, the land will care for them in return. Hawaiians have to have respect for the land, and the land will then feed and shelter them. They have a kuleana for each other.

Siobhan's Irish Corner

“Dia dhuit” means hello (directly translated as “God to you”)

“Dia is Muire dhuit” is the response (translated as “God and Mary to you”)

“Dia is Muire is Pádraig” is the next response (translated as “God and Mart and Patrick to you”)

“Dia is Muire is Pádraig is Íosaf dhuit” is the next response (translated as “God and Mary and Patrick and Joseph to you”) 

And it kind of continues on, adding religious figures as you go.