Language is a beautiful thing. It helps us communicate, express ourselves, share ideas, and much more. Have you ever experienced something while traveling that is hard to put into words? One fun benefit of traveling and experiencing other cultures and people is the words you pick up along the way. Here are 13 creative travel words from around the world.
Eudaimonia (Greek)
An ancient Greek word that is often defined as happiness or well-being. It comes from Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, the ‘science of happiness’. For Aristotle, eudaimonia is the highest human good. It means achieving the best conditions of a meaningful life, in every sense–not only happiness but also virtue and morality.
Hozhoni (American Indian, Navajo)
This is an American Indian Navajo word that translates to “beauty”, although it also translates carries a meaning of profound harmony and balance.
Eleutheromania (Greek)
Another ancient Greek word, Eleutheromania is a great and constant desire to be free.
Aware (Japanese)
This Japanese word from a popular saying Mono no aware (物の哀れ, もののあはれ), which literally “the pathos of things” or “the ‘ahh-ness’ of things, life, and love”. Aware translates to the bittersweetness of a brief and fading moment of transcendent beauty. They say awareness of the transience of all things heightens appreciation of their beauty and evokes a gentle sadness at their passing. It was first used by Motoori Norinaga in his literary criticism of The Tale of Genji. He said mono no aware is the crucial emotion that moves readers.
Apanthropy
Solitude holds a special place for creatives. This word originates from the Greek word apanthropia, and translates to a love of solitude.
Kaukokaipuu (Finnish)
After the last year, many creatives are probably feeling this. This is the Finnish word for wanderlust or a yearning to travel to far-off places.
Theosophy
From the Medieval Latin word theosophia (c.880) and the Late Greek word theosophia, this word translates to an immediate divine illumination.
Ikigai (Japanese)
This Japanese word translates to a reason for being, the thing that gets you up in the morning. It’s a Japanese concept about finding direction or purpose in life or a sense of meaning.
Duende (Spanish)
Duende or tener duende is a Spanish term for a heightened state of emotion, expression, and authenticity. It is the power that a work of art has to deeply move a person.
Commuovere (Italian)
This is the Italian word for a story that moves you to tears.
Wabi-Sabi (Japanese)
Wabi-sabi (侘寂) is a traditional Japanese aesthetics about finding beauty in imperfection. It is a view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Learn more here.
Luftmensch (Yiddish)
This Yiddish word is to describe someone with their head in the clouds, a dreamer, or a social misfit.
Meraki (Greek)
This is a word that modern Greeks often use to describe doing something with soul, creativity, or love. It’s a creative connection where you put something of yourself into your work.
Zach is an international writer, photographer, filmmaker, martial artist, and creator of Creative Enso, the Zen art of creative living. His goal is to empower and inspire creatives to live healthier, happier, and more creative lifestyles.
