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untranslatable

/ˌʌntrænzˈleɪtəbəl/ adjective · British & US
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What does untranslatable mean?

adjective

Impossible to translate into another language because the word or phrase has no equivalent in that language; too culturally specific or nuanced to be translated.

Example

"The phrase 'joie de vivre' is often considered untranslatable because it captures a unique French spirit that doesn't have a direct equivalent in English."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymologically related

Synonyms for untranslatable

Antonyms of untranslatable

Rhymes with untranslatable