/ɐˈɦĩːsaː/ Literally: “non-harm” The principle of non-violence toward all living beings — not merely avoiding physical harm but cultivating a mindset of compassion in thought, word, and deed. Etymology Ahimsa (अहिंसा) is a Sanskrit compound: the negative prefix a- (अ) combined with hiṃsā (हिंसा, “harm” or “injury”). It first appears in the Upanishads and became … Read more
/jɑkɑˈmoz/ Literally: “phosphorescence on water” The reflection of moonlight on water — specifically, the shimmering, dancing trail of light that the moon creates on a dark sea surface. Etymology Yakamoz entered Turkish from the Greek yakamóz (γιακαμόζ), which itself may derive from a dialectal Greek term for bioluminescent sea shimmer. The word won a 2007 … Read more
/ceˈjif/ Literally: “pleasure, delight” The art of leisurely enjoyment — a state of relaxed, unhurried pleasure found in simple moments like sipping tea, watching the sunset, or sitting quietly with no agenda. Etymology Keyif comes from the Arabic kayf (كيف), meaning “pleasure” or “well-being.” The word traveled across Ottoman trade routes, embedding itself in Turkish, … Read more
/jɑʔˈbur.ni/ Literally: “you bury me” A declaration of love so intense that you hope to die before your beloved — because you cannot bear the thought of living without them. Etymology Ya’aburnee (يقبرني) comes from the Arabic root ق-ب-ر (q-b-r), relating to graves and burial. Yaqbur (يقبر) means “he buries” and the suffix -ni (ني) … Read more
/tˤɑˈɾɑb/ Literally: “musical ecstasy” The state of musical ecstasy and emotional enchantment that overtakes a listener when music reaches transcendent beauty — a shared trance between musician and audience. Etymology Tarab (طرب) comes from the Arabic root ط-ر-ب (ṭ-r-b), associated with joy, delight, and being moved by music. The word predates Islam and appears in … Read more
/pɐtɕɪˈmutɕkə/ Literally: “why-asker” A person — especially a curious child — who asks too many questions, an incessant asker of “why?” Etymology Pochemuchka (почемучка) derives directly from pochemu (почему), the Russian word for “why,” with the diminutive suffix -chka (чка) that adds affection and smallness. The word was popularized by the beloved Soviet children’s book … Read more
/tɐˈska/ Literally: “anguish, yearning” A deep, soul-crushing anguish and longing without a specific cause — a spiritual sickness that aches in the chest, a sadness so vast it has no object. Etymology Toska (тоска) has roots in the Old East Slavic tъska, connected to Proto-Slavic words for “grief” and “pressure.” Vladimir Nabokov famously described its … Read more
/ev.ðeˈmo.ni.a/ Literally: “good spirit, flourishing” A state of human flourishing achieved through living virtuously and fulfilling your potential — not fleeting happiness, but deep, lasting well-being rooted in purpose. Etymology Eudaimonia (εὐδαιμονία) combines eu (εὖ, “good” or “well”) with daimon (δαίμων, “spirit” or “guiding force”). In ancient Greek thought, your daimon was a kind of … Read more
/ˈkefi/ Literally: “high spirits, zest” The spirit of joy, passion, and enthusiasm that overtakes you — an irresistible urge to celebrate life through music, dance, laughter, and togetherness. Etymology Kefi (κέφι) entered Greek from the Turkish keyif, which itself derives from the Arabic kayf (كيف), meaning “pleasure” or “a state of well-being.” In Ottoman-era Greek, … Read more
/fiˈlotimo/ Literally: “love of honor” A complex Greek virtue encompassing honor, dignity, duty, generosity, and deep respect for others — doing the right thing not for reward but because your sense of self demands it. Etymology Philotimo (φιλότιμο) is a compound of philos (φίλος, “friend” or “loving”) and timi (τιμή, “honor” or “price/value”). The word … Read more