The Divine Words

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The beauty of languages, is that there are an immeasurable amount of words in them, each with a different sound, different syllables, and a unique meaning. The fact that we have developed an intricate communication system around the world, through stringing these syllables together and giving them meaning, still baffles me. Which is why, I have made a list of the most eloquent words, there possibly could be, in not just English, but various languages throughout the world.


1. Eunoia


Maybe it's just my inner Percy Jackson fangirl speaking, but I've been obsessed with all things Greek for half of my life. There is just this mystical quality to the Greek language, and there was no better way to emphasize it than this word. As seen above, eunoia refers to a well balanced mind. It is also the medical term for being mentally stable. It is the shortest word that combines all of the 5 English vowels, which gives it a unique pronunciation.

Sentence: 

Her kindness and eunoia made her a truly good friend.


2. Ukiyo


The simplicity of this word never fails to astound me. The word itself has no complex sounding pronunciation, just three syllables rolling off your tongue. Apparently, the original term Ukiyo meant sorrowful realm in Buddhist culture, and referred to mortal life on earth. During the Edo period in Japan, Ukiyo-e became a genre of art, which displayed various painting of folk tales and other pleasures found on Earth. It's new meaning, 'floating world' was meant to mock at it's former one, and represented extravagance.

Sentence: 

Ukiyo-e artists were popular in the Edo era.


3. Hygge


The actual meaning of the word is beautiful, but to me the pronunciation is much more intriguing. The way in which 'y' is pronounced 'ue' adds a twist to this otherwise simple word. The word also refers to a practice followed by the Danish, to prioritize comfort and coziness. Recently, it has become a trend on the internet to follow the 'hygge routine' also known as the 'ultimate coziness guide'. 

Sentence: 

Reading a book on Sunday morning with a cup of coffee is so hygge.



4. Toska


This is the darkest word on our list so far. It's profound meaning makes it beautiful in a heart-wrenching manner. I think the best way to describe this word would be your favorite character in a book dying, sacrificing themselves for something. Apparently, toska is 'untranslatable' as no single word in English would describe the various shades of grief it touches. In my opinion, the word melancholy would fit it best.

Sentence:

When everyone came to find out that Leo Valdez sacrificed himself to save the others, their souls touched upon toska.



5. Fika



To end this post on a brighter note, we have the Swedish word, fika. The word itself radiates light hearted energy, it's short and sweet syllables makes it easy to say. I believe it is an important word, with an equally important meaning, as it is always important to appreciate the smallest of things in life. A more direct meaning of this word would translate it to drinking coffee with friends, or enjoying a treat.

Sentence:

Exams are over, want to go fika?

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