
The jewelry shows off how gorgeous some Japanese words can be.
One of the most interesting aspects of learning a new language is discovering words that don’t have equivalents in your native tongue. Japanese has plenty of unique words we’d love to import into English, and even English has some pretty good unique words too, like “serendipity” or “petrichor.”
And the London-based artist Minimalist Things has recently turned these unique words into an art form by bringing the words, their language of origin, and meaning all together in custom-made necklaces.
▼ Here’s one with the Japanese word “wabi-sabi” (侘び寂び),
an aesthetic that values the simple, subdued, and imperfect.
▼ Another Japanese one: the word “komorebi” (木漏れ日),
meaning “sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees.”
▼ And there are plenty of other languages with cool words too,
like “hyggelig” from Danish, the winner for coziest word in the world.
▼ Here’s “toska” from Russian,
which we have to say feels very Russian.
▼ Maybe you’re feeling a bit of a “duende” yourself
looking at all these cool works of art?
▼ The single Brazilian Portugese word “cafuné” sounds
a lot sweeter than that long English phrase.
If you’d like an untranslatable necklace of your own, Minimalist Things is currently “taking a short break,” most likely filling orders for people who want some of their awesome work. But be sure to check back and perhaps suggest some favorite “untranslatable words” of your own.
Source: Etsy/MinimalistThings via fubiz
Images: Etsy/MinimalistThings, Pinterest/Minimalist Things






Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Starbucks Japan unveils new peach milk pudding drink that’s like a decadent dessert
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Starbucks Japan unveils new peach milk pudding drink that’s like a decadent dessert
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Mos Burger opens Mosh Burger & Bar in Ginza, but is it fated to be a short-lived sensation?
Japan’s favorite quasi-local curry launches convenience store version – Does it match the real deal?
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Bearista collection…with beary cute details
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Tokyo’s viral 90-yen cafe pop-up returns to Harajuku with yogurt coffee
Starbucks Japan releases new fireworks collection that captures the beauty of a summer festival
Beautiful exclusive Totoro tenugui towel is a gift from Disney to Ghibli physical media buyers
We found the world’s first Yakult 1000 soft serve, and it’s hidden away in Nara