Language, explained

Untranslatable is a place where native speakers from around the world get to share, explain and define things from their language.

With thousands of entries in 93 languages from over 119 countries, this platform aims to give everyone an opportunity to share and explain slang, expressions, idioms, emojis, references from their part of the world.

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Spanish Venezuela

echar los perros*

Expression USED On Occasion BY Some People

Literal translation: to give the runaround. It means to court someone.

"Tu hermano me está echando los perros."

"Your brother is giving me the runaround."


Beyond translation

Translation isn't the only thing that defines what something means. At Untranslatable, we try to go beyond translation by sharing specific information about where something is used, how frequently, and by who.

Information that is often common knowledge to native speakers, but not to outsiders. This way you get an insider view into a foreign language.




Crowdfunded, crowdsourced

Untranslatable is made possible by you.

The project launched in 2019 on Kickstarter, and has since gathered thousands of entries from all over the world.



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A collection of dictionaries

Beyond our own database of entries, we also have a database documenting other amazing alternative dictionaries or projects related to slang.

This includes dictionaries, online or printed, that are dedicated to non-standard varieties, or projects that focus on language varieties that are often left undocumented.