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 87 languages from over 114 countries, this platform aims to give everyone an opportunity to share and explain slang, expressions, idioms, emojis, references from their part of the world.
Latest entry
Word USED On Occasion BY Some People
Literal translation: wild strawberry place. A place (or time period) especially associated with comfort, joy, peace, or nostalgia.
"Jag ser så framemot att åka ut till stugan, den är verkligen mitt smultronställe."
"I so look forward to going to the cottage, it really is my wild strawberry place."
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.
A collection of dictionaries
Beyond our own database of entries, we also have a database documenting other amazing alternative dictionaries or project 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.
It's like asking a friend
Untranslatable is not a replacement for a traditional dictionary, but should be seen as an addition thereof. Think of it like asking a foreign friend to explain a local linguistic phenomenon to you.
