Entries Recommendations Languages Countries

a dictionary
that goes beyond
translation

Discover our community-powered dictionary that explores languages from around the world through the eyes of native speakers.

How it works Explore

language + context

Not everything is said with just a translation. Created by linguists, Untranslatable is a dictionary that uses crowdsourcing and sociolinguistic principles to gain a better understanding of language.

used only by teenagers

has no literal translation

used in specific region

has a funny literal translation

has several meanings

mostly used ironically

used very infrequently

reference to a famous tv commercial

not to be used in front of grandma

In a Nutshell

what makes us unique

Untranslatable is an online dictionary that allows you to add words and phrases in any language or dialect. Here is what makes us unique.

context

Find out not just what something means, but who uses it, where, and how often, along with an example and translation.

verification

Each entry includes a link to an example, is seen by a moderator and can be verified by other users.

inclusivity

We love informal language, regional dialects, minority languages and other forms of language that are often overlooked.

For example

informal offensive link

Portuguese Brazil

gado demais *

* such an ox

Expression used often by Young People

It is used to call out a boy for being deceived or easily manipulated, especially by girls. It derives from the way that oxen follow their cattleman with no resistance. It can be used to call out boys who chase girls that don't care about them.

"Você ainda tá atrás dela? Gado demais!"

"You're still chasing her? Such an ox!"

cesar

Explore more

a growing collection

From local slang to national idioms - find entries from all over the world.

People: 1181+
Countries: 99*
Languages: 102*
Minority Languages: 16*

Want to make sure your language or country is represented?

See overview Add something +

Untranslatable - About

Digital documentation for
local dialects new slang your community informal language minority languages

By allowing entries in all languages and dialects, we hope to help preserve and promote linguistic diversity, especially for linguistic varieties that are otherwise often underdocumented or overlooked.

Is it only for words without translation?

Not at all! The name of this project refers not to the translatability of the words, but rather the additional context you are able to provide. Stuff that doesn't strictly fall under translation, but still helps provide context about how, where and how often words are used.