Persian
Tarof
/tah-ROFF/
A complex system of politeness involving excessive offers and refusals before accepting.
The elaborate dance of offering tea three times before the guest finally accepts.
- #connection
- #hospitality
9 phrases · 5 collections
Persian
/tah-ROFF/
A complex system of politeness involving excessive offers and refusals before accepting.
The elaborate dance of offering tea three times before the guest finally accepts.
Zulu/Xhosa
/oo-BOON-too/
I am because we are; the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.
Lit. Humanity towards others
Emphasizing community, compassion, and our shared humanity.
Yaghan
/mah-mee-lah-pee-nah-tah-PIE/
A look shared between two people, each wishing the other would initiate something they both desire.
That moment of unspoken connection when both people want to act but neither does.
Indonesian
/JAH-yoos/
A joke so poorly told and so unfunny that one cannot help but laugh.
When someone tells a terrible joke but the awkwardness itself becomes funny.
Mandarin
/yoo-en fen/
The fateful coincidence that brings people together; a binding force of destiny.
Lit. Fateful coincidence
Describes the serendipitous connection between people who were meant to meet.
Korean
/noon-chee/
The subtle art of listening and gauging others' moods; social awareness and emotional intelligence.
Reading a room to understand the dynamics and responding appropriately without words.
Spanish
/so-breh-MEH-sah/
The time spent lingering at the table after a meal, talking with family and friends.
Lit. Over the table
The cherished tradition of staying at the dinner table long after the food is finished.
Dutch
/heh-SELL-ikh/
A cozy, convivial atmosphere with good friends; a warm and fuzzy feeling of togetherness.
Describes both a place and an atmosphere—a café can be gezellig, as can an evening spent with friends.
Danish
/HOO-gah/
A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.
Lit. Coziness
Used when describing cozy moments with loved ones, like a winter evening by the fire with candles and hot chocolate.
Words that celebrate human connection and the warmth of community.
Words that go beyond "thank you" to express profound appreciation.
The universal language of laughter expressed in unique ways.
Words that wrap around you like a warm blanket on a cold night.
Words for reading rooms, understanding others, and navigating human dynamics.