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
connection
9 phrases · 5 collections
Phrases
(9)Zulu/Xhosa
Ubuntu
/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.
- #connection
- #philosophy
- #wisdom
Yaghan
Mamihlapinatapai
/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.
- #connection
- #love
- #melancholy
Indonesian
Jayus
/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.
- #connection
- #humor
Mandarin
Yuan fen
/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.
- #connection
- #fate
- #love
Korean
Nunchi
/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.
- #connection
- #wisdom
Spanish
Sobremesa
/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.
- #connection
- #hospitality
- #love
Dutch
Gezellig
/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.
- #connection
- #cozy
- #joy
Danish
Hygge
/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.
- #connection
- #cozy
- #joy
Collections
(5)- 🤝
The Art of Togetherness
Words that celebrate human connection and the warmth of community.
TarofUbuntuSobremesa+1 more#connection#hospitality#love - 🙏
Expressions of Gratitude
Words that go beyond "thank you" to express profound appreciation.
MerakiUbuntuPura vida#connection#joy#philosophy - 😄
Humor Across Cultures
The universal language of laughter expressed in unique ways.
TingoJayus#connection#humor - 🕯️
The Cozy Collection
Words that wrap around you like a warm blanket on a cold night.
KeyifSobremesaGezellig+1 more#connection#cozy#joy - 🧠
Social Intelligence
Words for reading rooms, understanding others, and navigating human dynamics.
TarofUbuntuNunchi#connection#hospitality#wisdom