The Māori concept of kaitiakitanga—the responsibility to guard and protect the natural world—has been named the world’s most beautiful word by the language-learning platform Babbel. After analyzing 223 words from 75 languages, an international panel of linguists and cultural experts selected the term for its profound meaning, distinctive sound, and its resonance with modern global efforts to address climate change.
Why Kaitiakitanga Resonates in the Modern Era
Babbel’s selection process prioritized words that lack direct equivalents in other languages, focusing on how they capture complex cultural values. According to Babbel language expert Esteban Touma Portilla, kaitiakitanga stands out because it speaks to a theme defining our current era: the stewardship of the environment for future generations. As climate change impacts communities worldwide, Portilla notes that the word serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to care for both the planet and one another.
Linguist Maren Pauli explains that the word’s power lies in its ability to bridge sound and significance. The repeated sounds within kaitiakitanga are intended to evoke natural cycles and our interconnected place within them.
Did you know?
Babbel’s jury evaluated words based on four specific criteria: sound, meaning, rarity, and cultural relevance. The shortlist was compiled after analyzing thousands of discussions from online communities like Reddit and TikTok.
Global Words That Capture the Human Experience
These terms often provide a vocabulary for experiences that transcend borders.
- Hiraeth (Welsh): A deep, bittersweet longing for a home or time that may no longer exist.
- Ikigai (Japanese): The sense of purpose that provides a reason to wake up each morning.
- Kintsugi (Japanese): The artistic practice of repairing broken ceramics with gold to honor their history.
- Saudade (Portuguese): A profound, painful, yet beautiful longing for something or someone absent.
- Ubuntu (Zulu): A philosophy of shared humanity, encapsulated by the phrase, “I am because we are.”
Other notable finalists included the Greek word aura, the Yiddish term Luftmensch, and the Finnish word poronkusema, which describes the distance a reindeer can travel before needing to urinate.
The Future of Language and Cultural Preservation
Experts at Babbel argue that words from minority or endangered languages are particularly compelling because they open new perspectives on how we perceive the world.
Try looking up the linguistic roots of words in your own heritage to see if they hold unique insights into your personal values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kaitiakitanga actually mean?
Kaitiakitanga is a Māori word that translates to guardianship and protection. It represents a Māori worldview focused on protecting and caring for the environment for both present and future generations.
How was the most beautiful word selected?
Babbel analyzed thousands of online discussions to create a shortlist of 223 words. An international panel of linguists, writers, and cultural experts then judged these words based on sound, meaning, rarity, and cultural relevance.
Why are “untranslatable” words important?
According to Maren Pauli, these words are powerful because they express values or experiences that lack direct equivalents in other languages. They open up new perspectives on how people perceive and describe the world.
What is your favorite word from another language that perfectly describes a feeling or concept? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights into world cultures and linguistics.
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