According to the language learning platform Babbel, the Māori word “Kaitiakitanga” has been selected as the world’s most beautiful word after an international jury evaluated more than 223 terms from over 75 languages. The indigenous New Zealand term denotes the spiritual and social responsibility of guarding and protecting the natural environment, water, land, and living creatures for future generations.
How the International Jury Evaluated 223 Words
The selection process began when Babbel examined international discussions on Reddit and language communities on TikTok to compile user-submitted terms deemed beautiful, impressive, or unique, according to the platform. Language and culture experts from Babbel then added their own recommendations to build a long list exceeding 223 words from more than 75 languages. An international jury comprised of linguists, writers, and cultural workers subsequently evaluated the terms independently. In the first round, each juror scored their top five preferences, advancing the top 15 highest-scoring words to the final stage. The final round assessed the words not only on their acoustic qualities but also on their meanings, linguistic structures, and cultural connotations.
Why Kaitiakitanga Won the Top Spot
In the final evaluation, the Māori term “Kaitiakitanga” took first place, framing environmental stewardship as a profound spiritual and community duty rather than a mere task. According to the jury, the word stood out due to its distinctive sound, powerful meaning, and ability to capture a complex concept that resists single-word translations in many other languages. The growing visibility of climate change impacts further reinforced the cultural resonance of the winning term, as noted by the organizers.
Did you know? The selection is not a scientific ranking or a universal list, but rather an intentional, subjective curation based on sound, meaning, linguistic originality, and cultural backing as determined by Babbel’s international panel.
Turkish Word Yakamoz Reaches the Final 15
Turkish also secured a spot in the final 15 words with “yakamoz,” which Babbel defined as the silvery glow created by moonlight on the water’s surface. However, this definition diverges slightly from the exact dictionary definition in Turkish. According to established lexicography, yakamoz primarily refers to the phosphorescence—or bioluminescence—produced in the sea at night by the movement of fish or oars. Meanwhile, the reflection of moonlight on water is traditionally referred to as “mehtap” or “gümüşservi.”
The Complete List of 15 Finalist Words
The final shortlist compiled by the international jury features terms from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds:
- Mamihlapinatapai (Yaghan): A meaningful look shared by two people who both want to initiate something but hesitate.
- Hiraeth (Welsh): A deep, bittersweet longing for a home or time that is lost or never truly known.
- Zephyr (Greek): A light, soft, and refreshing breeze.
- Aura (Greek): A distinctive influence, energy, or atmosphere surrounding a person.
- Ikigai (Japanese): A life purpose that provides the motivation to get out of bed every morning.
- Kaitiakitanga (Māori): The spiritual responsibility to protect and guard nature for future generations.
- Kintsugi (Japanese): The art of repairing broken ceramics with gold to make the breakage visible rather than hiding it.
- Luftmensch (Yiddish): An idealistic person who lives more through thoughts and dreams than practical matters.
- Naz (Urdu): The self-confidence and pride born from knowing one is unconditionally loved.
- Saudade (Portuguese): A deep longing for an absent person, place, or time, carrying both pain and beauty.
- Poronkusema (Finnish): A traditional distance unit describing the distance a reindeer can travel before needing to urinate.
- Ojalá (Spanish): An expression of strong desire or hope for something to happen.
- Ubuntu (Zulu): A shared understanding of humanity rooted in the idea that “I am because we are.”
- Iriy (Ukrainian): A mythical, warm, and mystic realm where souls and birds migrate to spend the winter.
- Yakamoz (Turkish): The glow appearing in the sea at night due to marine life or movement.
Pro Tip: When exploring untranslatable words across global languages, examine the cultural context and etymology to fully grasp the emotional nuances that standard dictionary translations often miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this list a scientific ranking of world languages?
No, according to Babbel, the selection is an entirely subjective curation based on sound, meaning, linguistic originality, and cultural context rather than an objective scientific ranking.
How were the finalist words chosen?
An international jury of linguists, writers, and cultural workers scored a long list of 223 terms derived from Reddit discussions, TikTok language communities, and expert recommendations over multiple rounds.
What does the winning word Kaitiakitanga mean?
According to the jury, it originates from the Māori language and describes the spiritual and social responsibility of protecting nature, land, water, and wildlife for future generations.
What is your favorite untranslatable word from another language? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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