Useful words in Russian with no English equivalent

We saw an interesting article written by Christina Sterbenz (Business Insider) and we would like to share it with everyone.

There are 9 useful words in Russian with no English equivalent that we can possibly use in our speech to add more charm to our conversation.

Here they are:

tоска (tas-’ka)

At the deepest and most painful level, it is a sensation of great spiritual anguish, often without any specific cause. At less morbid levels, it is a dull ache of the soul, a longing with nothing to long for, a sick pining, a vague restlessness, mental throes, yearning. In particular cases it may be the desire for somebody of something specific, nostalgia, love-sickness. At the lowest level it grades into ennui, boredom.

пошлость (‘poshe-list)

This one word encompasses triviality, vulgarity, sexual promiscuity, and a lack of spirituality.

бытие (‘bwi-tee-ye)

This Russian noun hints at hyper-consciousness or an objective and analytical mindset.  The exact meaning contains a metaphysical property English can’t relay.

переподвыподверт (‘per-e-pod-’voy-pod-’vert)

This noun refers to doing something in a complex, incomprehensible way.

беспредел (bes-pre-’del)

“bespredel” literally means “without limits or boundaries”.  The word also conjures images of chaotic violence, and Google translate says it means “lawlessness.” When this state is in place, an ordinary person is at the mercy of somebody behaving without regard to law or structures.

почемучка (‘pa-che-’mooch-ka)

This refers to a person, normally child, who aks a lot of questions.  While English-speakers might use “busybody,” “pochemuchka” doesn’t have the same negative connotation. In fact, parents or grandparents often us it as a term of endearment.

сушняк (‘soosh-nyak)

It means “that really dry feeling you get in your throat when you wake up after a night of drinking.”

Недоперепил (‘ne-do-per-ee-’pel)

This means “under-over-drunk,” as defined on Proz.com. In other words, someone drank more than he or she should have, but less than he or she could have (or wanted to).

белоручка (‘bel-a-’rooch-ka)

This word describes someone who doesn’t want to do any dirty work.