In every language, there are words that cannot be easily translated into English. These words are particularly fascinating as they often represent a significant aspect of a country's culture. In the case of French, these unique words not only convey emotions and the way French people express their feelings but also offer insights into French customs, habits, and even their sense of humor.

One such word is "sortable," which is mostly used in a negative context, as in "pas sortable," referring to family members and friends who cannot be taken out without the fear of embarrassment. The word "sortir" means "to go out" or "to take out," so "sortable" is a new term that awkwardly translates to "that you can take out." It encompasses situations where one may find themselves with a grandparent making subtle racist jokes, a friend crab-walking after having one too many drinks, or children using restaurant fixtures as monkey bars – all examples of individuals who are considered "pas sortable."

While some might translate this untranslatable French word as "impediment," its true meaning goes far beyond that. It carries a subtlety that cannot be fully captured in a single English word. So, if you come across the term "sortable" in your French journey, don't solely rely on Google's definition; instead, embrace the complexity and cultural nuance it represents.

When you are faced with an empêchement, which is something that hinders or prevents you from a certain activity, it is considered perfectly polite to use it as a reason for being late or cancelling plans. In such situations, there is no need to scramble to come up with a specific excuse. Instead, you can simply say that you had an unexpected last-minute change of plans.

The sensation of dépaysement, which can be best described as the feeling of being out of your element when you are in a foreign country, does not carry the negative connotations of homesickness or culture shock. In fact, it is often associated with the positive experience of discovering new horizons, such as different landscapes, people, languages, and food. French people particularly look forward to experiencing dépaysement when they go on vacation in a foreign land.

Have you ever found yourself unable to come up with a clever comeback in the heat of the moment, only for it to hit you later, typically while you're in the shower? This frustrating tendency is known as "staircase wit".

Diderot, the renowned philosopher of the 18th century, popularized the term "l’appel du vide" when he recognized the tendency to think of clever comebacks only after stepping away from an argument, often while descending a staircase.

If you find yourself experiencing a deep sense of melancholy, dissatisfaction, and discouragement, it could be described as having "the spleen". This term, introduced by the French poet Baudelaire, is derived from the English word for the actual organ. It stems from the belief of Hippocrates, the revered father of medicine, who hypothesized that our emotions are influenced by the humors and secretions originating from our spleen.

"The call of the void" captures the impulsive desire to leap from great heights, but it can also encompass other unsettling thoughts that cross our minds, such as thoughts of driving into oncoming traffic, jumping off a subway platform, or even placing our hand in a blender. Surprisingly, scientific research suggests that these impulses are not indicative of a desire to cause harm or end one's life, but instead represent a reassertion of our determination to live.

It is worth noting that "l’appel du vide" occurs sporadically in approximately half the population, serving as a reminder to exercise greater caution amid such unsettling thoughts.

The French are known for their romantic and tragic nature, which is reflected in their special expression for unrequited love. However, you don't have to be French or a drama queen to understand the particular pain of such an experience. If you've ever spent hours gazing out the window while listening to sad songs, reveling in the sorrow of unrequited affection, then you have experienced what the French call "la douleur exquise". And let's be honest, while heartbreak is painful, it also has a way of making us feel intensely alive.

One of the most useful French words you'll frequently come across is "voilà". It has a multitude of meanings and can be translated as anything from "there it is" to "finally". For instance, when something you've been eagerly waiting for finally happens, you can use "voilà, enfin!" Or when you've completed a task or assignment, you can exclaim, "Aah, voilà!". Even when you're handing something over to someone, you can casually say, "Tiens, voilà!".

Another interesting aspect of French culture is the concept of "flâner", which means to wander the streets of a city aimlessly, without any specific goal or final destination, purely for the pleasure of immersing oneself in the atmosphere. It's about enjoying the moment for what it is, without any other objectives in mind. This embrace of leisurely wandering is deeply ingrained in French culture.

In addition to flâner and lèche-vitrines, another popular French pastime is profiter, which translates as "to take advantage" but conveys the true meaning of "enjoying" or "making the most of". This verb captures the essence of the French art of simply being in the moment.

While some people may despise shopping and quickly locate the specific store that carries what they require, the French approach shopping differently. They indulge in the activity of "window-licking", spending hours meandering through flea markets, admiring the goods, and engaging in conversations with other passers-by. It is not essential for them to have a specific item in mind or even make a purchase. Instead, they find delight in "flâner" while appreciating the displays in shop windows, perhaps gathering inspiration or simply enjoying the beauty of the items.

Similarly, with profiter, the French cherish the opportunity to spend time with loved ones or stumble upon a pastry shop that offers delectable croissants. It encapsulates the idea of seizing the moment and fully savoring the experience. It can also be used as a standalone verb, encouraging individuals to take pleasure in the present moment and make the most of what life has to offer.

Imagine yourself seated at a charming café terrace, basking in the warm sunlight as you leisurely savor a glass of wine, while observing the bustling world around you. In this moment, what are you doing? In the French language, one would say, "Je profite!" - a succinct expression that captures the essence of treasuring these simple yet meaningful pleasures.

Additionally, let us explore the delightful concept of "retrouvailles" - a French term that encompasses the sheer joy experienced when reuniting with a loved one after an extended separation. This word, although lacking a precise translation, resonates with us all, especially as we reflect on the challenges faced during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It evokes heartwarming imagery of genuine happiness, affection, and warmly embraced reunions. It is important to note that "retrouvailles" is always used in its plural form, emphasizing the multiplicity of these cherished reunions.

In the realm of playful language, the English language has a humorous saying that suggests the incompetence of certain individuals by jesting that they were perhaps dropped on their head as a baby. Similarly, the French language has its own whimsical expression for someone behaving in a peculiar manner: "T'es tombé sur la tête?" (Have you fallen on your head?). Taking this concept further, there exists an untranslatable French term to describe people who exhibit erratic behavior - "frappadingue." This inventive adjective is a fusion of "frapper" (to hit) and "dingue" (crazy). Although not inherently derogatory, it is not particularly endearing either, despite the French being known for their fondness of lighthearted teasing and affectionate banter.

In France, there is said to be a diverse range of individuals who are often described using the funny word "frappadingue." However, this word carries a lighter connotation than one might expect. It is typically used to depict someone who is slightly unconventional, eccentric, or scatterbrained. It is worth noting that for native English speakers, pronouncing the French "u" in this word can be quite challenging.

If you happen to find yourself in the discount superstore Tati on the day when their inexpensive wedding dresses are on sale, you might hear someone exclaim, "Quel tohu-bohu!" This amusing French term describes scenes of loud and agitated confusion. Picture the energy and commotion of a crowded rock concert or a vibrant street demonstration, which the French are famous for. Noise and chaos are the defining elements of a tohu-bohu moment.

Interestingly, this difficult-to-translate French word is derived from Biblical Hebrew. "Tohu-wa-bohu" is used to describe the shapeless state of the Earth before the creation of light.

While Americans enjoy poking fun at those who claim they "didn't inhale," the French have gone a step further by creating a word for it—to shame those who are insincere or pretending.

Crapoter in French is a verb that refers to the act of smoking a cigarette or another substance without inhaling. It is a playful term often used by teenagers to mock their friends who hold the smoke in their mouth instead of inhaling it fully. An example of this would be when one friend says, "Haha, tu crapotes!" meaning "Haha, you're just holding the smoke in your mouth!"

Now, let's move on to another interesting French word, "râler", which is often considered untranslatable. Râler is more than just complaining. It's a national pastime in France and a way for the French to continuously express their ongoing dissatisfaction with the world around them. It is not necessarily loud, whiny, or boisterous, but rather a subtle form of grumbling. No inconvenience is too small for the French to refrain from râler about, and they even do it when they are alone at home.

To practice râler, you simply need to add a few more decibels and perhaps some colorful swear words to whatever you want to mumble under your breath. This word showcases the unique cultural trait of expressing dissatisfaction in a particular way that is deeply ingrained in French society.