Japanese words that need to become a part of English

Languages and cultures influence each other, and grow and evolve simultaneously. The Japanese culture fascinates and awes the rest of the world for it's discipline and art. It's language reflects this, for it has many words for the subtilities of social conduct or the facets of art that have no Engish equivalent. There are by no means perfect though and some of the words normalise and add beauty to such individual eccentricities.

Here are some Japanese words that need to become a part of the English language

Many bibliophiles have already heard this word that refers to how some people buy books(or other reading material) with the intention of reading then but overlook reading them and let them pile up in their homes.

Komorebi refers to the beautiful sight of sunlight as it shines through the branches of a tree or trees. Anyone who loves the outdoors knows the beauty of the dappled light especially during sunrise or sunset and it would be nice to have a word for it.

This beautifully flowing word contains a beautiful thought and which is illustrated in the way it's written. It has the kanji for four different trees that flower in the springtime to preach that one shouldn't compare themselves to others but appreciate their own beauty and realise they don't have to be identical to another to be of value. The four trees named are cherry, plum, peach, and apricot.

Anyone who stress eats or can't watch a movie without popcorn or always chews gum has experienced Kuchisabishii. It translates to lonely mouth- and no, it does not have a romantic meaning. It's used to refer to the urge to eat, not because you're hungry, but because your mouth feels lonely.

This is a philosophy which embraces the beauty of imperfection, understanding perfection to be human construct or goal and that the asymmetry of nature has a grace to it. Common examples are a teacup with rough edges or a perfectly maintained garden with haphazard leaves littered by a tree. Some more relatable examples might be once bright running shoes muddy from use, or a picture uploaded without a filter or the way old books yellowing only adds to their beauty.

This phrase refers to the act of pretending not to be home. We wonder if there's a term for ignoring your phone as well.

Shibui is a form of minimalist beauty. It's finding simplicity in understated and restrained things. It could also mean finding beauty in the details of simplicity. A simple white dress, a mattress on the floor rather than a big bed are examples of shibui.

It is often translated online to mean yearning or longing, but it means something a little deeper. It's always in reference to a person but it doesn't have to be a romantic longing. It involes longing as well as admiration or respect. It can mean longing to be like the person and not just for the person. For example, many amateur athletes feel akogare towards professionals.

A cold wind that signals the approach of winter is called Kogarashi. It's literal translation is “leaf wilting wind”.