Missing Words in English
1 / 15Other languages have beautiful words for things English lacks a single word for. Can you match these untranslatable foreign words to their meanings?
15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓
The German word 'Schadenfreude' describes what feeling that English has no single word for?
About Missing Words in English
Other languages have beautiful words for things English lacks a single word for. Can you match these untranslatable foreign words to their meanings? Missing Words in English packs 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.
A few sample questions
1. The German word 'Schadenfreude' describes what feeling that English has no single word for?
Answer: Pleasure from others' misfortune
2. The Japanese word 'tsundoku' describes what common habit?
Answer: Buying books and never reading them
3. The Danish word 'hygge' refers to what concept that has no direct English equivalent?
Answer: A cozy, convivial atmosphere
4. The Finnish word 'sisu' describes what quality?
Answer: Extraordinary determination and resilience
5. The Portuguese word 'saudade' describes what feeling?
Answer: A deep longing or melancholic nostalgia for something absent
Frequently asked questions
Can I print Missing Words in English?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, Missing Words in English fits comfortably in one sitting.
How many questions are in Missing Words in English?
Missing Words in English has 15 multiple-choice questions. Each one has four answer options and an explanation that appears after you answer, so you learn something even when you miss.
Is Missing Words in English free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Missing Words in English — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
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