World's most beautiful word chosen from the Maori language: Turkish 'yakamoz' in the top 15

In an international evaluation conducted by the language learning platform Babbel, the word "kaitiakitanga" from the Maori language, the indigenous people of New Zealand, was chosen as the "most beautiful word in the world." According to a report by Sözcü, the Turkish word "yakamoz" was also included in the top 15 list.

Babbel prepared a shortlist of 223 words from 75 languages by examining thousands of language discussions in online communities such as Reddit and TikTok. Subsequently, an international jury consisting of linguists, writers, and cultural experts evaluated the words based on criteria such as phonetic structure, depth of meaning, rarity, and cultural significance.

The winning word, "kaitiakitanga," expresses the responsibility to protect, guard, and care for nature on behalf of present and future generations in the Maori language. The word encompasses not only environmental protection but also the Maori worldview's concept of guardianship and stewardship.

Kaitiakitanga is an extraordinary word due to its unique sound, deep meaning, and the fact that it expresses a concept that does not have a direct equivalent in many languages.

Esteban Touma Portilla, one of Babbel's language experts, stated that the word has gained a more powerful meaning on a global scale during a period when the effects of climate change are becoming more visible. Portilla said, "As people experience the consequences of climate change, kaitiakitanga reminds us of our responsibility toward the environment and each other."

TURKISH 'YAKAMOZ' ON THE LIST

The Turkish word "yakamoz" also appeared on Babbel's list of the 15 most beautiful words. The word earned its place on the list for its meaning: the silvery shimmer created by moonlight on the water's surface. However, no specific ranking of beauty was made among the words other than "kaitiakitanga."

The list highlighted words from various languages that carry meanings difficult to translate directly into other languages. According to Babbel, words from minority or endangered languages, in particular, can offer new perspectives on how the world is perceived.

• - Kaitiakitanga (Maori): The responsibility to protect nature and the environment for future generations.
• - Aura (Greek): A distinctive energy or atmosphere felt around a person.
• - Hiraeth (Welsh): A bittersweet longing for a home that has been lost or never fully possessed.
• - Ikigai (Japanese): A reason that gives a person a sense of purpose in life.
• - Kintsugi (Japanese): The art of repairing broken ceramics with gold.
• - Saudade (Portuguese): A deep longing that is painful in its absence but also evokes beautiful emotions.
• - Ubuntu (Zulu): A philosophy of shared humanity based on the understanding that "I am because we are."
• - Yakamoz (Turkish): The silvery shimmer created by moonlight on the water's surface.
• - Zephyr (Greek): A light, soft, and refreshing breeze.