During our time traveling, we learned all kinds of new expressions. While on the surface, these may seem like fun catch phrases, they each highlight meaningful cultural insights and lessons. Each expression helped us gain a little bit deeper appreciation for new cultures, different ways of living, and offered us new ways of thinking in our own lives. 

1. Italy: Il dolce far niente

Translation: The sweetness of doing nothing 

 As an avid do-er and planner, it is easy to feel bad or guilty for not “doing” all the things all the time. This Italian concept of il dolce far niente is about enjoying the unplanned, savoring the slow and quiet moments, and being okay not doing and striving. It’s the opposite of our glamorized view of keeping busy constantly. It’s the idea of savoring just sitting, watching, living without the guilt and feeling the need to always DO more. 

2. Spain: Paseo

Translation: Walk

While paseo simply means walk in its literal translation, paseo is a wonderful evening ritual in Spain. It’s a leisurely evening stroll where seemingly everyone goes for a walk – starting, stopping, chatting, and going nowhere in particular. It is a beautiful and wonderful tradition that brings together community, family, friends and gets people moving outdoors. This is one of our favorite practices we brought home with us. 

3. Greece: μεράκι (meraki)

Translation: Put soul into it

Putting μεράκι (meraki) into something is to do it with soul, creativity, or love. It’s when you put a piece of yourself into what you’re creating. This concept can be applied in all aspects of our lives from everyday tasks like caring for our kids and cooking to creating art or writing a book. The key is doing what we do with dedication, passion and purpose. 

4. France: C’est la vie

Translation: That is life

Although now used widely in English, this expression originates from French and embodies a thoughtful outlook and acceptance of life’s unpredictability. It is a good reminder to approach all experiences (whether moments of success or adversity) with grace and resilience. For us, we know it is inevitable that we will miss a train or a ferry while traveling – c’est la vie! Don’t panic or get frustrated – just make the best of it.

5. Italy: La vita e bella

Translation: Life is beautiful

This phrase highlights the passion that Italians have for life and the beauty of our shared human experience. This phrase reminds us to look for the moments of beauty, joy, and wonder in the simple things in life whether it is enjoying a meal, spending quality time with family, or sitting on the porch soaking up the sun.